On the 14 ^th of January, 2021, God called upon another one of his Angels – Jesus Juan Estrada, 'Jesse' of Blanco, Texas.  Born to Raymundo and Maria Elena, nee Sanchez, Estrada on Christmas Eve, 1959, in Laredo, Texas, Jesse was loved by all who came to know him.  Jesse lost his Dad at the young age of five, and his Mom took on both parental roles for him and his eight siblings.  With strong encouragement from his Mom, 'Chilo' as he was known to family and friends from Laredo, excelled in the Laredo Martin High School Band as a Co-Drum Major.  He played baritone saxophone and won the competition to play in the Texas All-Stater Symphonic Band in 1978.  Just after graduating High School, Chilo joined the United States Army as a Crypto Teletype Radio Operator.

Once he completed his military service, he went on to pursue his career in the auto industry after being offered an opportunity with Paul Young Auto Group.  Chilo excelled as a salesman and worked his way up to President, Easy Auto Credit at the young age of 23.  While Chilo was always looking to excel further, he relocated to San Antonio, Texas where he received numerous "Salesman of the Month" awards; and worked for many years as a Sales Director at Northside Dodge, where he led his team to top honors on several occasions.

In 2001, as a single Dad, Jesse met Kathleen 'Kathie' Bowman at St. Matthew Catholic Church at their Singles Group.  Kathie was impressed by his impeccable dress and spotless shoes and asked him if she could come by his business later to look at a car.  Jesse made her a great deal on the car, but Kathie acted too late and someone else purchased it out from under her.  She asked Jesse to find her another car, but instead he asked her out which led to their wedding two years later in Kathie's family church in Fairfield, KY on July 5, 2003.   The couple were active members of St. Brigid Catholic Church, where both volunteered in the Performing Arts Ministry.  Jesse stole the show in one Christmas performance as St. Michael, the Archangel, with a performance of "Worthy of More" sang to the Baby Jesus.  Jesse loved to sing and was remembered for his performances of "The Star Spangled Banner" and for singing "Ave Maria" to both their mothers at their Wedding Mass.  He was also the first in line at any Karaoke Competition.

Jesse joined Kathie, an officer in the United States Air Force, at Scott AFB, Illinois in 2004 where they lived for three years and where Jesse continued to win sales awards.  They returned to San Antonio and retired from the military in 2007.  Jesse continued in auto sales until retiring in 2011.  They remained active at St. Brigid, especially in the Lector Group.

In 2015, Jesse and Kathie, began building their dream home in Blanco, Texas, moving out of the "big city."  They both loved the rural feel combined with the small town friendliness of everyone they met in Blanco.

Jesse had a zeal for life, often saying, "I shake hands for a living."  He thanked God daily for the beautiful day before him.  He loved his children and grandchildren with his whole heart.  He never passed up anyone in need, providing strangers with a few dollars, a bite to eat, and always a few moments of kind words.  He was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and there was never a quiet Sunday at the Estrada household during football season.

Chilo will be joined in Heaven by his father, Raymundo, Sr.; mother, Maria Elena; brother, Jose; and granddaughter, Noelle A. Sotelo.  He is survived by his loving wife, Kathie.  He is also survived by his former spouse, Norma A. Estrada, mother of Son, Jesus J. Estrada, Jr. (J.R.); Daughter, Jessica M. Aguilar and husband, Michael A. Aguilar; and Daughter Crystal A. Estrada and Life Partner Nicolas I. Sotelo, in addition to three grandchildren: Noah, Nolan, and Nixon as well as two step grandchildren: Astrid and Anakin.  He leaves behind three sisters: Dolores (Howard) Ueckert, Ana and Martha Bernal along with four brothers: Raymundo, Jr. (Mary Jo); Francisco (Gaby); Hector; and Antonio (Esthella).

A Rosary will be held on Sunday, January 24 at 5 pm at Crofts-Crow Funeral Home.  Catholic Mass will be said for the repose of Jesse's soul at 11:00 am, Monday, January 25 at St. Ferdinand followed by a gathering in the Parish Gathering Room.  Military Honors and Graveside Service will be held at a later date to be announced.