Tributes

Jesus R. Huerta was welcomed home by our Lord on June 29, 2025, at the blessed age of 83. He was born on May 25, 1942, to parents Manuel and Dolores (Rabago) Huerta in San Antonio, TX. Jesus is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Lilia Huerta, sisters; Dolores Herrera, Alicia Herrera, Teresa Salinas and Esperanza Bosman and brothers; Manuel Huerta and Cruz Huerta. He is survived by his children Carmen Chelmis, Caroline (Peter) Hernandez, Daniel (Helen) Huerta and Jesus Huerta Jr., sisters; Carmen Vaith and Guadalupe Garza, brother; Jose Huerta. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Allison (Sean), Thomas (Kevin), Kristen (Rick), Jacob (Blake), Zachary (Andrew), Brandon (Jubilee) and Nathan; great grandchildren; Jonah Daniel, Maeve Marie, Song Ming, Simon Robert, and Harrison Michael. Left to also cherish his memories are his many nieces and nephews and extended family members. Jesus, known to friends and family as Jesse, Chuy, or Coach, was a sports enthusiast who enjoyed watching college football and any sports game. He played on the Lanier Voks High School basketball team and stood out as a point guard. His talents allowed him the opportunity to play professional basketball abroad, but he chose to stay in San Antonio and raise a family and invest in his community. He played high level basketball and played on baseball teams as a young man. His love of sports led him to coach little league baseball for many years. He was instrumental in setting up the Little Dribblers league in the South San School district which allowed elementary aged children to participate in an organized team and build their skills. When his son, Jesse Jr., was in middle school he coached his YMCA basketball team, leading them to the State Championship Title. While his 4 children attended South San High School, he was an active member of the Athletic Booster Club and continued volunteering for many years after his children graduated. Jesse spent 35 years as a civil servant at Kelly Air Force base where he was a meat cutter and then Meat Market Manager. He is remembered for his barbecue grilling at family gatherings and celebrations. He was a member of the Library Board of Trustees in the early 1990’s where he attended meetings to plan for the downtown public library. After retiring he spent weekday mornings at a nearby recreation center where he walked the track and met many new friends. Jesse lived in the same home since the 1970’s where he and his beloved wife of 60 years, Lilly, raised their family and they formed a close-knit community with their neighbors who always took care of each other and in his later years they were there to help with maintaining his yard and providing meals for him. He enjoyed traveling to the coast and always took along his fishing gear. He and Lilly had many fish frys with friends after these fishing trips. They also enjoyed long drives together where they would stop at antique shops to hunt for the perfect find. Many of these treasures found a place in their home. Another lifelong passion of his was music of all genres. When his children were young, he would quiz them about song titles and artists, passing down his appreciation for music. His collection of albums spanned from the 50’s vinyls to cassettes to CDs and then digital playlists. His family has very fond memories of him driving and playing his music and singing along and every picnic included his boom box and music. He will always be remembered for his warm greeting and a big smile that lit with pride every time he saw his grandchildren and later his great grandchildren. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Mission San Jose Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Mission Burial Park. The family has invited anyone in attendance to a reception at the Heritage House, on Mission Burial Park South property, following interment.

Tributes

Jesus R. Huerta

May 25, 1942 - June 29, 2025