Ignacio Cruz Jimenez, age 86, passed away peacefully at his Riverside home of 52 years with his family at his side on June 6, 2012.

Known to his friends and family as “Nash” or “Nacho”; Ignacio was born in Santa Paula, CA. to Elias and Librada Jiménez on July 28, 1925. He had 5 brothers and sisters: Petra (Mary), John, Manuel, Socorro and Elias. Because he had to work to help support his family during the great depression, he was only able to complete his schooling through the 3rd grade.

While his family traveled back and forth between Mexico and California, they settled in Los Angeles, CA. He worked in the farming and citrus industries with his brothers, John and Manuel. He served in the United States Army at the rank of Private First Class in 1944. In 1945, he was honorably discharged.

Once discharged, he found work in the construction industry where he joined the International Labor Union as a pipe fitter. He met and married his first wife Isaura “Chawa” Espinoza in 1948, and started their family in Goleta, CA; they were married for 12 years.

He was involved in “Jalopy” racing and was a pioneer who: designed, welded, painted and built the major parts of his race car. He was a successful driver and won awards from Santa Maria to Gardena. He also was the winning coach of the Goleta Boy’s Club Little League Baseball Team and won the Championship game against the Santa Barbara Boy’s Club.

After his divorce he moved to Salton Sea, CA, then to Fontana, CA. He ultimately purchased his home in 1961 in Riverside, CA, where he lived for 52 years. His children were separated during the transition time, but came back together when the house was purchased.

Ignacio worked with the International Labor Union 1184 on many projects in the Riverside community including City Hall, The Galleria at Tyler, and Riverside County Building. He retired in 1977 after working over 25 years for the union. While in Riverside he coached and supported his children who were active in athletics at Norte Vista High School; and he was very proud that all his children graduated with a high school diploma.

In 1983 he met Ofelia in Lake Elsinore, CA. with her five children whom he decided to help raise. In March of 1984 Ofelia had their last baby girl, Antonia (Toni). He had a passion for raising Gallos (roosters) in his back yard, enjoyed being involved with the Spanish-speaking Ministry at Harvest Christian Fellowship Church where he played guitar.

Ignacio enjoyed visiting Aguascalientes during the “Feria Nacional de San Marcos, la Feria de México, in April and May. He loved everything the festival offered while visiting his brother-in-law Adolfo.

He is survived by his beloved wife Ofelia to whom he was happily married to for 29 years. He has eight children from his first marriage; sons Ignacio II of Goleta, CA, Robert (Chris) of Colorado Springs, CO, John (Pina) of Zug, Switzerland, Steve of Santa Barbara, CA, Frank (Carol) of Perris, CA, Victor (Debbie) of Atascadero, CA, Gilbert (Linda) of Moreno Valley, CA, and daughter Renee of Riverside, CA; and 1 daughter with his wife Ofelia, Antonia of San Bernardino, CA.

He has 1 surviving sister, Socorro (Elias) Moreno of Goleta, CA., and 6 half brothers and 6 half sisters, Juan, Maria, Elias, Manuel, Jacinto, Jose Luis, Rosa, Josefina, Yolanda, Alejandra, Virginia, and Alberto.

Ignacio also has 50 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Ignacio will be remembered most for his love of his family, his boundless energy, his laughter and love of life.

The viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 13 from 4pm to 8pm. Services will be held on Thursday, June 14th beginning at 9:30am. Both services will take place at Arlington Mortuary located at 9645 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA. Ignacio will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery following the service.

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