Jesus A. Salcido

Jesus A. Salcido passed away peacefully, 

surrounded by love with his family by his side on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Jesus was born and raised in El Paso, TX. He attended Alamo & San Jacinto Elementary School, Bowie High School, and Texas Western College, (University of Texas at El Paso).

In 1953, he married the love of his life, Margarita Galindo, and were married for 59 years before her passing. They had two daughters, Elizabeth (Libby) Salcido and Michelle Salcido.

After completing eight years of elementary education at Alamo and San Jacinto School, he attended Bowie High School from 1948-1952. He was a member of the school band for four years and President in 1951. He was also a member of the Senior Honor Society, Masque and Gavel Honorary Society, and 1st Lieutenant with the R.O.T.C. Chuy received a music scholarship to Texas Western College (UTEP). He was a member of the college band for four years, Varsitonians Dance Band, Orchestra and Choir and held the title of Vice President and President of the band in 1955. In 1955 was admitted to the Sardonyx Men’s Organization and in 1956 served as Treasurer. He was also elected to Men of Mines. He graduated from Texas Western College, in June 1956 with a Bachelor of Music Degree and received his Texas Permanent Teaching Certificate. He was employed by the El Paso Public School system and taught at Bowie High School from 1956-1957. He was then drafted in the U.S. Army from June to December 1957. He received an Honorable Discharge after completing the Army Reserve obligation in 1962. He was discharged with the rank of Platoon Sgt. (E-6). During his Army service he was a member of the 4th Armored Division in the Artillery. In the Army Reserve he served in the Communications Section and later was conductor in the Railroad Battalion.

After his return from the Army in 1959, he taught at Lincoln School as Choir teacher then transferred to various assignments as Band Director in the elementary level. In 1961, he was given a high school directorship at El Paso Technical High School and remained there until being transferred to El Paso High School as Director of Bands and Music Department Head.

Upon leaving the El Paso Independent School District in 1977, he worked for the State Comptroller’s Office and thereafter, went on to work for the El Paso County Tax Office. At the age of 63, he made the decision to officially retire. My mother wasn’t sure he was really ready to retire and told him “I’m not ready to retire yet, so I don’t know what you’ll be doing all day long”.

For 25 years my dad played professionally with the Vincent King Orchestra, Johnny Vana Orchestra, and Lew Barton Orchestra. After the death of Mr. Barton, he acquired the associate ownership of the orchestra, which then became known as the Music Unlimited Orchestra. While leader of the Music Unlimited Orchestra, he was the Musical Director for such organizations as the Sun Carnival Association, Cotton Festival, Debutante Ball, Ice Capades, Barnum & Baily Circus and also backed various vocal artists such as Vicki Carr, John Davidson, Phyllis Diller to only name a few. He was a member of the Musician’s Local Union. At the age of 16, he was one of the youngest members of the El Paso Symphony from 1950-1953.

He’s preceded in death by his parents, Alfredo and Maria Salcido, his wife, Margarita Salcido of 59 years, his daughter Michelle Salcido and nephew, James (Jimmy) Schramm, Jr. He leaves behind his daughter Elizabeth (Libby) Salcido. Granddaughter Marissa Rivera (Mario). Great-grandson & Godson Matthew Jesus Rivera, Great-granddaughter’s Alyssa Madison & Mia Anali Barraza, Godson, Gilbert David Ramirez along with nieces and nephews.

Services handled by Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Dr, El Paso, TX 79904 (915) 755-4494

Visitation: 5:00-8:00pm, July 31, 2025

Rosary: 7:00pm, Thursday, July 31, 2025

Funeral Mass: 11:00am, Friday, August 1, 2025 at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 4805 Byron St., El Paso, TX 79930

Committal Service: 12:30pm, Friday, August 1, 2025 at Restlawn Cemetery, 8700 Dyer St., El Paso, TX 79904