Jesus Perez Gonzalez

Silent and Mysterious; enjoyed listening to conversations, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great & great-great grandfather, avid music collector, boxing aficionado, loved to swim, sports, film, theater, traveling, healthy food and staying fit.

Born in Madera, California; orphaned at birth, his adoptive family moved to Obregon, Sonora, Mexico during the Great Depressions; attended military boarding school in the state of Michoacan, Mexico; joined the Mexican Military Services, volunteering at age 16; trained in the area of Central Mexico near Lake Texcoco; raised through the ranks, retired as Lieutenant from the National Guard’s Dignitary Detail. Around 1940, after concluding his military service; he returned to Northern Mexico; settled in Mexicali, BC. where He met Tomasa Madera in 1953 and started a family. They were married in Winterhaven, AZ in 1965

He worked as Mayordomo (foreman) for Tri-Valley Growers in the Imperial Valley; He recruited Farm Laborers for “traveling crews” ‘cuadrillas’ drove and transported his ‘cuadrillas’ including “Bracero Program” crews safely to and from established work camps and crop fields, often away from home for months at a time, he was responsible for training and supervising his crew members: their wellbeing, safety, meals and housing, covering the counties of Imperial, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Monterey, Kern County and areas in in Southern Arizona.

He registered with the US Armed Forces during the Korean War, but the war ended before he was called to action.

In 1969 he moved his family from the Imperial Valley to San Benito County and settled in Hollister, CA, He joined “TRABAJADORES ADELANTE” a committee whose members successfully lobbied state and federal authorities to fund Affordable Housing and other social services for San Benito County underrepresented community during the Civil Rights movement.

In 1976 he collaborated in setting up the first Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) Chapter in Hollister acting as a mentor, participant, and Chapter representative until year 2015

Worked for Gilroy Foods, as a fork-lift driver; retired with 25 years of service

His wife and partner of 52 years, Tomasa Madera Gonzalez, May She Rest in Peace was laid to rest in 2010.

Their youngest daughter, Eugenia Gonzalez, May She Rest in Peace was laid to rest in 1976

He is survived by siblings: Francisco and Lucy Valderrama and his Children: Maria Guttirez, Hilda Anciola, Mona Ozuna, Juan Jose Martinez; India Gonzalez, Hueman Gonzalez, Uxmal Gonzalez, Marcus Gonzalez, and Eunice Gonzalez; 19-Grandchildren, 31 Great grandchildren and 5-Great-great-great grandchildren

REST IN PEACE DADDY. you were a positive influence in the lives of so many, India Gonzalez

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tridentsociety.com/location/rancho-mirage-cremation for the Gonzalez family.