Jesse C. Urquijo
Jesse C. Urquijo passed away on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Scottsdale, AZ.
Jesse was born, Feb. 25, 1938 in Esqueda, Sonora to Jose and Armida Urquijo. Jesse grew up with his brother and sisters at their ranch, raising cattle and helping his father with multiple family businesses around town. Jesse attended school in Douglas, Arizona. In 1954, Jesse met Irene Escalante, and two became one. Married in 1957, it was a union that would last for 61 years. They started their life and family together in Douglas, before moving to San Manuel in 1969 where Jesse went to work for the Magma Copper Mine.
For the next 29 years, Jesse worked for the mine as a Cager and ended as a Supervisor. In 1998, Jesse retired from the mine and began his golden years of retirement, which lasted for 24 terrific years during which he enjoyed his family, traveled, and spent his time working around the house and creating crafts for his family in his shop.
Whether in work, or in life, Jesse was well respected by everyone who knew and worked with him. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and even served in the National Guard as a young man. He was always there to help with Church functions, and also with his family, offering his help whenever he could and always going out of his way to stay in touch with and keep his family together. Jesse was the head and tireless leader of a large family with 6 kids, 14 grandkids, and 6 great grandkids.
The family learned so much from Jesse through his example of hard work, love, and respect. During holidays you could find Jesse holding court with his sons and son-in-laws, telling them stories, offering advice and playing dominos. He also loved to have his daughters around him, dancing with him and waiting on him while everyone enjoyed his warm and kind presence, always with interesting and engaged conversation. He was a great conversationalist, and loved classic mariachi and country western music.
Jesse was never far from his beloved wife Irene. Together, they traveled throughout Mexico with family and friends, and enjoyed road trips around the country with their kids. The two of them were there for each other through thick and thin, and always managed to work through the tough times together, and to present unified leadership to the family. Irene lovingly cared for him right up to the end with the support of the family.
Jesse’s position at the head of our family will never be replaced, but we will never forget the words, love, and guidance that he shared with all of us.
Jesse was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Jose and Armida Urquijo of Esqueda, Sonora, his son Ricardo Urquijo from Tucson, his sister Mary Ellen from Tucson, and his sister Guadalupe (Lupita) from Douglas.
Jesse is survived by his loving wife, Irene; brother, Norberto of So. California; sisters, Eloisa of So. California and Shirley of Rio Rico; sons, Ernest (Anna) of Phoenix and Bernardo (Charlene) of Tucson; and daughters, Lynda of Tucson, Delcia (Daryl) Brown of Scottsdale and Criselle (Kevin) Barton of Oro Valley. Jesse is also survived by his grandchildren, Jacob (Jackie), Nitzelle, Amber, Alejandro (Katherine), Mary, Gian Carlo, Connor, Sailor, Lauren, Cameron, Liam, Andrew, London and Samantha; and great-grandchildren, Antonio, Sophia, Chloe, Mia, Jesse and Logan.
Services will be held at St. Odilia Church in Tucson (7570 N. Paseo Del Norte) on Monday, March 5, beginning with a Rosary at 11 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m.