Jesus Orduñez

Jesse Garcia Ordunez, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully in his home in Aguila, Arizona, on Thursday, September 27 at the age of 78. Jesse was born August 24, 1934 in Torrance, California to Jesus Castillo Ordunez and Francisca Lerma Garcia. Jesse is preceded in death by his parents and his older sister Lucia Perez. Jesse is survived by Lupe, his wife, as well as his four children: Maria, Jesse, Sonia and Irma. He is also survived by his sisters Maria and Henriqueta. He has 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Though Jesse will be missed by those still here on earth, it is his wish that we celebrate his life and cherish the memories of our brief time together, taking solace in the fact that they will see him soon. He was the third of four children and spent most of his childhood raised in Meoqui, Chihuahua. He returned to the United States when he was 17 years old and took residency in Santa Maria, California. Jesse married Lupe Moreno of Santa Maria in 1955. They spent their early years in California and eventually moved to Aguila in August 1957 where Jesse was employed by C. W. Englund Company of Salinas, California. Jesse's primary job was Head Kitchen Manager for the Bracero Program, which supplied room and board for migrant workers within the United States. Jesse and Lupe purchased Lill's Cafe in 1966. With hard work and dedication, they managed the restaurant successfully for 30 years. In 1996, they sold the business and retired. Jesse was first and foremost a family man who loved to be around his own children and grandchildren. He amused those around him with his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor. As for his hobbies, Jesse had two strong passions: cock fighting and gambling. After the loss of his eyesight, he regretfully put cock fighting behind him. Fortunately, he was still able to take off to Vegas and Laughlin as often as he could with his best friend Jim Barreras. Even after becoming partially blind, he still managed to gamble as often as he could, even if he could not read his scratcher or see his slot machine display. Services were held on Tuesday, October 2nd at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church in Wickenburg, Arizona.