Jesse Miranda Bocanegra Obituary

Jesse Miranda Bocanegra was born in Houston, Texas on March 10, 1937, to Ignacio Bocanegra and Maria Miranda. He peacefully entered paradise on January 15, 2025, at the age of 87. Jesse was preceded in death by his bride of 60 years, Dominga Bocanegra, and sons Jesse Bocanegra Jr. and Baby Bocanegra.

He is survived by his loving family:

Son: Daniel [Brenda] Bocanegra, Sr.; Daughters: Diana Bocanegra and Gina Bocanegra; Brother: Ruben Bocanegra; Sisters: Rebecca Olivo, Consuelo Yanez, Elisa Fernandez and Delia Falcon

Grandchildren: Daniel [Jennifer] Bocanegra Jr., Joshua [Diana] Bocanegra, Rebekah [Frankie] Cerda; Jessica [Peter] Lott-Lopata, Donna D. Lott, Travis [Cassie] Lott, Bobby Austin Lott and their father Bobby D. Lott; Ava Rodriguez

Great Grandchildren: Arianna Perez, Julian Bocanegra, McKenzie Lott, Zoey Cerda, Jennifer Hardin, Daniel Bocanegra III, Ridge Lopata, Jordyn Lott, Urijah Bocanegra, Colt Lott, Aleida Rodriguez, Melanie Lott, Elise Cerda, and Eden Cerda

He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Spiritual Heritage and Legacies

Jesse was an honorable man with a profound faith in God.  He was loved and admired deeply by those who had the privilege of being in his presence and witnessing how he maneuvered through life. He was a man who, if he came across a person in need, he was going to help, be it family, friend, or stranger. He has left a lasting impression on both the men and women in his family by being a loyal husband and man of God. Jesse was also known for helping his late wife Dominga care for relatives during their marriage. Dominga said herself many times, “They broke the mold after him.” Dominga’s doctors and nurses often commented on how dedicated Jesse was to her, not ever leaving her side when she was ill.

For most of his life he enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and casting for shrimp and mullets with a variety of family members on a boat, or pier, from the jetty or the shore. He also enjoyed going to the casino with relatives or on a road trip. He always had music playing at home and loved to sing, which he did very well. He would come home after working indoors all day and find something to do, especially outdoors. Jesse was friendly, talkative, and loved to joke. Years after Jesse and Dominga became grandparents, he would often enthusiastically refer to her as “Grandma.” He lived to serve his bride, family, and most of all God.

In his much later years, PawPaw Jesse enjoyed filming videos with his great-granddaughter “Ali” (Aleida), talking to his internet “friends” and making a few internet commercial ads. His charisma shined through on video even while he battled dementia.

It did not take much to please Grandpa Jesse. As long as he had a Dr. Pepper (no ice) and a snack he was satisfied. For birthday or Christmas gifts, a shirt… WITH a pocket or a baseball cap was perfect.

In 2011, he was asked, “What event from history has had the most impact on you personally and why?” His answer was, “The time that I met Jesus because He changed my life by changing my way of thinking.” “What do you consider to be your legacy?” His answer was, “Showing people how to Love and forgive each other unconditionally.”

Jesse along with his late wife, Dominga Bocanegra raised their family based on and motivated by the principles of Love and forgiveness. He was the family’s Spiritual leader and Prayer Warrior and passed on a rich Spiritual legacy that will continue for generations to come.

Master Candy Maker

Jesse was a 3rd generation candymaker. Jesse along with his brother Mike continued in their father’s and grandfather’s candy business with other family members working alongside them as they moved into ownership and became the Master candy makers at La Colmena Mexican Candy Mfg. Co. In the Greater Houston-Galveston-Richmond areas of Texas, many loved La Colmena’s Mexican milk candy popularly known as the “Monterey House Candy.” The candy left a lasting impression on so many, who driven by nostalgia, still search for their favorite childhood treat. Jesse often shared the secret candy ingredient with anyone who asked. The secret is “Love.”

Hispanic Pioneer and Servant

Jesse began working at the Metropolitan Transit Authority in 1974. During his tenure, he was the first Hispanic employed as Dispatcher in Metro history. In addition, he was the first full-time Hispanic employee to hold the positions of Car Starter, Service Supervisor, and Assistant Superintendent of Transportation. He retired in March of 1999 as Assistant Superintendent of Transportation at the Polk facility. Many times at Metro, Jesse was acknowledged for his contributions, ideas, his “Can Do” attitude, and dedication to excellence. Most notably, the City of Houston Mayor’s office expressed their appreciation for Jesse’s “Ten Commandments” for bus operators which was subsequently distributed for all personnel to observe.

Grandpa Jesse will be greatly missed, though his family does not weep without joy! Our hearts are blessed knowing that he has heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

We will see you soon, Grandpa.