Jesus Sulaica Sr.
Jesus Sulaica Sr., 71, died on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Crystal City, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 2, 1954, in Carrizo Springs to Miguel and Juanita Sulaica.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister San Juana Sulaica.
Jesus is survived by his wife Ana Maria Sulaica and sons Jesus (Diana) Sulaica Jr., Eugenio (Briza) Sulaica, and Julio Angel (Veronica) Sulaica, brothers Rolando Sulaica, Miguel Sulaica Jr., Martin Sulaica, and Hugo Sulaica, grandchildren Nadia Lisa, Bianca Iliana, Analisa Gabryella, Joseph Isaiah, Yazmine Alana (Jordan), Yaneth Ana, Valentino Jesus, and Ana Camila, and great-grandchildren Emory Jenevieve and Ivan Jay.
He earned his Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree, all while raising a family.
He served as a teacher, principal, UIL academic coach and athletic coach in various districts throughout his career, including at Crystal City ISD, Carrizo Springs ISD, La Pryor ISD, and Cotulla ISD.
In his free time, Jesus enjoyed hunting, fishing, and beekeeping—activities that reflected his appreciation of nature. He also built antennas, engineered MORSE code machines for communication, and was an avid carpenter, all possible through his expertise in mathematics. He had a passion for HAM Radios, as he knew they were the only means of communication in disaster situations. He was a proud holder of a HAM Radio Extra Class license, known by his call sign KD5FDP, and valued the connections and service that came with it. He was also a member of the Brackettville “Las Moras HAM Radio Operators’ Club,” and thankful for his Elmer/mentor, John Veach, and his friend, Howard Brenham. He served as a Zavala County CLO for the division of emergency management, as a Radio Officer for Texas State RACES, and as a licensed first responder in emergency situations.
The family expressed their gratitude to Pastors Dino and Loida Espinoza, and Father Gerardo Silos for their prayers, as well as to the staff of the Marmion Cancer Center for their care and support as well as to the hospice care facility and funeral home.
Pallbearers included Jesus Sulaica, Jr., Eugenio Sulaica, Julio Sulaica, Joseph Sulaica, Jordan Lara, Jr., Rey Maldonado, Jr., Miguel Moreno, and Christian Perez. Honorary pallbearers: Jose Hinojosa, Jr., Jesse Aguilar, Jr., Billy Cross, Fernando Rincones, Roland Sulaica, Hugo Sulaica, Jr., Ray Cardona, Jr., Ramiro Navejar, Jr, Eligio (Eloy) Flores IV, and Jose De La Cruz Jr.
