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JESS RUBIO Obituary

RUBIO, JESS, of Windermere, FL, passed away on Friday, October 22, 2010, at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando. He was 77 years old. Jess was born in Riverside, CA, to Mexican immigrants Manuel and Enriqueta Rubio. Jess served his country in the US Marine Corps and the United States Air Force before attending art school and becoming a professional artist. In 1962, he founded his own company of artists, Rubio Arts Corp., which still operates artist and balloon concessions at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, and at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, FL. He also received the prestigious Legend Award from the Disneyana Fan Club in the fall of 2008. Besides art, Jess had a passion for music and loved listening to jazz; he could also often be heard playing his tenor sax at home. His family and friends will remember his charm, generosity, humor, and pocketful of pencils. Jess is survived by his loving wife, Linda; two daughters, Sally and Jacqueline; one grandson, Jeremy; a nephew, John Sevilla; his brother, Joe and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services and subsequent interment for Mr. Jess Rubio will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, October 28, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Gotha, FL 34734. Family will receive friends and family from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 27, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com. Arrangements entrusted to Woodlawn Memorial Park &
Funeral Home, Gotha, FL.
407-293-1361.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel on Oct. 26, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for JESS RUBIO

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Jeff Black

July 5, 2011

I just wanted to say to both Jess, and his family, that there was no finer Man than you Jess. I met him while working on Main Street at WDW, and right away he always treated me, and my wife like family. He also knew my Father Paul, and always openly shared stories of Walt, and the golden days back in Cali. I will surely miss you Jess, and your kindness, and laughter I know God has made that special place for you...because you always made us feel so special here on earth. God Bless

Manny delaPena

April 7, 2011

I can't think of a better human being. I will surely miss this giant of a man. Linda may not remember me but she would remember my ex- Carrie. She had the pleasure of visiting them when Jess operated several stands at Busch Gardens. I was Jess's lead artist and took over training the new talent for pastel portraits. My name is Manny, Jess affectionately called me "Manuel" as his fathers name. He did so in spanish and always with a smile. He was my mentor, I really looked up to him. Our meeting was an interesting one with me coming from a blue collar work history much like his own. It was to work at Busch Gardens doing portraits. I walked in with a school notebook filled with sketches and dressed in a coat and tie. And everyone else had these large professional portfolios. I knew I didnt stand a chance at getting the job, but to my surprize. Jess took me in and later after everyone had left, told me "you know why I hired you?..I looked at him surprized..."no sir I don't...he said "Because you reminded me of me when I got my first art job 20 years ago. I have so many stories of the things he taught me in the 4 short years I worked for him at Busch Gardens. He left a deep imprint that I will always carry with me. He was a humble but firm and determined man. Many times he would pull up a chair when we were really busy doing portraits and helped out by doing some himself. He had the deepest respect from all who worked for him. I treasure a book on anatomy that he gave me when I was training and also a couple of his pen and ink sketches that he did while training me. His stroke with a pen was firm and confident, you saw wisdom and mastery in all of his moves and yet he could be as humble as new trainie. I will miss him only wish I could shared more time in his presence,...He was my friend.
Til we meet again "Hasta la proxima" Manny de la Pena

Rosemary Scott

February 7, 2011

Just wanted to let you know how sorry we were to hear of Jess's passing. We have fond memories of him from high school in Santa Ana where he was my husbands very good friend. Perry Scott once told us of his experience while meeting Walt Disney to pitch his idea of the characture art booth within Disneyland Park. Hence was the making of his Disney Art empire. Just let you know we still have the clown pictures and family pictures from our adventures at the Seattle World's Fair of which Jess had completed of our children. Mom has stated that they had many dates with Jess and Joy after graduating from high school at the Palladium in Los Angeles in the 50's and the Rondevue Ball Room in Balboa. He will be sorely missed for his positive charm and creativity. Rosemary Scott, Norco, California

CHUCK LAMMLEIN

January 30, 2011

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY FROM THE LAMMLEIN FAMILY.OUR LIFE HAS BEEN BLESSED BY KNOWING THE RUBIO FAMILY.
THE LAMMLEIN FAMILY
CAMDENTON MISSOURI

Diane Richards

November 10, 2010

Sally was my best friend at Willard JH and until the family moved to Florida :( I practically lived at their house on Rosewood and remember it so well. We had so much fun! Jess and Joie were the bomb parents - especially when they would travel and we girls would have parties!

I will never forget one day that was Joie's birthday and Jess had given her a hand made card with her name all over it in different fonts and sizes and angles. It was on the kitchen counter and I looked at it for what seemed hours, it was so beautiful and personal. I always thought, "What a love that created this."

Rest In Peace, Jess, and heartfelt sympathy to Joie, Sally, Sandy, Suzie, Jacqueline, Jeremy and Linda. When we loose our daddies it is always too soon. But their presence is felt when you least expect it and brings a measure of comfort when you most need it.
~ Diane "Bird" Richards, Mission Viejo (Santa Ana), California

jennifer wilde

November 2, 2010

Dear Sally and Rubio Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father...you are in my prayers. May Jesus give you the peace that passes all understanding during this difficult time...
Love and blessings in Him,
Jennifer (Ogle) Wilde

October 31, 2010

To the Rubio Family. I first met Jess on a walk-thru of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in early 1972, soon after the park open. I have just been relocated from California, working for WED Enterprises as an Imagineer.We formed a very close friendship that has lasted all these years. I have several caricatures and portraits of myself and my childern that Jess drew for us over the years.I also have the one he drew for me at my retirement from Disney in 1994. Jess and I would always greet each other with a hug,very typical Mexican Greeting. He also would joke about he and I were the ony Mexicans on the Disney Payroll.
Linda, my wife and my children were deeply sadden by the passing of Jess.

Toby Tovar, Orlando, Florida

Dave Smith

October 28, 2010

As the recently retired Disney archivist, I wanted to say how sorry I was to hear of Jess's passing. He was truly a Disney legend.

Maria Cavalcanti

October 28, 2010

"The voice may be silent... but the spirit echoes still." Jess, such a strong presence doesn't just vanish, you linger in the hearts of all who had the luck to come across your path. Now that your path has brought you to our Lord, you live in our memories and in all we do. Thank you for allowing me the honor of working as an artist, doing what I love, and for sharing your knowledge with the artists you trained. You will be sorely missed and in my prayers, that you are in peace. My deepest sympathy to the entire Rubio Family.

Linda Nelon

October 28, 2010

Linda, I am very sorry for the lost of the love of your life. May you and your daughter be surrounded by all the fun and loving memories your family shared together. My heart is with you. Love, Pepper

Gary Wilkins

October 27, 2010

Jess, as the owner of one of the reapir shops you took you BMW'S I had the pleasure of seeing your passion for your cars and your art ,you did a huge drawing of my family and co workers on the wall for us ,and everytime you came for a visit you would add to it thank you for the memories .You will be greatly missed sir.

Johanna Girard

October 27, 2010

Jess touched the lives of so many aspiring young artists over the years. I bet there are literally thousands of artists out there who can say that Jess Rubio gave them their first real job in the art world! I know I am one of them...
I worked for Jess at the California Disneyland back in the 80's and will always remember those days fondly... Jess was a wonderful boss to work for...he had a great sense of humor, and always treated his employees with kindness and respect. Even when I messed up, Jess would gently help me correct my mistakes with patience and good humor...he was more like a kind uncle than a boss...just a great guy! He will truly be missed.

My heartfelt condolences to the Rubio family.

opal west

October 27, 2010

I was your breakfast waitress for quite some time-you did many drawings for me on napkins-scrap paper--& nice paper-will always keep & treasure your drawings--You will be missed by many. opal west

Bob Bowman

October 26, 2010

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with this kind man, in the early years of Walt Disney World. Jess was full of life and energy and it grew on all those who met and knew him.

His talents will be greatly missed.

My thoughts go out to Linda and the family.

Steven Rossignol

October 26, 2010

I was hired to work for Rubio Artist at the SEA World glass blowers shop in 1979 and a few months later became the manager of the shop working for Jess Rubio. A great mentor. Slightly intimidating, but I learned alot from him in the year and a half I worked for him. I miss him and all the glass blowers i got to know there. He was a great family man and great business man.

JaNeen Knapstein

October 26, 2010

I met Jess Rubio when I was a childhood friend of his daughters Sally, Sandy and Susie Rubio. We lived a few blocks away from each other in Santa Ana, California. I have been fortunate enough to have rekindled my relationship with Sally, through FACEBOOK, and found out we both live in Central Florida. She has filled me in over the last few years, about her whole family, including her beloved Father, Jess. I remember Jess as a very loving Father to his girl's, Sally, Sandy and Susie, and a great husband to Joie. He was a very talented artist. My first husband, David Saucedo, also from Santa Ana, California, worked for Jess at Disney, both in Orlando and in Anaheim for several years. You, and your talent will be missed, Jess.

JaNeen Knapstein

October 26, 2010

Condolences to the Rubio family. I went to elementary school and junior high school with Jess' daughter Sally. I remember talking with him when I would visit their home a few blocks from mine, in Santa Ana, California. He was such a talented individual and a very nice man.

Dee & Victor Sampayo

October 26, 2010

Jess, you are the kind of friend everyone wishes for. You always lit up a room when you entered with your smile and a hug. We have known each other for years thru work. I will always treasure our time together listening to your stories about Walt Disney and your wonderful wife and daughter. There will always be a special spot in my heart for you. Adios mi amour. Via con dios.

Deanna Piunti

October 26, 2010

My family and I met Jess 3 years ago when a mutual friend introduced us at Disney. He graciously took my family into Disney free of charge with his guest pass just because we were friends of a friend. The following year we returned to Florida and got the opportunity to see Jess while he was working. I feel so blessed to say I knew of this man. His sweet smile and loving personality is one that more people need to have. Rest in Peace my friend...I am so glad to have met you. Disney has lost a icon and heaven has gained an angel.

john sevilla

October 26, 2010

Uncle Jess, you taught me as a young boy and as a young man to be an artist as you are. You taught me many things in my lifetime: to be proud, courageous and giving. You supported me when i needed help the most, through the rough days in Viet Nam. You gave me love, showed me compassion and to respect the family. My wife, Marty and I worked with you at Disney World and Sea World. We had the honor of being with Rubio Arts for 15 years. You taught us much. We will always remember you and love you. We will always miss our family gatherings and wonderful times spent together. Now you are drawing paradise forever. Your loving nephew, John

Richard Adams drawing caricatures for Rubio Artists back in 1974.

Richard Adams

October 25, 2010

With deepest respects to the family. Jess personally taught me portraits back in 1971 and I will always remember him as great teacher, artist, and businessman. I remember his talk "The business of the business of art." Very profound. I enjoyed listening to his sax playing too.

Julie Williams

October 25, 2010

Jess, you are such a wonderful person. I loved you dearly. You are now with my father who just passed 4 weeks ago. You two were 1 year apart in age. I am glad you are at least with my dad. I will miss you, & am sorry I did not get to see you. You will allways be remembered as a wonderful person.

David Barron

October 25, 2010

Jess, when we first met I was a young man. Now I'm old. Over the years I loved to see you come into the shop. You were my father's old friend and he was always included in the conversation. Your own father, too, was never far from your mind. He raised a great son and you've made him proud, as I'm sure he's had a chance to tell you by now. So many people owe you so much. It was in your nature to lift up everyone around you just as it was like you to be moved by every show of kindness. You were a model for gracious manhood. Thank you for your friendship.
Linda, Jacqueline, please know that you were at the heart of this great man's life. We spent many hours talking about our families. Jess had a lot to be proud of, but he was more proud of his wife and daughter than anything else. He will watch over you, be sure.
Jess Rubio, you showed us how to live.

Charlie Sevilla

October 25, 2010

Dear Uncle Jess, You have always been loving, giving, and yea, giving in wisdom and advice instilling high standards for us to follow. I have always been so proud to call you "Uncle Jess"! Artist, Musician, Father, Husband, and my Big Brother in my life. Mom, admired and loved you so much, as many did and do now. Walk with Mom, Tet'te, Uncle Manuel, all our family that took you home upon your last breath. Play your Sax, and draw for the Lord , forever, Man !! from God's Word: The Promise of Rest. Hebrews 4:9-10. 9 " There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.",
10 " For he who has entered HIS rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from HIS." Amen.
Your Nephew, Charlie and Nancy Sevilla.

THE GIFT GIVER, CREATING.

CHARLIE SEVILLA

October 25, 2010

October 25, 2010

I will always cherish the lovely memories we have shared for so many years and for our time with you in August.Rest in Peace Dear Friend. Love Dawn

Darla Ross

October 25, 2010

JESS I DID NOT KNOW YOU, HOWEVER; A DEAR FRIEND OF MINE (DAN CHANDLER)DID. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL THE MANY FRIENDS YOU MADE THROUGH THE YEARS AND TO YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS. DAN HAS SHARED MANY MANY STORIES WITH HIS WIFE, TERRI. KEEP ON WITH YOUR SKETCHES IN HEAVEN.....

Dan Chandler

October 24, 2010

Jess, you played a very important part in me growing up in life. You brought me to Disney for my very first job, which I loved dearly.You were a great man and now a legend. You will be missed by all of the Chandlers. Just wish I could have had one more taco with you. My deepest condolences, Dan

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