Obituary of Jess Philip Vasquez

Jess “Chuy” Philip Vasquez, 84, of Santa Barbara passed away, peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 27, 2018.  He’s survived by his wife of 58 years Lorraine Frances Vasquez (Morelli), his children Jesus B. Vasquez, Araceli L. Vasquez (Ramon), and his grandchildren Alexander and Micaela Ortega. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Dolores Vasquez, and his sister Louise V. Osuna.  Jess’s surviving siblings are Katy Meraz (Richard), Rudy, Sally and Ralph Vasquez. 

Jess grew up in Santa Barbara he graduated from Santa Barbara High School.  In the 1960’s he worked for The Copper Coffee Pot Restaurant.  In the 1970’s he opened La Jicora Restaurant in Isla Vista.  He owned and operated La Jicora for 20 plus years.  Several of Jess’s family members worked at the restaurant Jesus B. Vasquez, Judy Castaneda, Daniel Osuna, Carol Osuna, Christine Blaney, and Luis Lopez (deceased).  Jess enjoyed cooking and making sure his customers enjoyed his legendary Chili Verde and Chile Colorado dishes.   He enjoyed serving delicious Mexican food and he loved talking to his customers. 

After he sold his restaurant business in 1992, he began working for Santa Barbara School District at Franklin School he enjoyed working with the staff in the cafeteria.   After retiring from the Santa Barbara School District, he worked as a security guard for Pinkerton and Mission Security. 

We will definitely miss our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, but know he’s begun his next journey in paradise. 

Rosary will be held at 7 pm on Thursday, January 10 at McDermott-Crockett and mass will be held at 10 am on Friday, January 11 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary.