Jesus Jacques

Jesus "Jesse" Jacques, 92, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on October 25, 2016 in Abilene, Texas. Visitation will be 6:00 till 7:00 PM, followed by a Rosary Service beginning at 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, October 28, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 837 Jeanette Street. Interment will follow the service at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Jesse was born in Miles, Texas on August 16, 1924 to Monico and Francisca Jacques. His dad was a cotton farmer and by the age of 11, Jesse was driving a horse-drawn wagon to Ballinger carrying cotton to the gin. Thus began his well-recognized work ethic, ingenuity and integrity in the work force and in the community. Jesse was a lifelong resident of Abilene and member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Anita Lara Jacques, and 7 devoted children, Sylvia Herrera (John), Virginia Lewright (Jack), Daniel Jacques (Linda), David Jacques (Yolanda), Edward Jacques (Jodi), Terry Hall (Chanc) and Caroline Howard (Toby), 21 Grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Jesse and Anita met at a picnic in Knickerbocker, Texas and began dating when both families had moved to San Angelo where they were attending school. In 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Jesse enlisted in the Army but prior to leaving, he and Anita married at St. Mary's Catholic Church on May 5, 1943. Mr. Jacques trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was shipped from California to Hawaii and on to the Philippines where he achieved the rank of sergeant as a tank commander and remained there until the war ended in 1945.

Returning to Texas, Jesse traveled to Abilene where he secured a job at the Perry Dental Laboratory. As a technician, his astute skills of observation and artistic ability allowed him to learn quickly; He became well known for his high quality work, especially in the field of crown and bridge. Eventually, he would own the Laboratory where he began his career, naming it Abilene Dental Laboratory

Jesse was active in his church as a member of the Fourth degree Knights of Columbus, the prestigious Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and the Central Catholic High School Building Committee; In the community, he was active with his sons in Dixie Little League, a member of the Rotary club of Abilene, and in 2003, was awarded the TORCH award for Marketplace Business Ethics. Being the ever proud father and grandfather, he and Anita attended many sporting events, band and choir concerts, cheerleading tryouts, and piano recitals.
Fervently devout and faithful to the Lord, Jesse will be missed by family and friends! Jesse was well known for his "one liners" and his joking around. He loved the outdoors, provided well for his family by example and hard work and yet possessed a tenderness and compassion for all! Quite a resourceful handyman, no project was too large!



In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association or the Food Bank; The family also acknowledges grateful consideration to Hendrick Hospice, Windcrest Alzheimer Care Center and most especially to Mr. Adrian Fontenot who always cheerfully cared for him and referred to Mr. Jacques as BIG DADDY!

The family of Jesus praises the Lord and give thanks for his life!!!

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, October 27, 2016
6:00

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, October 27, 2016
7:00 p.m.

Service

Sacred Heart Catholoic Church
837 Jeanette ST
Abilene, TX  79602
Friday, October 28, 2016
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606