Jesse made 88 years because he was a survivor. He escaped death from electrocution from an overhead power line while working as a youth. He then survived an attempt on his life from multiple stab wounds while defending another man.

Born in El Paso, Texas, in 1935 to Saul and Maria Molinar, he was then raised in Juarez, Mexico, by his aunts, uncle and grandfather with his sister Lola until he was 12 years old. He and Lola then joined the rest of his family who had settled in the Spanish Colony in the little town of Johnstown. He worked on many local farms as a migrant worker with the rest of his family growing and harvesting many of the local crops.

Jesse attended Letford Elementary and Johnstown High School then served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Upon returning home, Jesse married and started a wonderful family with his sweetheart, Roberta (Aragon) Molinar, where they raised five children, and a combination of 50 grandchildren.

He worked as a laborer for different employers, then for many years as a meat cutter for Monfort Packing in Greeley. He later worked at the Great Western Sugar Factory in Johnstown for several years. Although he was unable to graduate high school or participate in sports because of the family need to work, he believed in the importance of education. Jesse went on to gain his G.E.D. from Aims Community College in 1980. He was always reading to gain as much knowledge as possible and encouraged his children to be educated. He taught himself the skills of plumbing, electrical and general construction. He then passed those skills onto his children and grandchildren.

Jesse retired after working 20 years of dedicated service for the Weld RE-5J School District as a custodian at Milliken Elementary School, Letford Elementary School and Roosevelt High School. He worked hard to support the staff and all the students.

He led a life of hard work and service to his family and community. He developed and coached a youth baseball program with funds from a personal loan to pay for the baseball equipment. He volunteered as an interpreter for the Weld District Attorney’s Office.

Jesse took pleasure in raising his family with Roberta. They were very dedicated parents and taught them how to work hard, serve others, and love unconditionally.

He was always taking photos of all his children’s sporting events, taking them on family road trips throughout Colorado and other parts of the country. He always wanted his children to have a better life than he had.

He became involved in local government while serving as the last president of the Spanish Colony, where he managed the South Johnstown water and sewer utilities for each home. He later served on the Johnstown Town Council for 12 years. He assisted in annexing The Colony into the town limits of Johnstown, served as Police Commissioner, and was part of some of the early decisions for smart growth of his proud hometown where a street has been named after him.

He is preceded in death by his caring wife, Roberta; parents, Saul and Maria Molinar; sisters, Frances ‘Kika’ Velasquez and Lola Figueroa; brothers, Encarnacion (Chonito) Molinar, Saul Molinar and Arthur Molinar; his father-inlaw, Joe Aragon; and motherin- law, Adela Aragon.

Jesse leaves a legacy of many, including his children, Randy (Lorraine) Molinar, Elizabeth ‘Cha’ Molinar, Judy (Ariel) Morales, Robert Molinar and Jesse Molinar Jr.; sisters, Alice Vigil (Anthony), Dora (Archie) Quintana and Hope Molinar; 17 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and friends.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. August 31 at Grace Community Church in Johnstown. Inurnment to follow at the Johnstown Cemetery. Reception to follow at Grace Community Church.