WEST PEORIA - Jesse Godinez, 82, of West Peoria passed away at 5:52 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011, at his residence.
He was born on June 30, 1929, in Wyanet, Ill., to Salvador and Petra Rojas Godinez. He married Helen Elaine Cooke on Jan. 21, 1954, in Peoria. She survives.
Jesse also is survived by one son, Jerry Godinez of Washington, Ill.; two daughters, Jane (Bob) Huprich of Peoria and Janet (Gary) Campbell of East Peoria; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Oscar Godinez of Peoria; and one sister, Delores Vasquez of Chicago.
He was a retired iron worker working out of Local 112.
He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and its choir.
Jesse was a Korean War Army veteran.
He was an avid golfer and coached basketball and baseball in the Peoria area for many years.
Jesse was a very devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.
A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, at St. Bernard Church, with the Rev. Christopher Layden officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Wright & Salmon Mortuary and 30 minutes before the Mass at the church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in West Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Don Seacrist
August 19, 2011
To the Godinez family: My deepest sympathies. Mr. Godinez was my grade school basketball coach but taught us more than just basketball. He taught us a lot about life and being good sports. Will never forget that sense of humor or that smile.
Cassie Rodgers
August 17, 2011
To the Godinez Family,
So sorry to hear of Jesse's passing. He was such a wonderful man. So warm, loving, caring and full of joy. Even if I did have to tell him to be quiet up in the choir loft during Mass when he'd be laughing with my daughter. But oh, how we loved him! His smile will be with me forever.
He will forever be with us in our hearts.
Carlye (Rodgers) Knuppel
August 16, 2011
Oh Jesse, I can't believe you are gone! You were always such a great friend. My love and prayers are going out to the family right now. You will surely be missed!!!
August 15, 2011
We are sorry to hear about Mr. Godinez passing. What a kind man with a beautiful voice. Our prayers are with you. Vickie (Daly) and Donny Motteler
August 14, 2011
So sorry for your loss. Jess was a great guy. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mandy from Riverview
Pam (Dunnigan) Ross
August 14, 2011
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God bring you comfort.
Oscar Gutierrez and family
August 14, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss.
Patti Rubnich
August 14, 2011
Jane, Janet and family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. I remember all the laughter your father brought when he was around. He never knew a stranger and made you feel like one of the family. May God comfort your family in this time of loss.
August 13, 2011
JANE AND JANET, PLEASE ACCEPT MY SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMIILIES. I REMEMBER YOUR DAD AT YOUR CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES AT ST. BERNARD'S AND HE ALWAYS HAD SUCH A KIND SMILE FOR ALL. SINCERELY, JOANIE PAPIS

Mary Baysingar-Brown
August 12, 2011
Jane, we haven't seen each other since high school. Joyce (Giles) Heerman remembered that we were good friends at Central & was kind enough to let me know of your Dad's passing. I'm so sorry, Jane. Your Dad was a great & fun guy, always joking around with us! I still remember you & I caddying for him one very hot day & treating us to a nice lunch. Heaven's gained another angel for sure & he's probably played at least 9 holes already! You, your Mom & Jerry are in my thoughts & prayers, Jane. God Bless your Dad - he was a very good man.
RON SOUTH
August 12, 2011
I WAS VERY SADDENED TO HEAR MY GOOD FRIEND HAD PASSED AWAY. HE WAS ONE HELL OF A GUY AND ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE. OUR DEEPEST CONDOLANCES TO ALL THE FAMILY. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
August 12, 2011
We are sorry for your loss. The Bystedt Family, Alaska
August 12, 2011
Sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful man Jesse was. May God bless you...Love the Garcia family Austin Texas
August 12, 2011
Hi Cookie, our thoughts and prayesr are with you and your family at this time. small comfort but Jess will be singing in heaven now, just as he did on Sundays at mass.May he RIP Jenny and Jimmy Williams.
Dee Patroff
August 12, 2011
My heart grieves over the loss of my buddy Jesse. It was such an honor and priviledge to be part of his care. I will miss teasing him about the weather when he would come in, it was usually a storm or snow!!! And him telling me to make his counts good so I wouldn't be able to give him a shot. Also will Miss seeing him and Elaine at IHOP! He will be greatly missed by many! Love you and Elaine! Rest with Jesus Jesse. I will miss you! Dee:-( <
August 12, 2011
Our prayers are with you Elaine may Jesse rest in peace Love Roberto and Luz Zamarripa Round Rock Texas..
August 12, 2011
A good friend and wonderful neighbor for so many years on Alice Avenue. Gonna miss you, Jess. Wishing you comfort, Elaine, in the memories you've gathered through the years. Mark & Linda
wayne daniels
August 12, 2011
im sorry to hear of jesses passing. we worked alot of jobs together, shared a lot of laughs and fun, see you on the big job. your friend and fellow ironworker wayne daniels
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