Jesse M. Flores

Jesse Miguel Flores began his life's journey Feb. 18, 1930. He was born at home to immigrant parents, Luis and Maria Flores in El Monte, CA. His journey ended May 12, 2017 at the age of 87, after a long, hard battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Jesse attended San Gabriel Mission Elementary School and was a high school seminarian at Dominguez Seminary. He was to begin Cal State LA, majoring in English, when his parents needed him to help run the family walnut shelling business. This change in plans served as a spring board to a very successful business career. Jesse's natural business abilities began at age of 9. He saw a need for refreshments at city athletic games in El Monte. With his little wagon, he made a deal with a local grocer to sell snacks and sodas at the games. In addition, he started his own shoeshine business and also sold newspapers. Later, as well as running the family business, he worked for Nelson's Paint and Technical Coating. It was at this time he met and married his wife, Virginia, and started his family. In 1956, he moved the family business to Visalia. He started working for Montgomery Ward in the home Improvement Dept., eventually becoming the department manager until the stores closure. He also began purchasing investment properties. At some point he closed the walnut shelling plant and became a walnut and almond buyer which he continued until his passing. His later interest included helping to found Kaweah National Bank which later became Citizens Business Bank. Jesse's parents, immigrated from Mexico with his older siblings. His parents always stressed to the children that it was a privilege to live in the United States and that they were not to take but to always "give back." "Give back," Jesse did through his memberships in organizations such as; Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Sequoia Lions Club, Elks Lodge, The Enrico Caruso Lodge of the Sons of Italy, and the Knights of Columbus. His devotion to children could be seen throughout his life. An example was his "Santa Claus" ministry. Jesse was Santa for many years on the float for the Visalia Christmas Parade and also at the Visalia Oval. He also was Santa for many service organizations, schools and Montgomery Ward. Being bilingual, he was able to encourage both Spanish and English speaking children to reach any goal through a good education and hard work. In his later years, he became very involved in the Clatritian Ministries as a way to "Give Back" to the Claritian priests who provided his education. He has been very instrumental in contributing and enlisting support from friends and business associates for this ministry. Some of the projects accomplished through this support was the establishment of a business computer lab school in Nigeria, and provided farm equipment for the missionaries in Cameroon to teach agricultural self reliance. Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Luis and Maria, and his siblings, Jose, Jacinto, Raymond, Louie, Rosie, Franchesca, Jesusita, Francisco, Jesus, Mary and also grandchildren, Catherine, Julie and Jessica. He is survived by his younger sister Lupe. Jesse is also survived by his children Mary (Jeff), Patti (Chuck), Mike (Susan), Rick, Denis, Kathy (Barry), Annie (Jeff) and 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. In Lieu of flowers, Jesse's family is requesting donations be made to: Claritian Missionaries, 10203 Lower Azusa Road Temple City, CA 91780 (memo: Foreign Missions). Jesse's children would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all of his friends, business associates and dedicated doctors and nurses who served to enrich his life. A special thank you to the staff and residents of Casa Grande and the staff of Optimal Hospice Care, who provided an amazing transition for our father from this world to his eternal life with his Lord and Savior. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 from 4 PM to 7 PM with a rosary prayed at 6 PM at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 10 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church St. Visalia, CA. Burial will immediately follow at Visalia Public Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.salseranddillard.com.

Jesse M. Flores

February 18, 1930 - May 12, 2017