Our loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Jesse J. Salazar passed away on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025. Jesse was born on January 16th, 1946 in Salt Lake City to Mary Salazar.
On November 25th, 1964, Jesse married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Bowden. Together they had five sons; Jesse, Mario (Amie), Nathan, Joshua (Allison) and Dominic (Adrianne). He has eight grandchildren; Alex, Amanda, Jackson, Sophia, Sienna, Jesse, Sawyer, Harper, and one great-grandson, James Fodera.
Jesse was preceded in death by his mother, brothers; Joe C. Salazar, Ted Hernandez, Ray Hernandez, and sisters; Nellie Raso, Carmen Ronquillo, Niche Acuna, Lupe Candaleria and Erma Lucas. He is survived by his sister Alouise Vigil, his children, grandchildren, great grandson and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jesse joined the Marine Corps in 1971 and with his wife and sons traveled and were stationed in many places and made many friends along the way. Upon retiring from the Marines after 22 years of dedicated service, he and Barbara fulfilled their dream of buying their first home, which they took tremendous pride in. Once returning to Utah Jesse enrolled in SLCC. He obtained his associate degree and was then employed there assisting at-risk youth. He also worked for TSA for a short period before being hired at the VA hospital where he continued to serve his fellow Veterans.
Upon retirement, he spent time golfing, camping with family, and going to the shooting range with his sons and grandchildren.
Jesse spent his last few years as a dedicated husband lovingly caring for his wife Barbara before her death. Jesse was a loving man who will be missed by all those who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held at LeJardin (1910 E. Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, Utah) on January 23, 2025 from 11 am to 1pm, with a graveside service to follow at Larkin Sunset Garden (1950 E 10600 South Sandy, Utah).
In lieu of flowers, Jesse would request that you donate to the following causes:
Wounded Warrior Project
Best Friends Animal Society
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
To view a recording of the graveside service, please click on the tab above that says "Watch Service" or follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/ZlRH3-w1r2JA05J8Qaoxzvb35a-nAMN_B3t1zXo9nuIqgXERv9FqlXqrFKIXJLiK.m3ij9EFy2q6lByZv?startTime=1737662990000
Guestbook/Condolences
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Jesse was a dedicated and compassionate man, both as a husband and employee at the VA. It's been a tough year for your family, I hope your family remains close as both your Mom and Dad would have wished.
Our sincere condolences,
Andrea and Bob
Sending love, uncle Jess will be missed. In our earlier years he was my best friend. We walked to school together . Shared many memories and happy fun times.