Roll Call Tribute

Jesse Flores Zaragoza 

May 15, 1955 - April 29, 2025 

Jesse Flores Zaragoza, age 69, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. He was born on May 15, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas, to Angelita F. and Jesus G. Zaragoza.

Jesse graduated from Luther Burbank High School, class of 1973. He went on to earn an associate degree in Electronic Technology from Texas A&M University in College Station.

He met the love of his life, Lilia, and they were married on December 19, 1987, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Corpus Christi.

Jesse dedicated his career to HCA Healthcare/Corpus Christi Medical Center, where he worked until his retirement in March 2025. He was widely respected as a mentor and was known for his generosity in sharing his knowledge. He took pride in teaching his co-workers and was always willing to take the time to explain and demonstrate how to solve problems. Jesse also had a great sense of humor—he loved friendly banter and joking around with his colleagues.

Jesse had a generous spirit and a passion for giving. He was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs. He enjoyed going to the movies, baking, barbecuing, reading, and listening to a wide variety of music, including oldies, classic rock, folk, Latin, and Irish tunes. A lover of science fiction, he especially enjoyed sci-fi books and movies.

Family memories of Jesse are filled with laughter and adventure—like the post-Christmas trip to Nevado de Toluca, which was both fun and a little scary, and memorable family vacations to Alaska and Mexico. The family fondly recalls watching Spurs championship games and Cowboys Super Bowls together. One unforgettable moment was getting separated from their tour group in Boston because they stopped to visit “Pooh’s house.”

Jesse will be remembered most for his selflessness and generosity, even after he became ill he never became negative and always put others before himself. He always opened his home to all and loved hosting holidays and weekend barbecues. He was famous in the family for his chocolate cake, pecan pies, carrot cake, and his oatmeal rocks. His favorite holidays were Thanksgiving and Christmas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Angelita F. and Jesus G. Zaragoza, and his brother, David Zaragoza.

Jesse is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Lilia Tovar Zaragoza; his sons, David and Daniel Zaragoza; his siblings, Ann Zaragoza, George (and wife Mary) Zaragoza, and Andrew (and wife Blanca) Zaragoza. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Senior Helpers and the team at Harbor Hospice for their compassionate care and support.