Jesse Mendez Contreras, Jr. was a loving father, son, brother and friend. He left this world suddenly on Jan. 12, 2023 at the age of 41.

He was born to Terry Arellanes and Jesse Contreras, Sr. on Sept. 15, 1981.

Junior was the life of the party. He enjoyed and loved spending time with his children and family, listening to music, and barbecuing. He was loved everywhere he went.

He loved his sports, Cincinnati Bengals, Lompoc High School football, and Nascar.

Junior was preceded in death by his mother Terry Arellanes. He is survived by his father Jesse Contreras, Sr.; his children Anthony Contreras, Isabella Contreras, Joseph Vasquez, and Emma Contreras; stepdaughters, Mercedes and Neveah Vasquez; siblings Ernie Arellanes, Priscilla and Desiree Tabin Gabriel Contreras, Raymond and Christina Perez; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends who loved him.

Junior, you will be missed. You always have a special place in our heart.

Services will be held Feb. 3 at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary in Lompoc. Viewing will be 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., followed by mass at 1:30 p.m. at Lompoc Cemetery District. Celebration of life will be announced at the grave site.

Thank you for all the generosity and support during this difficult time. It is very much appreciated.

— The Contreras family.