Jesse Plasencia

Born to Jesus and Maria Plasencia in Mexicali, Mexico, Jesse immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of ten. He grew up in Watsonville, California, where he attended local schools and developed the warmth, humor, and curiosity that would define his life.

While attending Cabrillo College, Jesse took a dishwashing job with a caterer to help fund a cross-country trip with his best friend, Dan-a wild adventure he never forgot. That first job sparked a lifelong love of cooking, leading him to San Francisco, where he worked his way up through the restaurant world and graduated from the Culinary Academy. One of his proudest moments was having his father attend his graduation ceremony. Jesse's adventurous spirit took him traveling through Central and South America before returning home to spend time with family and continue his culinary career. In 2004, Jesse met the love of his life, Marcela Tavantzis. They married in 2007 and made Watsonville their home. They were married for many wonderful years.

As the chef for The Pacheco Club in Monterey, Jesse found joy in his work and cherished the balance it allowed-time to be with Marcela and his buddy Vinny, to enjoy their shared love of travel, and to explore the great outdoors. He retired in 2018, turning his creativity toward art, crafting beautiful sculptures from scrap metal.

In 2021, Jesse suffered a massive stroke, a life-changing event he faced with remarkable courage and grace. Though his abilities were challenged, he accepted this new chapter with the same quiet strength that defined his life. He remained positive through every hardship, greeting family and friends with that smile that could light up a room.

Generous and community-minded, Jesse gave his time and talents to causes that mattered deeply to him. He volunteered with Loaves and Fishes in Watsonville and the Teen Kitchen Project, always believing that everyone deserved a good meal. He also used his culinary gifts to help raise funds for numerous local organizations.

Jesse loved basketball, mountain biking, golfing, kayaking, and hiking-any chance to be outside, breathing in life. He will be remembered for his kindness, patience, humor, and his ability to bring people together through food, art, and friendship.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Marcela; his sisters, Luisa Plasencia, Maggie Martinez, and Elvira Garcia; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Maria Plasencia, his brothers Enrique, Manuel, and Santos Plasencia, and his sister Bertha Sanchez.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 2401 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville. Immediately following, a Celebration of His Life will take place at Heritage Hall, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stroke and Disability Learning Center at Cabrillo College by clicking on the link below.