Jesse C. Aguilar

Jesse C. Aguilar, the indomitable spirit who graced our lives with his presence, left this world behind on January 27, 2026, at the age of 88, in Safford, Arizona. Born on May 15, 1937, in La Mesa, New Mexico, Jesse was a man whose story was etched in hard work and deep familial love, a true patriarch whose influence resonated through generations.

As a haul truck driver for Cypress Mine, he epitomized the essence of dedication and resilience, navigating life as skillfully as he navigated his heavy machinery. Jesse was not merely a haul truck driver; he was a steadfast worker, beloved by friends and family alike for his unwavering commitment to providing for his loved ones. With an ornery streak and a stubborn will, he fought against life’s challenges with a tenacity that made him akin to a superhero in the eyes of his family.

His hobbies reflected a man of simplicity, who found joy in vacations that created lasting memories and music that filled his soul with rhythm and joy. Frequently spotted working on cars, he poured his passion into every project, embodying a hands-on approach to life and family. He was a people pleaser at heart, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh, his cheerful personality more infectious than the sun that graced the Arizona skies.

Jesse’s proudest accomplishments were deeply personal, having married the love of his life twice, a testament to their enduring bond that transcended time and circumstance. He leaves behind a vibrant legacy woven through the lives of his children—Nancy Mitchell, Angel Aguilar, Ruby Aguilar, David (Janie) Aguilar, and Tammy Lopez—who will carry his spirit forward. His brothers Ruben Aguilar, John Aguilar, and Joey Aguilar, sisters Margie Rodriguez, Patsy Astorga, and Nellie Lujan, also hold the weight of his absence, as do his twenty-two grandchildren, fifty-four great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren, each a reflection of the love and strength he instilled in those around him.

He rejoins in eternal rest his beloved spouse, Patsy Loya Aguilar, parents Manuel & Manuela Aguilar, and cherished sister Yolie Falcon, along with the memory of his great-great grandson, Alex, whose spirit remains intertwined with the fabric of their family history.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Jesse C. Aguilar during a memorial service on January 31, 2026, at McDougal Caldwell Funeral Chapel in Safford, Arizona, starting at 2:00 PM. Following the service, he will be interred in the Safford Cemetery at 3:30 PM, where he will rest among the whispers of the valley he called home.

Jesse’s memory will forever be cherished as the strong, steadfast warrior who embodied the essence of family—a true superhero, now watching over all, guiding them with love, laughter, and the strength of memories that will never fade.