Fidel Jimenez, Jr.

Fidel Jimenez, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, surrounded by the love and support of his wife and sister. He was 83 years old.

Fidel was born in Alice, Texas, on July 2, 1941. He honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a proud member of the 1st Cavalry Division. In November 1965, he fought bravely in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley, which inspired the book "We Were Soldiers Once and Young." After his military service, he worked as a firefighter and later became the fire chief at Naval Air Station Chase Field, retiring when the base closed in 1993. He also owned and operated his own business, Jimenez Trucking.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Jimenez; his sister, Ofilia Jimenez; and his stepdaughters, Amanda Rodriguez (Arthur) and Haley Urdialez (MJ). He is also lovingly remembered by his five grandchildren: Jeremiah, Elijah, Noah, Ayden, and Arabella.

Fidel was preceded in death by his parents, Fidel Garza Jimenez Sr. and Ofilia Barrera Jimenez, as well as his brother, Uvaldo Jimenez.

A Rosary will be held at St. Francis Xavier Mission Church in Tynan, Texas at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Interment will take place at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas at 1 p.m., with military honors rendered by the United States Army.