Jesús María Tijerina

Jesús María Tijerina, 88, peacefully passed from this life on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at his residence in San Benito, Texas.  He was born in San Benito to the late Juan Jiménez Tijerina and Cipriana Torres Tijerina on December 15, 1932.

After graduating high school, Jesus served in the U.S. Army, 80th Airborne Division. During his military service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. In his young adult years, he worked as a farm hand.   Later, he worked for L&F Distributors and retired after 20 years of faithful service.  After retirement, he worked for his lifetime friend, Enrique Ornelas at La Especial Bakery in San Benito.

Jesus enjoyed dancing, fishing, playing golf, and trying his luck buying lotto tickets.  He always looked forward to football season and watching his favorite NFL team – the Dallas Cowboys.  He also enjoyed hanging out at The Gas Station with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan J. and Cipriana T. Tijerina; sister, Aurora T. Delgado; and son, Wally Tijerina.

Left to treasure his memory are his children, Jesusa T. Martínez, Nelda T. Almazán, Jesús María “TJ” Tijerina, Jr., Tony Tijerina, Jesse Tijerina, and Marta Tijerina;  20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; brother, José Tijerina; sisters, Eloísa T. Treviño and Lala Tijerina; and lifetime friend, Enrique Ornelas.

Special thanks to his son, T.J. Tijerina, partner, Clara Longoria, and daughter, Cris, for always being by his side.  His family is also grateful to Texas Oncology, Dr. Nabeel Sarhill and staff, and hospice staff.

A private visitation will be held at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.  In keeping with his wishes, cremation will follow.  Interment of ashes with full military honors will take place at Rio Grande Valley Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 W. Business 77, San Benito, Texas 78586.  www.sanbenitofuneralhome.com 956.230.7198