Jesus "Jesse" Benitez

Jesus "Jesse" Benitez of Yakima, WA made an early and grand entry to his life as a premie on October 3rd, 1966. God called His son home on Thursday, October 22, 2026. He was born to Juan and Maria Rosa (Ruiz) Benitez. During his life journey he held many titles: Hijo, Pollito, Bruddie, brother, cousin/primo, nephew, uncle/Tío, friend, "Viejo", Dad, Papa B, Mr. Benitez and his favorite title, Poppa.

In his youth he worked at an Italian restaurant and at a Mercy Movie Theater.  Upon graduation from Carroll High School he joined the Army Reserves. He completed his basic training at Fort McClellan, AL and AIT at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. He served at the Yakima Firing Center where he met his wife of 39 years, San Juanita Castillo of Outlook, WA. Jesus joined Active Duty Army and proposed. Jesus and San Juanita married after 6 months of courting. They shared a roller coaster ride of trials, sorrow, joys and celebrations.  He was stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, WA. He formed a lifelong brotherhood with Phillip "Flip" Pennington. Jesus and San Juanita purchased and made their first home there and they joyfully welcomed their 3 children into this world: Rosa aka "Rose" & "Woodenhead", Jesse aka "Lil Jesse" & "LBJ" and Yolanda aka "Yoyo" & "Motormouth". In 2001, Our family grew in 2001 with the addition of our son, Juan aka "Ito" J. Hernandez.

Jesus joined the Army for a second term and was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. He continued his education there and became an LPN in the Army. He achieved the rank of Sargeant during his service. The family returned to the Yakima Valley in 2005 and purchased their second home in Yakima.

His first career as a civilian was as a LPN at Memorial Hospital then at Central Washington Family Medicine but that was not the last of his ventures. Jesus was a jack of many trades, he sold craftmatic beds, he worked as a loan officer at Beneficial with his friend and later Comadre Tina Villegas, he was insulation installer, he also worked as a Safety Technician for many years at ABC Fire & Safety with Daniel Fernandez, who fondly referred to him as "that Mexican".

He continued his education in Pasco, WA and attended Columbia Basin College and became a journeyman in the sheet metal industry. He worked on Washington dams, Seattle elevators but he was especially proud to say that he worked on the Link Light Rail System in Seattle. Jesus aka "Hey Zeus", enjoyed  working alongside his "bro" Woodie Paul in the construction field and later with his boss and friend Jason Johnston and Manny at PNWRenovaters. Jesse REALLY enjoyed the demolition side of construction but took great pride in his construction work. His last employment was with Blu Hawk Taxi as a driver for his longtime friend Ed Campbell.

He enjoyed activities like karaoke, barbecues, dancing, exploring forts, gambling at the casino with his wife and suegra. He loved fishing with his suegro Antonio, he enjoyed his vacations, camping with the Castillo clan. Jesse absolutely couldn't wait to talk  trash and take your money at poker while having his favorite drinks. He made many friends in life including some while he played pool at Hoops.

He took delight in slight embellishments on retelling his childhood memories with his family. He had some pretty humorous stories. He enjoyed being a big brother to his sisters Frances "Pancha" and Juanita. He found it especially satisfying to torture them with childhood memories of "Fluffy" and "Snuffleupagus".

He is survived by his sister, Juanita Ramirez of Yakima, his beloved wife San Juanita, his children: Rosa (Demenzio "Dino") Benitez-Barela,  Jesus "Jesse" Benitez, Yolanda (Julian) Benitez-Bryant all of Yakima, Juan Hernandez of Pasco. His grandchildren: Juan Jr "Jabroni", Jaylenn "Chancla", Gabriel "Stitch", Jezalyn "Lilo", Naveah "Chucky", Elias "Turtle", Julian "Pikachu" and Emiliano "Fred".  Our bonus child and grandchildren: Anali (Guy) Mason, Kalila "Lila" and Oliver "Ollie" as well as many other family, friends and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Praxedes and Jesusita Ruiz, grandparents Calixtro and Josefa Benitez, parents Juan and Maria Rosa Benitez, sister Francis E. Benitez-Brown, four infant siblings, nephew Darius L. Benitez,  uncle Antonio Ruiz Sr. and many other loved ones.

He left behind a legacy of love. He showed us that it's never too late to change your stripes and still be true to yourself. He will remembered, honored and forever loved. It's time to go until we meet again, for now, go rest high on the mountain, your work here is done my Love.