Jose Rojas

Jose Rojas – January 13, 1933 – 2026

Jose Rojas, a beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend, passed away peacefully on May 3rd, 2026, of natural causes at his home in Escondido, California. Born on January 13, 1933, in Las Canoas, Michoacán, Mexico, Jose lived a full and remarkable life shaped by courage, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to his family. As a young man, Jose came to the United States in the late 1950s as a bracero, working the fields and building a foundation for the life he envisioned. Bakersfield, 
California, is where he first made his home when he emigrated permanently in 1961 and, in the decades that followed, he planted deep roots in his adopted country. In 1971, he moved his family to north San Diego County and continued operating milking machines, this time, at Golden Arrow Dairy. In the mid-1980s, he proudly became a United States citizen, a milestone that meant the world to him and his family. Through it all, he never forgot where he came from, and until his health prevented it, he loved traveling back to his hometown in Mexico. Jose was married to the love of his life, Zenaida Rojas, for 66 years, and together they raised a family of six children. As a young father, he was actively involved in his church. He participated in marches during the mid to late 1960s to improve conditions for farm workers, standing up for the dignity of those who had labored alongside him. Those who knew Jose knew a man with a strong work ethic, a great sense of humor, and an extraordinary ability to make friends wherever he went. He had a habit of giving nicknames to the people he met, a trademark that always brought laughter and warmth. He loved family gatherings filled with music, especially the songs of Cornelio Reyna, Vicente Fernández, and many other beloved artists. He was also a man of deep curiosity who loved keeping up with current events, learning history, and studying maps, which endlessly fascinated him. Jose is survived by his wife, Zenaida Rojas; his daughters, Sally(Jeff) Duran, Maria (Chris) Baker, and Leticia Lopez; his sons, Jose L. Rojas and Johnny Rojas and his son-in-law, Jaime Romero, widower of his late daughter, Alicia Romero. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, extended family members, and friends whose lives he touched with his kindness and spirit. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15th, at St. Mary’s in Escondido. Burial will follow immediately at Eternal Hills in Oceanside, California. We are profoundly grateful for the privilege of having him with us for so many years, and we will hold him in our hearts forever.