LTC Jesus Mario Perches, M.D., US Army, peacefully passed away on April 25th, 2017 at the age of 81. Dr. Perches was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus Maria Perches Melendez and Amelia Estrada de Perches, his brothers Dr. Hector Manuel Perches and Gustavo Perches Estrada. He was born in Torreon Coahuila, Mexico and is survived by his siblings Beatriz Diaz Conty, Maria del Pilar Perches de Ramirez, Salvador Perches Estrada and Amelia Eladia Perches de Barraza, his loving wife of 28 years, Maria Luisa, his three sons Mario (Elizabeth Vilchis Ramirez), Alejandro and Dr. David Perches and wife Connie, his 21 nephews and nieces and 6 grandchildren.
Dr. Perches graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon Medical School at the age of 24 in 1960 and moved to San Antonio in August of 1962 to begin his Anesthesia practice. In 1969 he answered the call to proudly serve as a Major in the US Army with the 44th Medical Brigade, stationed in Nha Trang, Vietnam. He soon became the field hospital’s Chief of Anesthesia and was promoted to Lt Colonel before being honorably discharged in 1971 and returning home to San Antonio.
He was published in the Journal of American Medical Association. He performed numerous cases at various hospitals throughout San Antonio and had a fondness for pediatric anesthesia, especially if it involved working alongside Dr. Michael Bertino, Dr. Julius F. Marlowe, Dr. Paul Laursen or Dr. John Mumma. He would occasionally be seen carrying his young patients into the operating room to calm them down rather than wheel them in on a gurney. Dr. Perches retired after 39 years of practice in San Antonio.
Unlike many physicians, he didn’t play golf but played racquetball instead. On any Thursday evening or Saturday afternoon he would be seen at Canyon Creek Country Club, Racquetball and Fitness Clubs of San Antonio or at Turtle Creek Country Club. He would often play with Dr. Enrique Galan, Dr. Carlos Serna, Dr. Jose Rebolledo and Dr. Edmundo Rague. He was an avid Spurs fan and season ticket holder for many years and enjoyed driving various sports cars throughout the years.
Celebrating birthdays and special occasions was a blessing at the Perches’ home, especially if it involved his filet mignon or his beef tenderloin shish kabobs. He was definitely a great grillmaster.
The family would like to extend its warmest thanks to Dr. Carlos Perches, Dr. Bruce Brockway and staff at the Kidney Treatment Center, St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital and staff and the staff at VITAS Hospice of San Antonio for their special care of Dr. Perches.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at The Angelus Funeral Home Chapel, 1119 N. St. Mary’s Street followed by a rosary service at 7:00 pm.
Visitation will begin again Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 9:00 am at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 10703 Wurzbach Rd. with a Funeral Mass to be offered at 9:30 am.
Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors. Condolences may be sent at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by: The Angelus Funeral Home, 1119 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, Texas 78215.