Jose de Jesus Mariscal

August 10, 1937 – April 2, 2010.

Jose de Jesus Mariscal, (Chuy) went to be with our Lord April 2, 2010 (Good Friday) at Buena Vista Care Center where he had been a resident for the past four and a half years.

He was one of seven children born to Manuel and Francisca Mariscal on August 10, 1937 in Mascota, Jalisco, Mexico, where he lived with his family who farmed by day and played music by night. In 1963 he immigrated to the United States.

Chuy had a very eventful life. He was a survivor of a near fatal car accident in 1965 were he over came unrealistic obstacles. After his accident at the age of 28 he perfected the of art of playing the violin and earned his living as a Mariachi for the rest of working life. He had a beautiful singing voice. In 1987 Chuy formed and was leader of the local group “Mariachi Santa Barbara“ and was very respected among the “Mariachi community”. Among the highlights of his career, he had the privilege to meet and play for former President Ronald Reagan and Mikail Gorbachov to name a few.

Chuy is survived by his beloved wife of twenty six years, Elena W. Mariscal, and seven step-children and their families. He leaves behind his sister Petra Jimenez and her son Manuel Jimenez of San Diego, California. In Mascota he leaves his mother, Francisca of ninety-eight years of age and his sisters Carmen, Rosa, Ramona, Maria, and Ines and their families.

Elena was with her Chuy until his last moment. She was always by his side, and was a constant presence at Buena Vista Care Center. Chuy will be missed by many. He had contagious laughter and a wicked sense of humor. The family is very grateful to the many caregivers at Buena Vista for their kind and loving care and takes solace knowing that he is with our Lord and at peace. “Que Dios te Bendiga Chuy, no es adios pero hasta pronto“.