MERCEDES,TX.— Jesus “Jesse” M. Salinas, Jr.

75, passed into his new life with the Lord on Tuesday, December 22, 2009, with his wife and children at his side.

A Mercedes native, Jesse was born August 9, 1934, to Jesus M. and San Juanita Salinas, both deceased.

He is survived by his devoted wife Irma, with whom he shared 48 years of love and marriage. Jesse is also survived by 3 children and 7 grandchildren: Roel Diego and his wife Denise, their children Roel Jr. and Annalisa of McAllen; Daniel Rene and his wife Lilly, their children Cassandra and Danny Jr., of Mercedes; Diana Elia and her husband Raymundo Hernandez, Jr., their children Ray III, Cecilia and Carina of Mission.

He is also survived by his brother Rodolfo Salinas and his wife Becky, as well as his two sisters, Lydia Mata and Eva Lopez (Gilbert, deceased).

Jesse was a man of humble beginnings. He was raised as a migrant farm worker and was actively involved in the Brazero program in his early years. He graduated from Mercedes High School in 1955 and from Pan American College, with a degree in Accounting in 1963. Twenty years of his early professional life were spent employed with the Texsun Corporation in Weslaco, as an accountant and later, Traffic Manager. He subsequently returned to school and obtained his teaching certificate through the Texas A&M system. Jesse spent his remaining professional life impacting young minds, as a teacher with the Los Fresnos ISD and Progreso ISD.

Leadership, service to community, and his deep-rooted faith in God were among the things that Jesse valued most. He was a member of the Mercedes ISD School Board for a total of 21 years, and held offices including President and Vice-President during his tenure. He was also a member of the Rio Grande Valley School Board Association, and served on the Board for the Rio Grande Valley Girl Scout Council. Jesse was also a life-long parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Mercedes, where he married his wife Irma, baptized his 3 children, and where he later attended each of their weddings.

An avid golfer, Jesse enjoyed competing in tournaments across the Valley and Mexico, for a number of years. Another favorite pastime was his Monday night poker group of 50+ years. Similarly, he loved to frequent casinos in Las Vegas and Louisiana, as well as the Aransas Pass ship. Jesse also enjoyed attending sporting events, and was an enthusiastic supporter of all Mercedes Tiger teams. He was known for his humor, easy-going personality, and the occasional off-color joke.

Jesse considered his family to be his most significant achievement in life. He was a dedicated family man who took great interest in mentoring his children. Intensely proud of any and all of their accomplishments, it was common occurrence for Jesse to be seen traveling wherever his kids’ events and activities took them. Affectionately known as “Papi” by his grandkids, he was equally involved in their lives. He encouraged and supported their interests and regularly attended recitals, concerts, sporting events, and school functions. They will carry the memory of his love and kindness throughout their lives.

Jesse will be remembered by many for his integrity, dedication, humor, and unconditional love. We honor his memory and pay tribute to him, by continuing his celebration of life.

Visitation will take place on December 25, 2009 from 4:00 p.m until 9:00 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Mercedes, at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday December 26, 2009. Entombment will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco with military honors.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Garcia-Trevino Funeral Home of Mercedes.

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