Jesus "El Grande" Amesquita

Jesus "El Grande" Amesquita of Cobden IL passed away early on the morning of August 4, 2020 at the age of 69 after fighting Covid19 for 3 weeks. Jesus was born February 23, 1951 in Guanajuato, Mexico to Flora Morales-Aguilar and Ignacio Amesquita. He left Mexico for the United States when he was 14 years old.As a very young man, "El Grande" learned to work hard and to take on whatever job was available to support himself. His nickname was Grande because not only was he over 6ft tall, but he was known for going big or going home. He worked as a migrant laborer all over the United States and was known for being one of the hardest workers anywhere he went. He met the love of his life Maria del Refugio Muniz while working in Tennessee and they were Married in 1975. Their journey together was at times difficult; In 1978 Jesus and Maria suffered a bus accident that left his young wife in a coma for 20 days and claimed the life of their 2-year-old daughter, Maria de la Luz. They were grateful for the help they received during the difficult time of loss and it became their steppingstone for resilience. They migrated the country together and became well known for their helping hands amongst their communities. He later became the patriarch amongst those who had followed the same difficult journey and was honored to be considered a friend to many. Jesus and Maria were no strangers to Cobden and made a decision to settle their family there in the early 1990s and be a pillar for all. They lived together almost inseparable for 41 years until Maria passed in 2016. Known as the great one, his trademark amongst the Hispanic community was that of his smile, infectious laughter, and willingness to help even when resources were scarce. The doors to his home were always opened to anyone seeking shelter, and he never turned a blind eye to someone else's burden but would take them on as his own. He often stated, the sky's the limit because to him a great challenge made for a better reward, and no obstacle was too big for "El Grande". He was the strong and energetic go to person for most of the people we met growing up. He loved life, embraced everyone and even though he didn't speak English, he never met a stranger. Jesus was so proud of all of his family and friends' accomplishments because coming to the US was a challenge all on its own and settling was more than a dream and a serendipitous moment, it was bittersweet. Mexico always survived in his childhood memories and his heart but most of all his love for people was his trait. Jesus was a big-hearted man and loved all of his family, friends and if you ever became acquainted with him, he considered you a friend. If you ever saw him, please know he never forgot a face. Jesus may you Rest in Peace with your beautiful bride and you are loved so very much! Until we meet again Jesus Amesquita.Jesus is preceded in death by parents, Flora and Ignacio Amesquita; two brothers Raymundo Amezquita and Salvador Amezquita; wife Maria; and daughter Maria. Jesus is survived by his siblings Pastor Amezquita of Cobden, IL, Teresa Amezquita of Mexico, Salvador Amezquita of Florida, Ysidro Amezquita of Cobden, IL, Trinidad Amezquita of Indiana, Maricela Ruiz of Vienna, IL; His children Celia Godinez, Nune, Ricardo, Martin, Ignacio, and Maribel Alvarado; and his nephews Jose Juan Muniz, Daniel Muniz and Colby Muniz whom were like sons to him. Family and friends may gather from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, August 7, 2020 at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden. Everyone attending will be required to wear facial coverings and observe social distancing. Maximum occupancy of the funeral home will be limited to 50 individuals at one time. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cobden with Father Uriel Salamanca officiating. Interment will follow in the Cobden Cemetery. Visitation Service Friday, August 7, 2020,6:00PM-8:00PM Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home 214 North Front Street Cobden, Illinois 62920 Memorial/Funeral Service Saturday, August 8, 2020,10:00AM St. Joseph Catholic Church 101 North Centennial Street Cobden, Illinois 62920 Cemetery Service Saturday, August 8, 2020,11:00AM Cobden Cemetery Cobden School Road Cobden, Illinois 62920