Jess A. Rodrigues

After living a truly remarkable and courageous life, Jess A. Rodrigues died on April 18, 2004 at the age of 71. His life, accomplishments and contributions are celebrated by hiswife Donna Rodrigues, his sons Gary Rodrigues, Greg Rodrigues, and Richard Rohme; his daughters Kris Ann Kirby and Julie Rohme (1990), his daughters-in-law Fiona Rodrigues and Pam Irons; and his nine grandchildren. Born in 1932, Jess, or "Junior" as his family liked to call him, was raised in Merced, California. His family emigrated from Portugal¹s Azore Islands to California in 1886. In spite of the difficult times, his parents Clara and Jess Rodrigues Sr. sent Jess and his older sister Barbara to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School where Jess also served as an alter boy. The cost of tuition for this life changing opportunity was $1 per month. At age thirteen, Jess convinced his Grandfather to let him farm an acre of land. With a little luck and a lot of hard work, Jess sold his crop of sweet potatoes for $743; an amount that would help launch his father¹s auto repair business. The success Jess gained from this experience gave him an understanding of business at an early age. Jess served his country in the Korean War and was honorably discharged from the Air Force. He graduated from Sacramento State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and moved to Santa Clara County to start his own mortgage banking business. During his 30-year career, Jess became a pioneer in residential lending, bringing homeownership to first time buyers and lower income families. Later in his life, Jess built a successful nursery operation and developed numerous real estate projects. In 1983 Jess founded a Savings and Loan, melding a successful 20-year old mortgage banking company into its operations. At its inception, Jess believed Saratoga Savings to be the greatest accomplishment of his life, but by 1989 he came to realize that owning an S&L had become his greatest mistake. During a 20-year battle with the government, he faced seriously flawed government regulation and politicians looking to shirk responsibility for the worst financial disaster since the great depression. In the end, the appellate court ruled in Jess¹s favor, but it came at a serious cost. Over the course of this battle, Jess had had many opportunities to settle this dispute, by either pacifying or appeasing what he considered to be inept bureaucrats. Jess fought this battle, not only for himself and his family, but also in hopes of defending the American dream for other small business owners and entrepreneurs. He wanted the government to think twice before indiscriminately ruining the hopes, dreams and life¹s work of someone who had contributed so much to society. Jess was honored, respected and loved by many. But at the top of this list was his wife Donna. After being married just shy of 25 years, Donna and Jess were best friends, business partners and lovers. Donna filled their homes with family, friends, exquisite food, and grace. She stood by his side in good times and bad. In spite of the many challenges, their marriage grew stronger by the years. Jess truly loved his wife with all his heart. Jess fought and won many battles throughout his life, but the toughest started with a small spot on his lungs discovered 3 years ago. He battled through the cancer with dignity and an eternally optimistic attitude. He never lost his sense of humor or his passion for life. He died peacefully with his family and Fr. Patrick Dooling at his side. We extend our sincere thanks to the employees of Dominican Hospital and Jess¹s friends who helped him through his last days. Jess achieved greatness in many parts of his life. He lived and conquered the American dream. He built ideas into prospering businesses and launched countless careers of young people. He helped thousands of people fulfill their dreams of buying a home. He helped people when no one else would. He was a loving and generous husband, father and grandfather. He was loved and respected by those of us who were fortunate enough to have known him. Rosary services will be held on Thursday, April 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph¹s Church (435 Monterey Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010). Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. (435 W. 21st Street, Merced, CA 95340). Services are under the direction of Pacific Gardens Chapel, (831) 423-5721. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Our Lady of Mercy School, 1400 E. 27th Street, Merced, CA 95340.