Jesse James Herrera, aged 92, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024 in the home he cherished. Born on December 28, 1931, Jesse lived a full and blessed life, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication.
A funeral service to honor Jesse’s life will be held at 12:00 pm, May 24, 2024 Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel 126 3rd St NE Mason City, Iowa. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Frances Irene Herrera, his parents, Albert E. Herrera and Frances Flores Herrera and his brother Joe Herrera.
Jesse was a member of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Sammamish, WA, where he and Frances attended regularly. Born the oldest of four boys, he grew up in a small, 800-square-foot house where his journey of responsibility and care began early. From the start, he took on the role of the caregiver, first for his younger brothers and later for his own children, parents, wife, and finally grandchildren; a trait that defined him throughout his life.
At just 17, Jesse went to work at the Lehigh Cement Factory in Mason City, Iowa before enlisting in the US Air Force. His service during the Korean War, where he proudly flew on a B-29 as a gunner and later as a refueler, was one of his greatest sources of pride. He often spoke fondly of his time in the Air Force and the deep friendships he forged there.
After returning from the war, he resumed his job at the cement plant, dedicating nearly 40 years of his life to hard work until an industrial accident ended his career as a mechanic. Yet, even after this setback, he did not slow down. He spent the following years caring for his elderly parents and cherishing moments with his children and his beloved grandchildren. In the year 1999, he purchased a home in Carnation, WA. For the next 25 years, this home and its surrounding property became his labor of love. He immersed himself in the community, forming strong bonds with his neighbors, and starting a small firewood business that brought him immense joy and purpose. He was always ready to lend a hand, helping with tree removal and meticulously cutting, splitting, and stacking firewood with precision.
Jesse loved to travel, taking many trips with his wife of 64 years whom he married on July 6, 1957. They took many road trips in their RV seeing much of the southwest and Western United States. They also vacationed in Mexico together, as well as Ireland. After his wife’s passing, he took a bucket list trip to Alaska with his daughter where he enjoyed halibut fishing, floating to a glacier, and bear viewing on Kodiak Island. This past January he spent a month in Mexico taking a pilgrimage to Jacona and Ario de Rayón, Michoacan (where his parents were born). Besides travel, Jesse loved the outdoors. Through the years he had interests in hunting, fishing, golf, swimming, snow and water skiing. Jesse never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with almost anyone. He was generous with his time and was always available with a helping hand.
Jesse is survived by his daughter, Teri Herrera (Gene) of Redmond, WA, and his son, Jeff Herrera (René). He was a proud grandfather to Riley Herrera, Mekena Herrera (Samuel), Kate Herrera, and Emily Herrera (Sean). He is predeceased by his wife Frances Irene Herrera, parents Albert E Herrera Sr and Frances Flores Herrera, and his brothers Albert, Joe and Richard Herrera.
Jesse’s warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.
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