Gary Ledesma

Gary Ledesma –devoted husband, caring father of three, loving grandfather of five, and friend to many– at the age of 75 made his journey on February 25, 2024 to be with his Lord and Savior in Heaven.
Gary was born the eighth child in a family of fifteen children on November 24, 1948 to Jess and Jennie Ledesma. After graduating from Westmont High School in 1966, Gary went on to attend and graduate from San Jose City College where he graduated with his AA degree in Accounting in 1969, San Jose State University with his BA degree in Sociology in 1972 and ultimately graduated from Santa Clara University with his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 1973. From his experiences as a farmworker to a student-athlete (basketball) rising up in higher education, he understood the platform needed for student upward mobility. Gary began his career in academic counseling in the early 1970's. Shortly after starting his career, he met his beautiful wife, Jennifer Standing-Elk at a Native American basketball tournament. They spent the next 47 years building their family together. Gary was a strong, kind, loving and supportive dad to his son Wanbli "Mike" and two daughters Sina and Anpa Wi (Elena). He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Jordan, Wanbli-Lorenzo, Maya, Elia, and Mia and his son-in-law David Dutra.
Being a grandpa and holding the role of a father again came natural to Gary. He took on the role of a father again to his grandchildren Jordan, Wanbli-Lorenzo, and Maya when his son, Wanbli passed away. Gary was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them all the life they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he proudly and often mentioned. In his free time, when he was a young adult he loved playing basketball with his brothers on their team "Six Brothers" and after the birth of his kids he enjoyed playing family basketball in their front yard, YMCA and at the park, he also enjoyed taking the kids on short road trips to the beach, Disneyland, amusement parks/zoos, and family gatherings. As a sports enthusiast, Gary loved game day, watching and attending Oakland (Not Vegas!) Raider and Golden State Warriors games was truly enjoyable. Hosting his children, grandchildren and son-in-law at the Ledesma family home for home-cooked meals prepared by his amazing wife, Jennifer, taking a dip in the swimming pool with his children and grandchildren, and basking in the joys of a house full of family laughter and happiness filled Gary's heart. His family was the most important thing in his life before sports and after God.
As for Gary's monumental career endeavors, he retired from San Jose City College as General/Veterans Counseling Faculty member in 2016, after 40+ years of service; he was true to form in his commitment to his life's work. Gary was a strong advocate for all students and worked ardently to improve the campus climate. He was instrumental in working with all populations, especially underrepresented and first-generation college students. Through his efforts, Gary accomplished many goals which led to progressive change in the campus climate, outlook and resources for students. He was a staunch supporter of equity and change. His San Jose City College family held Gary in very high regard and believed him to be a truly kind-hearted, gracious, humble, calm, caring, charismatic, intelligent, mindful, compassionate human being.
Gary was a man of strong faith, he read the Bible daily and attended his family's church, Cathedral of Faith weekly with his family. He prayed for his family several times a day, he prayed each time a family member would leave the house, he prayed each time his kids/grandkids traveled, and he especially prayed when his family members were sick as he would lay his hands on their heads and say a prayer.
Gary is preceded in death by his son Wanbli "Mike" Ledesma, his parents Jess Ledesma and Jennie Ledesma, his sisters Virginia and Jackie Ledesma, his brothers Ronnie, Willie, Steve, and Butch Ledesma.
He is survived by his sisters, Helen Hernandez, Linda Shadowens, Mary Lou Martinez, Marie Garcia, Sharon Rodriquez, and Gina Reyes. He is survived by his brothers, Donnie Ledesma, Jack Ledesma and Lance Ledesma. He is also survived by his numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and SJECCD family.
Gary was a devoted husband, caring father and grandfather, brother, and uncle. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them and if you knew him, you knew it. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who went before him. He will be missed dearly.
Service will be live streamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/4144228/f22bd996df
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024
11:30am - Funeral Services
Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation
12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road
Saratoga, California 95070
2:30pm - Burial
Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park
300 Curtner Ave,
San Jose, CA 95125
Reception --Immediately following the Burial
Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park
300 Curtner Ave,
San Jose, CA 95125
His friends and family are invited to share happy memories and celebrate Gary's life in the way he would want to be remembered - as a loving and caring Christian man who enjoyed life.