Jesse (Jesus) Hernandez

Jesse (Jesus) Hernandez, 49, of Twin Falls, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004, at home with his family by his side.

This past year, Jesse has fought the most inspirational and courageous battle of cancer. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, on Feb. 13, 1954. He is the son of Fernando and Olivia Hernandez, the first born of seven children.

Jesse attended Twin Falls High School and graduated in 1974. He furthered his education by attending Boise State University for one year and has continuously taken courses offered at the College of Southern Idaho. Throughout Jesse's career he also obtained several certifications, State of Idaho Insurance license, and nationally certified in risk management consulting. Jesse spent most of his life in the Twin Falls area. He worked as a B.L.M. firefighter, owned JCP (Jesse's Concrete Placement), he was a dedicated employee for 13 years at the Twin Falls City Water Department, and worked for PAULA Insurance. In this last year he obtained his dream job with the Idaho State Insurance Fund working as a Risk Management Consultant. Wherever Jesse worked he made many lifelong friends. While water skiing on a hot summer day, Jesse laid eyes on the women he declared he would marry, Kim Breeding. On Aug. 6, 1978, they were married and have shown an enduring love and compassion for one another over the past 28 years. This year they were given the opportunity to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary by fulfilling a life long desired trip to go fishing in Alaska. On July 18, 1979, they were blessed with their only child Lacie. She was the apple of his eye and through her accomplishments has made him a very proud father. Jesse valued working with kids and helping in the community. He spent time developing a Southern Idaho Baseball league through Idaho Migrant Council. On the weekends he refereed for the Twin Falls Recreation Department in youth basketball, and high school basketball. In his most treasured sport, golf, he helped send students to various tournaments and clinics throughout the United States, provided scholarship donations and his time to anyone who wanted to learn. Jesse enjoyed the outdoors more than anything, his favorite activities were hunting, camping, fishing and golf. He loved tying his own flies to catch Steelhead on the Salmon River. His competitive nature surfaced while playing golf with his buddies and participating in many tournaments. Recently he was honored and deeply touched by friends who surprised him with a dedication party of "Jesse's Pond" on the number 4 hole at Twin Falls Municipal Golf Course.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Kim; daughter, Lacie Goitiandia (Joe); his brothers, Fernando Jr., Johnny (Mary Ann), and Marty; sisters, Rosa (Danny) Paiz, and Cynthia (George) Salinas; grandmother, Maria Galvan. He also has an extended family of many uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Olivia Maria; grandfathers; and grandmother.