Dr. Jesus Garcia Benavides of Houston, TX, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at the age of 68, after a 15-year battle with cancer. Jesse was born on December 18, 1951, in San Antonio, TX, to parents Antonio Ortiz Benavides and Petra Garcia Benavides of Devine, TX.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother, Guadalupe Garcia Benavides, and his nephew, David Daniel Benavides.
Jesse is survived by his brother, Antonio Benavides, Jr., and his two sisters and their spouses: Marcella Benavides Alexander and husband Gerald and Petra Benavides Schwartz and husband Brian. Jesse is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Valdez Benavides; his niece, Vanessa Veronica Benavides; his two nephews and their spouses: Guadalupe Benavides, Jr., and wife Yesenia and John Joseph Benavides and wife Brandee; and three great-nephews (Dosmyl, Issac, and Marcos) and five great-nieces (Daniela, Bella, Vanessa, Adrina, and Evelyn).
After his Devine High School graduation in 1970, Jesse attended North Texas State University in Denton, TX, for two years and then transferred to The University of Houston in Houston, TX, where he obtained his doctor’s degree in optometry. He set up a small optometry practice in Houston and developed a steady and loyal clientele over the next 44 years. He liked to say that he had often examined three generations of patients from several families.
Jesse traveled extensively throughout the world, but he always returned to Devine several times a year to visit family. In spite of his medical problems, he was always courageous and loving and had a warm smile for everyone. He was generous and loyal, and he never forgot where he was raised.
The family would like to thank Mr. Don Dark for his friendship and care. We would also like to thank Ms. Isabel Ordonez for her loyalty and support. In addition, we would like to thank the Houston Hospice staff and nurses (Paige, Rebecca, and Heather). The family would especially like to thank family and friends for their texts, calls, and cards to Jesse — he was always so happy to know you were thinking of him.
A graveside service will be held in the near future. A Celebration of Life is also being planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jesse’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.