Jessie Reese Garcia was born on October 8, 1968, in San Miguel, NM, as the eighth child of Alfredo and Lucy Garcia. He passed away unexpectedly at his residence on September 29, 2025.
Jessie spent his formative years in both San Miguel, NM, and Antonito, CO. He pursued studies in automotive mechanics in Utah through Job Corps and began his career specializing in mechanics. Jessie held a position as a Heavy Equipment Operator with Southway Construction LLC.
Following several years residing in New Mexico and Colorado, he eventually settled in Antonito, CO, where he dedicated many years to working as a miner for Imerys Perlite, formerly HarbourlightMine.
Upon retirement, Jessie continued to pursue his interests in rock hunting, welding, mechanical work, bracket making, spending time with family, camping, and community engagement.
Jessie spent much of his free time in San Miguel, appreciating the mountains connected to his family heritage. His legacy includes the care and consideration he showed to people throughout his life. Accounts exist of Jessie's helpfulness to both acquaintances and strangers. He was noted for his distinctive laugh.
Jessie often welcomed relatives and friends into his home, offering an open space for conversation or refreshments. In his later years, Jessie embraced life while working through physical limitations by, continuing to travel around town and San Miguel.
Jessie was married for several years to Christina Padilla, and together they welcomed a daughter, Lil Jessie Garcia (“Bug”). He valued his role as a provider and was dedicated to supporting his family. He had a close relationship with Lil Jessie and unmeasurable affection for his grandbaby Adelilah Martinez. He loved his daughter and granddaughter unconditionally.
Jessie will live on through his daughter Jessie Garcia, son-in-law Antony Martinez, and granddaughter Adelilah Martinez of Albuquerque, NM; former spouse Christina Padilla of Utah; sisters Pauline (Ernest) Martinez of San Antonio, CO; Veronica (Clarence) Barela of Antonito, CO; brothers Dean (Felisa) Garcia, Patrick Garcia, and Mark Garcia all of San Rafael, COand Phillip (Theresa) Trujillo of Antonito, CO. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jessie was preceded in death by his parents Alfredo and Lucy Garcia, nephew Jonathan Barela, brother Octaviano Garcia, bother Carlo (Angelo) Garcia, and sister Donna Mae Garcia.
Jessie was cremated, and family will bring him home. Services are planned for Spring/Summer 2026. The care of arrangements have been lovingly provided by Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa.
