Jess Cervantes

Jess Cervantes February 13, 1934 - January 22, 2021

Jess Cervantes, 86, passed away in Baldwin Park, California. Born in Bakersfield, Jess was born to parents who emigrated to California from Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico.

Known to his friends as "Chuy", Jess excelled academically. He attended Our Lady of Guadalupe school, was an honor graduate of Garces High School's class of 1952, Bakersfield College's Class of 1954 and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo School of Engineering's class of 1958, earning top honors at both.

Jess was drafted into the US Army in 1958, and was stationed at White Sands, New Mexico Missile Range. Jess transferred to New Mexico Military Institute where he graduated and received an Honorable Discharge in 1964, followed by electrical engineering work in the aircraft industry until 1969. Jess pursued graduate work at USC and then went to Western State College of Law in 1970 and received the American Jurisprudence Award his first year. Upon graduating in 1974, Jess took the Bar Exam and passed on his first try. He then took a position for the City of San Jose as Deputy City Attorney 1, before opening his own practice in 1976.

Amidst his quest for knowledge, Jess found time to backpack through Europe, learn to play guitar and was an avid runner.

After retiring from Law in the 1980's, Jess moved back to Bakersfield and continued his education by taking courses at Bakersfield College. Jess then began teaching for the Kern High School District, teaching: Spanish, English, Math, Science, Social Studies and French.

After retiring from teaching, Jess enjoyed jogging, cycling, playing guitar and harmonica, sketching and journaling. Jess also enjoyed reading and listening to music and had a diverse collection of records, CD's and books.

His loved ones will always remember Jess for his quick wit, cleaver sense of humor, kindness, generosity and gentleness of spirit.

Jess is preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio and Francisca Cervantes, brother and sister-in-law, Socorro and Mary Cervantes, brother, Frank and Ignacio Cervantes, sister, Baudilia Cervantes, brother-in-law, Fernando Valdes, Nephew, Dominic Cervantes, niece, Anna Cervantes Palomo, great nephew, Christopher Cervantes, great niece, Jennifer Cervantes and great-great niece Aubrey Mendoza.

Jess is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and Manuel Rodriguez, sister, Mary Valdes, Sister-in-law, Petra Cervantes, 18 nephews and nieces, 31 great nephews and nieces and 15 great-great nephews and nieces.

Graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery on February 16th at 11 a.m.