Jesse Cantu Jr.
Loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Jesse Cantu Jr. passed away at the age of 85 on December 13, 2024, in his home in Santa Barbara, California.
Jesse was born on April 21, 1939, in New Braunfels, Texas. He was one of ten siblings born to Jesse Sr. and Juanita Cantu. He spent his childhood in Summerland and attended school in Carpinteria. In 1966, he met his then-to-be wife, Jeanie; they married in 1968 and together had three children: Marc, Anthony, and Christine Cantu.
Jesse worked for Mission Linen Industries for 20 years before continuing his career with Santa Barbara County Social Services, where he retired after another 20 years of dedicated service.
A devoted father, Jesse remained actively involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. For over 25 years, he took great pride in watching his granddaughters perform Flamenco every Fiesta. One of his greatest joys was cheering on his grandson at soccer games for the past 13 years.
Jesse also had a lifelong passion for classic cars, enjoying both attending and participating in car shows. He was equally passionate about country-western music, often filling his days listening to his favorite songs. Above all, Jesse’s life was defined by his love and dedication to his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jeanie Cantu; his son, Marc Cantu (Kaye); his daughter, Christine Cantu; his grandchildren, Leandra Perez, Iliana Perez, and Elliott Cantu; and his two great-granddaughters, Florence Morales and Sariyah Dixon.
He is also survived by his sisters, Paulette Ramirez, Mary Meadows (Ron), and Helen Cantu; his brothers, George, Augie, Steve, and Richard Cantu (Becky); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Anthony Cantu; and his sisters, Sarah Perez and Ninfa Chard.
“We love you, Grandpa/Papa!”
– Leandra, Sis, Elliott, Florence, Sariyah, and “Sadee”
Services will be held on Monday, December 23, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church at 10 a.m.