Jesus Jesse Contreras

Jesse Contreras was taken from us on January 8, 2015. Jesse leaves behind his wife, Monica, children Jesus, Alejandro, Christopher, and Erika, and too many family members and friends to mention, all of whom are devastated and heartbroken. Jesse was fifty-two years old and grew up in Houston. Jesse is one of nine children born to Asencion and Nestora Contreras. They grew up a block from Little York and Airline on O’Donnell Drive. Jesse went to DeChaumes Elementary, Fonville Junior High, and Sam Houston High School and he made many, many friends wherever he went—everyone remembers Jesse. With a constant friendly smile, his calm attitude, love of life, and deep loyalty, Jesse was welcomed in any group. He had many long time friends. After high school, Jesse worked in the grocery business in various positions, including store manager. Jesse eventually decided he needed more freedom and nicer bosses so he went into business for himself. He bought and operated a convenience store in Houston before he and his brother Tony opened Immaculate Auto. Jesse and Tony operated Immaculate Auto a block from the home they grew up in and it became a Northside fixture. Their business catered mostly to those who had been turned down by other car dealers and who simply needed a used car and a second chance. Their hard work, intelligence, and knowledge of the auto business proved successful they were able to support their families in a business they were proud of. Jesse could always be found in one of two places: the front desk at Immaculate Auto or at home with his family. Jesse adored his wife and kids and there is nothing he wouldn’t do for them. When his oldest son, Jesus, acquired serious kidney disease and required a great deal of care, Jesse was never faltered and was a constant presence for Jesus. Monica was Jesse’s greatest love and his feelings for her were clear. Jesse’s three youngest children were Jesse’s world and words cannot express how much he loved them. Jesse will continue to watch over them—especially his princess Erika.

Our love for Jesse was, and is, complete. Many of us will be lost without him. He was a pillar of stone, and for many of us, he was the strongest man we ever knew. His strength of character was rare and no one ever doubted his word. But perhaps even more important and greater than his strength, humility, intelligence, and character, was his love for life and for us—all of us.

Jesse, we are broken and shattered. We are also angry and expect that those who took you, Tony, and Casey from us will find no peace and will soon answer for this abomination. We will seek and obtain justice.

And you will always be our Jesse, our brother, our friend—always, always, always.