Jesus Navarrete Tapia, 89, passed away January 20, 2024, at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, CA. Jesus was born on February 9, 1934, in Guerrero, Mexico.
Jesus was a farm worker in his early adult years but worked most of his life as a factory worker. First in Van de Kamps in southern California and when the factory closed and sold their machinery to Lucca Packing in the Bay Area, Jesus moved his family to the Central Valley to work at Lucca Packing where he helped set up all the machinery. The commute placed a toll on his body, therefore he sought employment in Turlock at Valley Fresh where he retired at the age of 63.
Jesus enjoyed gardening. He had a green thumb; everyone was amazed how everything he planted would grow and be fruitful. The family joked about a tree that he cut down that kept on growing new sprouts. He was of Catholic faith with his primary church of attendance being Sacred Heart Church in Turlock.
Jesus was married to his loving wife, Julia Ventura Tapia. The two met in 1974 at Van de Kamps where they both worked. They were married around 1981 until 2015 when she passed away.
Jesus is survived by his three children: Jose Manuel Chavez, Rosa Tapia Vallejo, and Jesus (Jesse) Tapia Ventura; 9 grandchildren: Jose Manuel Chavez Jr., Anthony Chavez, Adrian Jesus Tapia, Vanessa Linares, Gisel Crystal Vallejo, Makai Costa-Chavez, Juan Angel Vallejo, Gabriel Jesus Tapia, Adelina Julia Tapia, and honorary grand-daughter Loreal Alexa Martinez Vallejo. He is also survived by two daughter-in-laws: Sophia Costa-Chavez and Veronica Ruby Trevino; and son-in-law Juan Pablo Vallejo Macias, all residents of Turlock, California.
Jesus was a husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who will be missed and cherished always.
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