Joe Jess Estrada

Joe Jess Estrada

January 1, 1934 - June 9, 2025

Joe Jess Estrada, a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and lifelong resident of Monterey County, passed away peacefully at the age of 91. He was born on January 1, 1934, in a barber shop in Castroville, California, and was the first baby born in Monterey County that year. Jess was known for his deep roots in the community and his unwavering dedication to family.

Known to his family and childhood friends as "Chito," Jess attended Roosevelt Elementary, Washington Junior High, and Salinas High School. He embodied hard work, integrity, and perseverance. While at Salinas High, he earned the prestigious "Golden Jacket," an athletic honor awarded to only a select few students for outstanding achievement in sports.

At just 17 years of age, Jess enlisted in the Navy and served during the Korean Conflict. He was assigned to the USS Antietam, an aircraft carrier. His service in the Navy became the source of many life lessons, often shared around the dinner table with family and friends.

Following his service, Jess attended Barber College in San Francisco. He then returned to Castroville and began courting Elva Elizabeth Reyna. After a very traditional courtship, they married on November 20, 1955. As Jess would lovingly recall, "All three brothers were in the backseat of every single date we ever went on. Our first time alone was our wedding night!"

Jess began his professional life as a barber, working long hours and setting a strong example for his children and grandchildren. In mid-career, he transitioned into entrepreneurship with several innovative business ventures. He pursued men's hairstyling, developed a line of hair care products, and later held several patents for vegetable washes used in the agricultural industry. He played a pioneering role in introducing "triple-washed" bagged spinach in the Salinas Valley.

Jess was also deeply involved in civic life in Castroville. He helped run the Castroville Artichoke Festival Parade for many years, served as co-chairman of the Our Lady of Refuge annual ham dinner, and was President of the Castroville Chamber of Commerce.

In retirement, Jess played golf weekly with a close group of friends, enjoying the game as much as the camaraderie. He also used this time to earn a second patent for another vegetable wash.

Jess had an eclectic personal library, filled with books on law, chemistry, religion, and history. He studied each subject deeply-applying them in his business ventures and using the others as springboards for thoughtful conversation. His discussions about history and religion were frequent and treasured by those close to him.

He was preceded in death in 2005 by his loving wife of 49 years, Elva Estrada. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and family. Jess was a devoted son, brother, and father.

Later in life, Jess met fellow parishioner Diane Carrillo, herself a widow, at Our Lady of Refuge Church in Castroville. Their families joined together in love, and Jess's son Joseph served as Best Man at their wedding, held at a Catholic church in Reno, Nevada. Jess and Diane became the heart of two united families, hosting birthdays, graduations, and holiday gatherings. Acts of kindness from Diane's children-Richard, David, Steve, or Sandra-never went unnoticed by Jess. He would often express how much he appreciated their love and care for their mother and even for his own children.

Jess is survived by his wife, Diane Carol Estrada; his sister, Carmen Estrada; and his three adult children: Joseph Estrada, Susan Rimando, and Dana Payne. He also leaves behind a lasting legacy in his grandchildren-Michelle, Joshua, Joseph, Benjamin, Matthew, Alyssa, and Max-and his great-grandchildren, Cassius, Carter, and Apollo, as well as all those fortunate enough to know him.

Those who knew Jess will remember his warm smile, quiet humor, and gentle wisdom. He was a gifted storyteller-a talent honed during his many years as a barber-and his tales continued to delight family and friends throughout his life. Whether around the dinner table or in a quiet conversation, his presence radiated love, thoughtfulness, and care.

Jess Estrada's life was a testament to enduring love, quiet strength, and the power of family. He used to say, quietly and only within earshot of his family, "My family is perfect." Not quite, not by any means-but we were loved perfectly by him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held in accordance with his wishes. The Rosary and viewing will take place at Healey Mortuary in Salinas on Wednesday, June 25, at 3:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Refuge Church in Castroville, California, on Thursday, June 26, at 10:00 AM.