Jesus ‘El Grande’ Amesquita

Jesus “El Grande” Amesquita, of Cobden, died early on the morning of Aug. 4, 2020, at the age of 69 after fighting COVID-19 for three weeks.

Mr. Amesquita was born on Feb. 23, 1951, in Guanajuato, Mexico, the son of Flora Morales-Aguilar and Ignacio Amesquita. 

He left Mexico for the United States when he was 14 years old. As a very young man, “El Grande” learned to work hard and to take on whatever job was available to support himself. 

His nickname was Grande because not only was he over 6 feet tall, but he was known for going big or going home. 

He worked as a migrant laborer all over the United States and was known for being one of the hardest workers anywhere he went.      

He met the love of his life, Maria del Refugio Muniz, while working in Tennessee and they were married in 1975. 

Their journey together was at times difficult. In 1978, Jesus and Maria suffered a bus accident that left his young wife in a coma for 20 days and claimed the life of their 2-year-old daughter, Maria de la Luz. 

They were grateful for the help they received during the difficult time of loss and it became their steppingstone for resilience.  

They migrated the country together and became well-known for their helping hands amongst their communities.  

He later became the patriarch amongst those who had followed the same difficult journey and was honored to be considered a friend to many. 

Jesus and Maria were no strangers to Cobden and made a decision to settle their family there in the early 1990s and be a pillar for all. 

They lived together almost inseparable for 41 years until Maria passed in 2016.           

Known as the great one, his trademark amongst the Hispanic community was that of his smile, infectious laughter and willingness to help, even when resources were scarce. 

The doors to his home were always opened to anyone seeking shelter, and he never turned a blind eye to someone else’s burden, but would take them on as his own.      

He often stated, the sky’s the limit because to him a great challenge made for a better reward, and no obstacle was too big for “El Grande.”  

He was the strong and energetic go to person for most of the people we met growing up. He loved life, embraced everyone and even though he didn’t speak English, he never met a stranger. 

Mr. Amesquita was so proud of all of his family and friends’ accomplishments because coming to the United States was a challenge all on its own and settling was more than a dream and a serendipitous moment, it was bittersweet. 

Mexico always survived in his childhood memories and his heart but most of all his love for people was his trait.      

He was a big-hearted man and loved all of his family, friends and if you ever became acquainted with him, he considered you a friend. 

If you ever saw him, please know he never forgot a face. Jesus may you Rest in Peace with your beautiful bride and you are loved so very much. Until we meet again Jesus Amesquita.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Flora and Ignacio Amesquita; two brothers, Raymundo Amezquita and Salvador Amezquita; his wife, Maria; and a daughter, Maria.      

Mr. Amesquita is survived by his siblings Pastor Amezquita of Cobden, Teresa Amezquita of Mexico, Salvador Amezquita of Florida, Ysidro Amezquita of Cobden, Trinidad Amezquita of Indiana and Maricela Ruiz of Vienna; his children, Celia Godinez, Nune, Ricardo, Martin, Ignacio and Maribel Alvarado; and his nephews Jose Juan Muniz, Daniel Muniz and Colby Muniz, who were like sons to him.       

Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cobden, with Father Uriel Salamanca officiating. Interment followed in the Cobden Cemetery.

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden was in charge of arrangements.