Mr. Jesse "Big Jess" Salazar

Jesse is survived by brother Joel Salazar (Carolyn Salazar) and sister Laura Salazar Johnson (Hardy Johnson); niece Elissa Johnson and niece Maria Elena Johnson.

Jesse was preceded in death by father Jesse Loya Salazar and mother Maria Jaime Salazar.

Jesse was the oldest of 3 siblings. When he was born he lived just North of Downtown Houston in the neighborhood called Northside and as a kid his family moved just West of Downtown in a neighborhood called West End. Jesse attended Ben Milam Elementary, George Washington Jr High and then Lamar Sr High School. Jesse was a Boy Scout under Troop Leader Mr. Polk in Troop 497. Several of his close friends were also in the same troop. Jesse learned many valuable skills in the Boy Scouts and developed a love for the outdoors and camping. He often went camping with his cousins and Uncles and treasured many memories made.

At the young age of 10, Jesse began working odd jobs in the neighborhood and He worked at a nearby ice house and then at a grocery store and then for a very popular steakhouse named Hofbrau that was just a few blocks from his home. He also worked odd jobs assisting his dear Uncle Beto when needed. Later in his 20sand 30s he began worked for a few environmental labs Severn Trent, Gulf States Analytical, and E-lab. He loved working and was a hard worker.

Growing up, Jesse spent his days riding his bike, playing football and kickball with many of his neighborhood friends. As he got older and learned to drive he and his friends spent the weekends cruising down Westheimer Rd and Memorial Park. There was always music playing at home. His Father often played all types of music from Spanish Conjuntos, Rancheras, Trios, Mariachi and Tejano as well as many Country Classics. This is where Jesse's love of music and classic cars and Lowriders began. He often attended concerts and car shows with his younger brother and their friends.

In his mid to late 20s Jesse began volunteering at 90.1 KPFT, a local public radio station helping out with a radio show that played Tejano tunes and also had a big following from prisoners and their families in the surrounding towns. Soon after proving he was able, Jesse began spinning the records and ended up with his own time slot. He named his show In The Mood and often opened his show by playing Glen Millers hit In the Mood. Jesse took on this role for several years and this deepened his love of music even more.

Throughout his life, Jesse was a prankster. He would do just about anything to get a laugh, from dropping a paper stuffed dummy off the roof of the house to make his parents think he fell, to purchasing a $40 rubber snake and waiting to see peoples reactions. He loved to laugh!

Later in life, Jesse struggled with his health and lived in a rehab facility for several years after becoming an amputee and visually impaired. He often became frustrated living in a facility but he worked hard and was eventually cleared to move out on his own. He was very happy and proud to finally have his own place.

Jesse had the biggest heart! He was a very generous person and was always willing to help when needed. He would give you the shirt off his back and more if you needed and would often go out of his way to help. Even with his disabilities, he was always willing to help anyone who was in need. Although he could no longer drive he would often ask his brother or sister to get money orders or get cash to donate to a cause or purchase items to help someone in need..

Jesse had a large extended family and loved getting together with his Aunts, Uncles and many cousins. Family was everything to Jesse and often kept in touch with . He will be missed by many.

A visitation for "Big Jess" will be held Saturday, November 28, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Crespo, 4136 Broadway St., Houston, TX 77087. A rosary will occur at 7:00 PM, 4136 Broadway St., Houston, TX 77087.

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