Jesus S. Avila

Jesus “Jesse” Silvas Avila, passed on, on December 27, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Jessica Marina Avila, his parents Aurelio and Eulojia Avila, brothers Jose and Gilbert Avila and sister Matilde Ramirez.
He is survived by his Queen of 60 years, Ophelia Avila, his children Belinda Avila, Javier Avila and Amanda Avila, eight grandchildren Javier “Jaime” Avila, Jr. (Monica) , Olivia Kristin (Aaron) Gutierrez, Justin Avila, Randy Lee Avila Parker, Christopher Sanchez (Elizabeth), John Robert Sanchez, Andrew Sanchez and Jonah Avila, along with his six great grandchildren, Arabella Annalise Poland, London Fox Gutierrez, Idris Stone Gutierrez, Javier Jaime “Tres” III, Olivia Rain Sanchez and Unicorn Sky Salinas Parker. Sisters and brothers Angelina (Chito) Mora, Elena Villarreal, Carmen Villarreal, Carlos Avila, Amelia Avila, Ramiro (Lina) Avila and Consuelo Avila and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jesse served in the U S. Air Force. He was a 4th Decree Knight with the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Knights Council 8717, retired tugboat captain from Brown & Root, and retired aircraft mechanic from Corpus Christi Army Depot. He also served his civic duty as a City of Gregory Councilman and San Patricio County Commissioner.

He was known to many as “El Capitan” not only from his career but also for his love of the water. He was the happiest being out on the water, enjoying fishing, watching sunrises and sunsets from the bow of his boat with the salt air on his face. He had an adventurous spirit for exploring, traveling, and experiencing different cultures and traveled to numerous countries.

But to his wife he was her Hero, to his children he was the most wonderful Dad that ever lived and a most beloved grandfather and great-grandfather.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Monday, January 3, 2022 at Winsteads’ Funeral Home in Portland, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM that same evening. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 AM Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gregory. Interment will follow at 11:00 AM at the Coastal Bend State Veteran’s Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The Avila family would like to thank the Doctor's nurses and staff at Doctor's Regional Hospital for taking excellent care of our beloved Captain. God bless every one of you and keep you safe.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564  

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund.