Jessie Cortez Jr.
October 31, 1960 ~ February 20, 2026
Born in:
El Paso , Texas
Resided in:
San Antonio , Texas
Jessie Cortez, Jr., age 65, of San Antonio, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Jessie was born on October 31, 1960, in El Paso. Raised with strong Texas roots and a deep love for family, Jessie carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and laughter with him throughout his life.
Growing up, Jessie found his joy in the outdoors. He loved working outside and especially enjoyed fishing, embracing every opportunity to be out in nature. Music was always close to his heart—he was a proud fan of Tejano music, often filling the air with lively rhythms that invited everyone around him to dance. Whether at a family gathering or a quiet evening at home, Jessie could always be counted on to turn up the music and share a smile.
Jessie also had a special talent at the grill. He took pride in cooking up delicious BBQ for family and friends, bringing everyone together with his flavorful meals and warm hospitality. For Jessie, food was more than a meal—it was a way to show love.
Family meant everything to him. He cherished time spent joking and laughing with his brothers and relatives, creating memories filled with humor and heart. As a father, Jessie was playful, patient, and involved. His children fondly remember him teaching them how to play softball and roller skate—moments filled with encouragement, laughter, and the steady presence of a dad who truly cared.
Jessie Cortez, Jr. will be remembered for his love of family, his joyful spirit, his deep appreciation for music and the outdoors, and the countless memories he created with those he loved. His legacy lives on in the laughter he shared, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.
Jessie is preceded in death by his father, Jesse Cortez, Sr.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his wife, Marisela Castillo Cortez; children, Jacob Cortez and Katherine Tish Fowler and her husband, David Anthony Fowler; mother, Carmen Cortez; brothers, Anthony Cortez and family, Mike Cortez and family, Robert Cortez and family, Ruben Cortez and family.
Services
Memorial Mass: March 13, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am
St. Lawrence Catholic Church
236 E. Petaluma Blvd.
San Antonio , TX United States
78221
Cemetery: March 13, 2026 12:00 pm
MeadowLawn Memorial Park
5611 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX United States
78220
www.meadowlawnmemorialpark.com
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My compadre Jesse was quite the character, to say the least! His first lesson was teaching us (The Lara’s) how to start a fire for Barbeque gatherings, quoted him at: ” No! you don’t use gasoline to start a pit!” Well, that was our inside joke.
So many events shared from the time he married Mari & sleepovers because we never slept!
He took his God-son Michael out camping (as promised/though waited till graduation day) He told us it was never too late(given he didn’t give us a date for the event) & said a “Promise is a Promise” & went to the back yard with tent, a pillow, and his god-son Michael in hand and camped-out! LOL
Jesse baseball skills were bat-outta-hell… Move or be trampled!
Besides sports, camping and dancing, Jesse had office skills! Yes, I said it Office Skills! At McCollum high school, we had the same classroom in Accounting, and he reminded me every day that he would be my CPA once we started out in the “Real World”! Well low and behold, we became compadres at his wedding and he became the “accounted” Padrino to my son Michael. Best CPA for sure!
Love, Laughter, Joy, and Peace, he will surely have now! Save us a seat my My Genuine Compadre!
Love you,
Estella Jaramillo
Hey my brother,pray you are resting in peace and free of all of your burdens!!! Sat hello to my one and only forever last love, my wife Leticia Ann Martinez-Vasquez while your up there!!! Let here know that I love and miss her so much, there hasn’t been a day I don’t wish or pray she was still down here with me and us, or me with her and you!!! Love and miss ya already brother, God bless and RIP!!!
I’ll always remember your laugh, big hugs & the last time we danced (Robert’s wedding).
How you cared for us like a big brother. Our nicknames, Moni, Tina Bop & B-boy.
Thank you for the softball fun at the field.
I’ve always held those childhood memories close in my heart.
May you have eternal peace.
Reunited with your dad, grandma, grandpa, our Aunties & cousins. I know the music is turned up in Heaven. May God bless you. Love you cousin Jess. See you later.
Love, cousin Moni (Monica, Alex & Juarez family)