Jose Jesus Lara

Our Dear God called Jose to rest November 20, 2022.

Jose was born to Maria Estefana and Jose Lara on September 1, 1939 in La Cienega de Abajo, Tabasco, Zacatecas Mexico.

When Jose was eight years old the family moved to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. He attended primary school in Juarez. Jose loved to talk about his childhood and working helping his father. Jose’s father was self-employed and made his living raising pigs and selling them to slaughter companies. He succeeded in his business and raised the family well. A great example Jose cherished his entire life.

Although Jose’s parents did not attend school, they knew the importance of education. Since they lived in Mexico across the border from El Paso, Texas, his parents paid for Jose to attend El Paso Tech High School to learn English and complete his education. By that time Jose had met Rosa Maria and he would skip school to go meet her after she got out of school. Needless to say, no more school in El Paso.

Jose’s father referred him to work in the meat department of a grocery store in Juarez. He was around 17 years old. This would be the beginning of his love for working as a meat cutter.

In the Summer of 1957, Jose met Rosa Maria. He proposed to her in 1961, by saying “we are getting married in September.” He took her to the jewelry store to purchase the rings. They were married on September 9, 1961, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral in Ciudad Juarez. They were married for sixty-one years, two months and twenty-one days.

In El Paso Texas he worked as a bus boy in an exclusive restaurant. That was not his thing. He then worked in a delicatessen, where he learned how to prepare pastrami and ham. He also learned how to prepare the best Coleslaw.

By this time Jose was wanting something better for his family. He moved to California in 1964, looking for a better job. Rosa and two children stayed in El Paso. As persistent as he was and through some obstacles, he obtained employment as a meat cutter for a large meat packing company. He brought his family to California in December of 1964. Now they were Jose, Rosa, Rosalba, Jose Jr., Ricardo, and four years later Laura.

Jose loved the meat business and due to his dedication and hard work, he became the general manager of the company. Those that needed employment, family or friends, found it with Jose.

On July 14, 1972, Jose sustained a spinal cord injury due to a diving accident in a private swimming pool. This resulted in quadriplegia leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. For 50 years, Jose used a wheelchair, he moved with ease in his chair and was an excellent driver.

After seven months of being at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, he went home. He enrolled to attend college, attending Cerritos and subsequently East Los Angeles College, where he earned his AA degree. He transferred to California State University Los Angeles where he earned a bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.

Jose insisted on driving. To do this, he needed to have use of both arms, he could not move his right arm. He was told that a surgeon was coming to Rancho Los Amigos looking for volunteers for certain surgeries. Jose immediately signed up and was second on the list. He underwent the surgery which involved removing a tendon from his left leg and transplanting it on his right arm, strengthening his tricep. The surgery was a success. Jose purchased his first van, which he had modified with a lift and hand controls. After that, there was nothing stopping him.

He worked for the County of Los Angeles Department of Social Services. Because his degree was in Rehabilitation Counseling, he pursued a position with the State Department of Rehabilitation. He volunteered in an office for this department and was eventually given an opportunity. He was hired by a supervisor who believed he could do the job. Jose proved he was more than capable. He received an award for Counselor of the Year for placing more consumers in jobs. He truly believed that everyone can work, regardless of disability.

Jose retired due to needing to take care of his health. Never regretting but wishing he could continue working. He loved his job and helping others. Another big loss for him was his inability to drive.

After retirement Jose remained active. He loved the family gatherings, weddings, birthdays, family functions and especially celebrating his birthdays. He loved seeing his children, grand-children, great-grandchildren and anyone who visited.

Spending time in the yard to check on the fruit trees and flowers, and all the greenery made him happy. He watched the birds come and go, especially the hummingbirds. He made sure they always had syrup.

Then there is Chika, his German Shepard who would sit next to him and he would place his hand on her head, and she would sit. He loved his pets.

He enjoyed watching western movies, Dodger games, and listening to music, often singing along.

Jose is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, two daughters-in-law, two sisters and two brothers.

A visitation for Jose will be held Tuesday, December 6, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Miller Mies Downey Mortuary, 10229 Paramount Blvd, Downey, California 90241. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Raymond Catholic Church, 12348 Paramount Blvd, Downey, California 90242. A graveside will occur Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Resurrection Cemetery, 966 N Potrero Grande Dr, Rosemead, California 91770.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millermiesdowneymortuary.com for the Lara family.