Obituary of Jesus V. Mejilla

[Jamaica , New York] – Jesus V. Mejilla, 84, of Jamaica, New York, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025 at Queens Hospital Center after a courageous battle with complications of aspiration pneumonia surrounded by family and his best friend.

Born on May 16, 1941 in Cavinti, Laguna,  Jesus was the son of Maria Oliveros Villanueva Mejilla and Jose Villanueva Mejilla.

Jesus grew up in Cavinti, Laguna and graduated from the Philippine College of Arts and Trade and was a machinist.

Jesus was a loving father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and a friend to many. He found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life: spending time with his family and shared the tradition of cooking Kutsinta with his beloved wife. Jesus took great pride in his home and garden. He was a passionate gardener, often seen sculpting his bushes into unique and sometimes whimsical shapes. His skilled hands also excelled at carpentry; in his younger years, he was rarely seen without a tool and Diet Coke in hand, always ready to fix anything or plan his next project. He had a special fondness for Jeeps which was his choice to drive over the years. He would always say, “Jeeps makes me feel like I’m a cowboy”. 

Jesus had a vibrant spirit and a welcoming heart, making him genuinely friendly with everyone he met. He was the life of every party, a magnetic presence who could always be found on the dance floor, dressed impeccably, and with a wonderful sense of humor that brought smiles to everyone's faces. His boundless compassion extended beyond people; he was a devoted pet owner to his dogs, Pumpkin and Maximus, diligently cared for his 55-gallon fresh water fish tank, and lovingly fed the stray cats and birds that frequented his home—which upset mom the most.

Jesus is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Dulcita Mejilla, his loving children, Jesson Mejilla, Jeannice Mapa (Joseph Mapa), Jesse Mejilla (Christine Mejilla). He also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren Riley Mejilla, Jace Mapa and Kingston Mejilla.

He is survived by his siblings, Carlito Mejilla, Teresita Castillo, Geraldo Mejilla and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Jesus was preceded in death by his parents, Maria Oliveros Villanueva Mejilla and Jose Villanueva Mejilla and his siblings James Mejilla, Arturo Mejilla, Herminghildo Mejilla, Jose Jr. Mejilla, and Oscar Mejilla.