Jesus Rojas 72, Calexico

May 10, 1945 - July 5, 2017

Jesus F. Rojas of Calexico, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born May 10, 1945 in Silver City, New Mexico. Jesus attended Western New Mexico University and graduated in 1968 with a B.A. in P.E. and History. Later, he earned an M.A. in Teaching. On December 21, 1968 he married Yolanda Torrez. They settled in Calexico in 1969 where he began his career with the Calexico Unified School District. He began teaching P.E. at Calexico High School, then transferred to teach at Rockwood Elementary School. Later he was assistant principal of De Anza Jr. High, principal of Dool Elementary School and ended his career teaching at Kennedy Gardens Elementary School. He retired after 38 years of service. During this time he also coached Cross-Country and track and field for 25 years at Calexico High School. Coaching/running was his passion. He was selected Coach of the year in 1974 and in 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Yolanda; daughters, Christina Rojas-Troncoso (Nelson) and Diana Rojas-Everett (Heather); grandchildren, Angel and Christal Troncoso and Makoa Everett, brother Albert Rojas and mother-in-law, Anita Torrez.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Lou Gonzalez, and father-in-law, Lorenzo Torrez.

Burial was held on July 17, 2017 at Memory Lane Cemetery in Silver City, New Mexico. A Memorial will be held on August 4, 2017 at the Carl Varner Gymnasium in Calexico.

Donations may be made to the Jesus F. Rojas Runners’ Scholarship through the Calexico Education Scholarship Fund at 901 Andrade Ave., Calexico.