My father-in-law, Jess Martinez, turns 100 on Friday, March 5.
We think it is a great feat, as we don’t personally know many people that actually reach 100.
He has lived through 19 U.S. presidents, been around for many historical events, and been at historical legends’ concerts and events.
Reaching 100 was his/our goal, and we are now counting towards 101!
Jess Torres Martinez was born on March 5, 1921, in Colton, California. He was raised in a migrant working family, growing up in Ventura County with nine brothers and one sister.
Jess attended Buenaventura High School, excelling in track and field, and won many races. He then attended Ventura Junior College.
During that time, World War II started when many of his older brothers were drafted into the Army. He decided that it would be best for him to enlist on his own to join the Navy which he did upon graduating college in 1942.
After basic training, he went to San Diego for training at the U.S. Destroyer Base, and joined the USS Santa Fe in Long Beach during the winter of 1942-43 as a 1st class fire control man.
After the war, he went back to school in 1952 at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He joined the wrestling team, and won many matches.
Jess went back to the Navy to serve the country in the Korean War, stationed in Seattle at the shipyards in Bremerton, Washington.
When his service in the Korean War ended, he moved to Carpinteria, and worked for Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital as an electrician.
Jess had a son, Jess Jr., in 1956, whom he raised on his own.
In 1962, he met the love of his life, Linda Jimenez, a shy young woman who also worked at Cottage Hospital. They married at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Carpinteria on Aug. 17, 1968, and moved to Santa Barbara. They had a son, Andrew.
Aside from being an outstanding electrician at Cottage Hospital, he enjoyed working with the Catholic Church, and making organic fruits and vegetables in his yard at home.
Jess retired from Cottage Hospital in 1986, after 30 years of loyal employment.
Tragedy struck in July 2000, when Jess’ oldest son Jess Jr unexpectedly passed away. Just 7 months later, he lost his wife to cancer.
His faith in the church helped him get through these difficult times.
Due to his long time healthy habits, he was blessed with good health. In 2008, Jess was diagnosed with dementia.
He currently lives with his son Andrew and his son’s wife Yumi.
Reaching 100 has been one of his life goals. Jess and family are incredibly happy to be celebrating a centennial birthday.
Now, a new goal has been set for 101!