Jesus Benigno Baca

Jesus Benigno Baca

October 4, 1944 – January 7, 2026

Jesus Benigno Baca went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 7, 2026. He passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at the age of 81.

Jesus was born on October 4, 1944, in San Francisco, California, to Jose Soto Baca and Frances Chavez. When he was 18 months old, the family returned to Las Cruces, New Mexico. The son of a pastor and missionary, Jesus was raised on a small ranch, where he developed a strong work ethic and deep faith.

In 1958, Jesus began boxing, and by 1962 he was competing as a featherweight boxer throughout New Mexico. After retiring from boxing, he pursued a career as an auto mechanic beginning in 1973.

Jesus loved sharing stories of his childhood and boxing days and cherished spending time with family and friends. He was adventurous and enjoyed exploring, camping, dancing, Sunday drives, eating out, sitting on his bench listening to music, and soaking in life. Above all, Jesus had a wonderful sense of humor and loved telling jokes to make others laugh.

A man of faith, Jesus was baptized in water at Las Cruces First Assembly of God Church on March 31, 2024. He was loving, kindhearted, generous, and deeply devoted to his family. He was a wonderful father, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Known as "JB" by family and friends, his presence, smile, and humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jesus was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Soto Baca and Frances Chavez; his brothers, Mario Baca and David Baca; and his children, Rebecca Baca, Jesse Baca, and Virginia Baca.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Sanchez; son-in-law, Gerald Sanchez; sister-in-law, Sarah Baca; brother, Joseph Baca (Joey); son-in-law, Jesus Garcia (Chuy); grandchildren Selina Sanchez, Angela Sanchez, Katrina Sanchez, Rebecca Pichardo and her husband Jesse Pichardo, Ruben Garcia and his wife Serina Garcia, Kathy Garcia, Jennifer Garcia, Eric Garcia, Jessica Ruvalcaba, Israel Ruvalcaba, and Trisha Ruvalcaba; twenty great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews Michael Baca, Michelle Baca, Stephanie Baca and her children, David, Becky, and Lucio Baca.

In keeping with Jesus Baca's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private cremation ceremony for close friends and family will be held at a later date. Details will be announced.