Jesus Leija

Jesus Sebastian Leija

December 24, 1933-May 10, 2019

Mr. Jesus Sebastian Leija, 85, entered into eternal rest on Friday, May 10, 2019.

Mr. Leija was a native of Laredo who attended Martin High School before joining the United States Army during the Korean War. He was amongst the first Special Forces teams in 1952 and trained and served as the units Medic. His service in the Special Forces included airborne operations, counter-insurgency, foreign internal defense, intelligence operations, mobility operations and unconventional warfare. His missions included Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. After his military service, Mr. Leija worked for the Postal Service for 25 years and retired as an administrator. In his retired years Mr. Leija and his wife Isaura travelled extensively and occupied their time in investments and real estate. He loved to read and particularly enjoyed American authors such as Hemmingway and Steinbeck, but was also well versed in Shakespeare, World History and politics.

Jesus Leija was preceded in death by his parents, Abram and Maria Leija, his sister Lucila Garza, his wife Isaura Leija, and his son Jesus Alberto Leija.

He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Leija-Hughes, and his grandchildren Nora and Carlos Hughes, and Nathan and Abram Leija. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, which he loved dearly. Throughout his life, he was a leader, a Christian and an inspiration to many. He was a soldier to the very end and was surrounded by family and love at his passing. He will be deeply missed by his family. May he rest in peace.

The family will be receiving condolences on Wednesday, evening, May 15, 2019 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday morning, May 16, 2019, departing at 8:40 a.m. from Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels to St. Joseph Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956)722-0001.