Jesse Farias

Jesse Farias, age 78, passed away peacefully Thursday Dec. 14th, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Jesse was born to Aurora Valdez in Yakima, WA on January 18th, 1945. He grew up in Wapato with his 12 siblings in an area lovingly known as Tortilla Flats. The family traveled throughout Washington working in the fields and orchards harvesting fruits and vegetables. He often spoke of the hard work they all did, but never regretted it, as it helped create his strong work ethic. He passed that trait onto his children and grandchildren. He enlisted into the US Army after graduating from Wapato High school in 1963. Jesse left for a year tour in Korea and when he returned to the states, he married Annee Gonzales in 1965. He re-enlisted and changed jobs from Supply Specialist to Infantryman and volunteered to serve in the Vietnam War. While serving in Vietnam Jesse was injured by a landmine, losing his legs on June 6th, 1967. Jesse received a Purple Heart and was medically discharged from the military after 5 years of service to his country. After recovering from his injuries, Jesse started his public service career with the Washington State Employment Security Department. Jesse and Annee then began their family, welcoming their sons Pat in 1970 and Chuy in 1972. Jesse continued to work his way up in the Employment Security Department, while also furthering his education. He attended Yakima Valley CC where he was active in the M.E.C.H.A club. He then graduated with Bachelors in Sociology from Central Washington University in 1973. The family finally settled back into the Valley and then had their only daughter Lucy in 1974. In 1989, Gov. Booth Gardner appointed Jesse as the Director of Veterans Affairs. Gov Gardner was so impressed with Jesse’s dedication to serve that he was chosen to attend the JFK Governmental School of Affairs at Harvard University. Jesse completed his term as Director of the VA 1993, and returned to the Employment Security Department, where he finally retired after 23 years. In 1997, he was appointed by Gov. Gary Locke as a member of the state Liquor Control Board. Finally returning home to Wapato 1999 he turned his focus on local politics and was elected to the Wapato City Council in 2000. After serving 1 year he then was elected as Mayor of Wapato and served for 12 years. Jesse then took a brief retirement before deciding to return to Wapato City Council for an additional term. During his tenure he helped improve Wapato in many ways including creating the Annual Tamale festival in 2004, helping raise funds for the local Veterans Memorial, and many other local improvements. His leadership was acknowledged by the renaming of a road in his honor. His influence and energy helped create and raise funds for many memorials. He was an active member of the American Legion #133 and VFW, and enjoyed attending the Veterans Day Parade and celebrations at the Korean-Vietnam Memorial at Sarg Hubbard Park where he connected with other veterans and offered his knowledge of the VA system to help them in any way. Jesse was a firm believer in remembering where he came from and the importance of family. He did not let the loss of his legs stop him from anything and enjoyed many activities such as bowling, teaching his kids how to fish, camping and coaching men’s and women’s softball. He loved spending time with his family, watching old westerns, browsing estate sales, refinishing antiques, and spoiling his grandkids and great grandkids. Jesse is preceded in death by his mother Aurora Valdez and stepfather Arnulfo Valdez, his siblings Louise Farias, Mario Valdez, Stevie Valdez, Jackie Valdez and Pedro Acevez. He is survived by Annee Farias; his children Pat (Eva), Chuy (Carrie) and Lucy Farias; his siblings Toni Farias, Chepe Valdez, Clyde Valdez, Ofelia Mcconville, Carmen Seagrove, Dolores Capetillo, Juana Valdez, and Rosie Estrada; his grandchildren Sergeant First Class Jesse Farias (Tori), Marisa Arellano (Adam), Leticia Farias (Andy), Isabel Arellano (Jessica), Diego Farias (Malia), Jaelynn Farias, Alex and Courtney Farias; his great grandchildren Noah Vargas and Harrison Farias; and many other relatives. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jesse Farias, please visit our flower store.