Jaime "James" Huerta

JAIME ESPINO HUERTA October 20, 1946 - January 24, 2025 Jaime Espino Huerta (Also known as James) passed away peacefully on January 24th at the age of 78 with his middle son at his side. Jaime had developed a sudden illness in December. He fought the illness, and had almost recovered, but the illness returned in January. This time the illness claimed his life. Jaime was born on October 20th 1946 to Rutila and Eufracio Huerta in Tijuana, Mexico. He was the youngest son of a large, hard-working, and musically-talented family. As in most large families, the older siblings helped in raising the younger ones, especially when the father worked away from home. Jaime knew the love of his mother, but also knew this love from his sisters who cared for him like he was their own. When he was in elementary school, Jaime's family moved to Upland in the late 1950's to join their father who had been working in California. He went to school and loved to play baseball. He was a strong runner. Spanish was his first language, but he loved to learn and read, so he quickly picked up English. In the 1960's, his family moved to Selma, CA. He met his former spouse, Virginia, when they were teenagers. They were married, began their family and had five children together: Alfonso, Rachel, James Jr., Steven and Daniel. He was always a hard-worker and he embraced the American Dream. He wanted to become a naturalized U.S. Citizen so that he could provide a better life for his family. He accomplished his goal of becoming a U.S. Citizen in 1969 and he began his career at PPG Industries where he worked many overtime shifts in extreme heat on a rotating schedule for over 45 years. He also made great friendships at PPG that would last a lifetime and they became like a second family to him. When Jaime wasn't working, he was reading, learning about history, playing golf, playing cards, playing pool, playing the lottery, working on cars, running, and making memories with his family. He instilled in his family how important it was to always keep family first, work hard and do your best no matter what your job was, and of course, helping those in need. Jaime had a big heart and a generous spirit. He never judged those who needed help. Jaime Espino Huerta is survived by his former spouse, Virginia Huerta, their children, Alfonso Huerta (Spouse Diane), Rachel Flores (Spouse Frank), James Huerta Jr. (Spouse Stephanie), Steven Huerta, and Daniel A. Huerta. His grandchildren: Sarah Huerta and Robert James (R.J.) Huerta, Aaron Flores and Jacey Flores, Emmanuel James (E.J.) Huerta and Daniel J. Huerta, and Ausha Griffin and Daniel James Huerta. His sisters: Francisca "Panchita" Huerta, Jenny "Tani" Estrada (Spouse Rudy), and Martha Rivera (Spouse Carlos). Also, there are many nephews, nieces, cousins, and others that considered him an honorary dad and grandfather. Jaime's legacy includes his lessons of life and faith, his sharing of hope and humor, his attributes of kindness and generosity, and these will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. We will miss you Jaime, but we hold onto the promise that we will see you again one day. Viewing will be held 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Friday, February 7th, 2025 at the Kingsburg Evangelical Covenant Church, 1490 Lincoln Street, Kingsburg. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 AM also at the Kingsburg Evangelical Covenant Church. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.