Jesse Ayala Vega

He is preceded in death by his parents Armida and Raymond Vega Sr. and his brother David Vega.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years: Ramona “Mona” Hernandez-Vega; Daughters; Julia Cano and her husband Andre, Melissa Navarro, Kamille Mora and her husband Joel. Grandchildren, Selah, Malachi, Jabin, Lydia-Jael, Hannah, Kingston and Cruz. His Brother Raymond Vega Jr. and his wife Martha; his late Brother David’s wife Rosie and several nieces and nephews.

An Arizona native and avid outdoorsman, Jesse loved to camp, fish, and work with wood. He could usually be found sitting in the garage or on the porch in his backyard listening to oldies, where he would tell his wife Mona, “Babe, this one is for you”. Jesse loved dogs and was known as something of a “dog whisperer”, dogs of all kinds took a natural liking to Jesse.

Always proud of his military service. Jesse served in both the US Army and the Army National Guard, and received an Honorable Discharge.

He served in various positions; Communications Tech, Wire Tech, Military Police, and Transportation Specialist.

He enjoyed being a top sharpshooter and is remembered saying, “On the entire base, some days I was the number one sharpshooter and some days I was number two”

Jesse was Awarded The Expert Quality Badge for his Marksmanship and received The National Defense Service Medal.

Jesse was ordered to active duty in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Affectionately known as “Chuy”, Jesse is remembered as a loving, kind, generous, and cheerful man. His wife often called him a “gentle giant”. Loved ones deemed him loyal, playful and protective.