- Date Of Birth: June 7, 1995
- Date Of Death: November 11, 2016
- State: Texas
Many times in life, we go with the flow of society and traditions. We don’t try to stand out or make a life for ourselves in the way that we want. Very few have the guts and the determination to step out of the boundaries of normalness and leap into extraordinary. However, one gentleman lived his life in a way more unique than other boys and men of his age. As Ralph Waldo Emerson described, he would “not go where the path may lead, [but] go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Jesus Cervantes III left a trail of blessings and strength where ever he went; he lived his life different than others in the best way.
On June 7, 1995 in Dallas, Texas, Jesus Cervantes, Jr. and Caroline Fernandez joyfully welcomed their first son into the world. Right from the beginning, little Jesus was different; he was the only boy amongst 4 girls. Unlike most brothers surrounded by sisters, Jesus did not succumb to being dressed up or playing “house.” He was a very “macho” boy even in his young age. Cars, toy guns, action figures, and other boy toys scattered across his own room, while his sisters shared another room full of dangers like makeup, Barbies, and stuffed animals in his rough, manly mind. His sisters and his mother recall that Jesus was a tough “boy’s boy” growing up which later matured into being a virile, strong man. He played sports for eight years in his life, especially baseball and football. Although he excelled in baseball and had natural talent for it, he had a passion for football. When his family asked him why he would continue football since he was not as good as he was in baseball, he just stated that football allowed him to vent aggression as he blocked and tackled people to the ground. It was just another example of how Jesus made his own way throughout life. Although he could have an aggressive, bold attitude at times, Jesus had a caring, thoughtful heart that sought to help others.
One of the first things Jesus’s family will say about Jesus was that he was very giving. He worked hard at the body shop and other jobs to make his income and receive a well-earned paycheck. However, instead of spending it on his own desires and wants, he would give $5 to this couple, then $10 to this family, only to loan his friend some cash, until he left himself very little money if any at all. Jesus loved to help his friends, family, and coworkers, but he seldom received help in return. He never wanted to bother people or feel like a burden; he wanted to release burdens off others instead. Jesus had a huge heart for his family. He loved all his family, especially his mother, his father, his sisters, and his grandparents. Unlike most men his age who become independent and venture away emotionally and physically from their families, Jesus never did; he was very close to his grandparents, respected his mother, and cared for his sisters. He felt responsible for his family as the “man of the house” and became the protector to his mother and sisters. Jesus had a close relationship with all four of his sisters. All the siblings had personal inside jokes that involved quotes from their favorite movies like Shrek or Rush Hour that would go over other people’s heads which made the jokes funnier to the close siblings. Teasing amongst the sisters to their brother was a common, every day (if not every hour) occurrence. Jesus’s sisters would tease their brother with comments about his “big head” or other things and then he would counter with another tease or a hilarious comeback. During his youth, Jesus would always smile with a great big happy grin that sent other smiles around contagiously. Even when he got older and thought smiling “wasn’t cool,” his jokes with his family would occasionally bring the same wonderful smile across his face. His laughter and humorous spirit did not just come alive at home; he was the classic “class clown” of his school and around his friends. Jesus was very bright in school with tons of potential and tons of charisma. However, even with his friendly personality and charming demeanor, Jesus got in trouble quite a bit in school for talking and entertaining throughout class. Although his teachers probably didn’t enjoy it, his classmates appreciated his lighthearted attitude during class. With his smarts, charm, and personality, it came as a shock when Jesus decided to drop out of high school and get a GED. What seemed like a mistake to others, became an opportunity for Jesus as he continued to chart his own course through life. That course led to his true love, his ultimate passion in life-his beautiful daughter, Sophia.
Jesus Cervantes III lived a wonderful life full of his own choices and decisions which made his life his own. His life was not like the lives of so many other men of his age; he chose to live differently and passionately even to his last days. Tragically, to the sorrow of Jesus’s family and friends, Jesus took his life on November 10, 2016. Although many might think they know why or the cause of Jesus’s actions, nobody can really know for certain. What is known is that although a beautiful light has gone from this world, its rays still warm those who it touched. Jesus benefited so many lives through his charity. He gave laughter and joy through his many jokes and antics. He gave his family protection and love like one far above his own age. He gave himself to others without asking anything in return. Jesus gave his loved ones determination to mark their own path through life and not rely upon the used map of another. He gave them courage to be different and to love differently.
With his passing, Jesus Cervantes III is survived by his beloved daughter, Sophia Rios; his loving mother, Caroline Arriaga; his devoted father, Jesus Cervantes, Jr.; his endearing sisters, Jessica Arriaga, Alyssa Cervantes, Maria Cervantes, and Mercy Cervantes; and his cherished paternal grandparents, Elvia and Jesus Cervantes. Jesus is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jessie and Janie Fernandez.
Tuesday, November 15th, 2016, 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Hughes Family Tribute Center
Wednesday, November 16th, 2016, 11:00am, Hughes Family Tribute Center
Calvary Hill Cemetery
