Jose Maximino Ortega (6/8/42 – 9/15/23)
Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, godfather, and friend; Sacramento resident since 1964; devoted parish member of Our Lady of Guadalupe church, and 50-year member of Operating Engineers of Local Union #3.
Jose Maximino Ortega, age 81, of Sacramento California, passed away and has entered his eternal home on September 15, 2023.
He was born in Edcouch, Texas on June 8, 1942 to Raymundo Ortega Lira of San Felipe, Guanajuato and Belen Garcia Carreon of Matamoros, Tamaulipas.
He spent his childhood in Matamoros, Tamaulipas and Brownsville, Texas working alongside his father farming and harvesting in several southern states until he came to California.
Jose (Max) met the love of his life, Maria de Jesus (Jessie) in 1964 while working at a potato packing company in Sacramento, CA. They were introduced by his cousin Lola Martinez Villegas, and they both enjoyed going to the movies, dances, and parties. They were married on July 9, 1965 at city hall in Fair Oaks, California. They later renewed their vows on their 25th, 40th and 50th wedding anniversary with a catholic mass and ceremony.
As a young couple, they moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho in 1965. They quickly started a family with the birth of their oldest son Juan Gabriel (Johnny), followed by their oldest daughter Rosio (Rosie). Missing the warm California weather and their families, they moved back to Sacramento, CA in 1969. Their family grew with the birth of their youngest daughter Angelica (Angie) and their youngest son Jose Maximino Jr (Mickey).
Jose (Max) valued education and earned his high school diploma from Fremont Adult Education Center, while working full time. He also helped his younger siblings with their educational costs and supported his children and grandchildren pursue their educational aspirations.
He became a member of Operating Engineers of Local Union #3 in August of 1973, where he frequently attended union meetings and recently received recognition for being a union member for 50 years. He worked at R.M.C Lone Star Mining Company in Rancho Cordova as a welder and heavy machinery mechanic from 1978 until his retirement in 1996.
Jose and Jessie raised their children in the Lawrence Park/Fruitridge neighborhood. They attended church at Our Lady of Guadalupe and enjoyed spending time with their extended families. Jose had a spontaneous spirit and would often pack up the family for road trips to visit family, go camping, or visit theme parks. The Ortega’s loved celebrating, every birthday included plenty of food, music, and dancing.
Their family soon grew with the marriages of their children; Johnny married Serina Mosqueda, Rosie married Jorge Luis Escobar, Angie married Todd Lewis; and Jose Jr (Mickey) married Alicia Carrasco.
Jose and Jessie loved being grandparents; from oldest to youngest; Jorge Luis Jr, Mikayla Ann, Mariah Lynn, Justin Ortega, Helena Naomi, Isaac Damon, Jessica Renee, and Elias Cruz. They frequently attended their grandkids school functions and sporting events. Grandpa proudly cheered on his grandkids from the bleachers and side lines.
Jose (Max) loved music, especially if it included an accordion. He listened to Corrido’s and Norteño music, some of his favorite groups being Ramon Ayala and Los Bravos del Norte, Los Cadetes de Linares, and Los Tigre’s del Norte. He also enjoyed watching television and going to the movies, especially westerns and action films. He also loved reading John Grisham and other stories about lawyers and court cases.
Jose (Max) was very generous to not only his family and friends, but also his church and many other charities. He had several hobbies that he enjoyed. He was a member of a CB Radio Club, participated in the Mall Walks at Florin Center before it closed, loved word search puzzles, enjoyed breakfast with friends and family at Marie Calendars, and attended bible studies. He enjoyed watching professional boxing, baseball, football, and soccer. He loved watching Novela’s, but you had to make sure not to call when his favorites were on or else you wouldn’t have his attention. He presented himself as loud, stubborn, and tough, but we all knew that he was loving, giving, and a big softie when it came to his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Jose (Max) is survived by his wife of 58 years Jessie Ortega, his 4 children Johnny (Serina) Ortega, Rosie (Jorge) Escobar, Angie (Todd) Lewis, Jose Jr (Alicia) Ortega; his 8 grandchildren Jorge Jr, Mikayla, Mariah, Justin, Helena, Isaac, Jessica, and Elias; his 7 siblings Bardomiano (Tito), Antonio (Tonio), Delia, Leandro (Chino), Jose Manual (Charrin), Maria Del Refugio (Nena), and Miguel.
Jose (Max) was preceded in death by his parents Raymundo and Belen, his siblings Tranquilino (Lino), Emilia, Jose Reymundo (Pepe), and Adela (Blanca) and several uncles, aunts, and cousins.
