Jared G. Valdez

Weslaco: Jared "Jerry" G. Valdez, 61, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2023, in the early morning, surrounded by his loving family at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco. Jerry had suffered from poor health for many years, ultimately resulting in his untimely death. However, Jerry never complained. Instead, he was always happy and thankful for the time God gave him on Earth.

Jerry was born in San Antonio, TX, on June 14, 1961, the second child of John and Maria Elizabeth Valdez. The family made Weslaco their home when Jerry was only six years old. Jerry spent his childhood and teenage years in Weslaco. While attending Weslaco High School, Jerry was actively involved in the band. He was a member of the orchestra and jazz band and a crew leader for activities that involved loading and unloading the band instruments and props. Jerry was also a competitive member of the PASF (Pan American Student Forum), a club that competed in singing, poetry, mariachi music, folkloric dancing, etc., district and statewide.

Jerry graduated from Weslaco High School and joined the United States Army, serving as a Medical Supply Specialist for nearly six years. After being honorably discharged, Jerry moved to San Antonio and started work in manufacturing, warehousing, and auto parts before breaking into real-estate. Real estate was a perfect fit for Jerry's outgoing personality. He later moved to Utah, where he continued his real estate career. He also married and had a daughter, Leslie Valdez, whom he adored.

Jerry eventually made his way back home, to Weslaco, in 2016. He went to work as a dispatcher for Valley Metro and met his current wife, Gricelda Ruiz-Gonzalez.

Once Jerry was home, he was determined to make up much-needed time with family and friends. Jerry had a way of making everyone he touched feel special. For this reason, many of his childhood and teenage friends were lifelong. He and his siblings remained close, and even when Jerry was at his lowest point health-wise, he continued to light up the room with his charm and wit.

Jerry's love for music was life-long. He played in a few Mariachi bands and always had music playing in the house. In addition, he constantly tried to educate his daughter and wife on "classic rock," a gem in the music industry.

Jerry's mother raised him with love and compassion. His father raised him with logic and strength. These traits shaped Jerry into a devoted husband, dad, brother, and friend to all who knew him.

Jerry's faith never wavered. He provided spiritual guidance for his family and gave a final blessing to his youngest grandson before he passed.

Jerry was preceded in death by his Tia Josefina Casaras-Alba, his Tio Benito Casares, his Grandmother Elpidia Guerrero, and Grandparents Adolfo & Maria Valdez, all of which welcomed him home.

He is survived by his wife, Gricelda, and his daughters, Leslie Ann, Mayra (Martín), and Miriam (Arturo); his parents, John and Maria Elizabeth Valdez; his brothers, David Valdez & wife Julie, Steven Valdez & wife Walky, his sisters Clarissa Valdez and Jenny Poarch Gagnon, as well as his nieces (Lizette Valdez, Lauren Valdez, Miranda Poarch Sutton, and Jessica Castilleja Dunn), nephews (Jed Valdez, Joshua Valdez, John Castilleja, Julio Castilleja, Jordan Valdez, Noah Poarch, and David Valdez), and his eight grandchildren. (Lizette, Dominik, Victoria, Luis-Martin, Alex, Angel, and Dylan).

Jerry will be forever missed and loved. He left behind a large family who all had their lives impacted by him somehow.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 7th, 10 am-9 pm. Funeral service will be Wednesday, 11 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ

Latter-day Saints in Weslaco, followed by burial at the Rio Grande Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Serving as pallbearers will be

Oscar Benito Cásares, Isaac Alberto Cásares, Kody Albert Estes, James Ayden Estes, Oscar Bennett Estes, Jordon Lee Valdez,  and Martin Ramirez Vasquez.