It is with a heavy heart that we announce Jesus "Chuy" Higuera (72), a longtime resident of Tucson, Arizona, found peace in the hands of God in the early hours of June 14th, 2023.

Jesus, fondly known as Chuy to many, was born in Tamazula, Durango, Mexico on 9/11/1950, however, his impact reached far beyond his hometown. As a proud Mexican American that immigrated to the United States in 1960 at the age of 9, Jesus showed his younger siblings the importance of education by learning English, graduating from Pueblo High School with the Class of 1969, and getting heavily involved within his community.

Jesus held a myriad of jobs, leadership positions, and volunteer opportunities throughout his young adulthood. As the president of the Christian Youth Organization at Santa Cruz Church, Jesus was able to use his natural leadership skills to help lead his community, all while representing his love for God. Knowing he could make a difference, Jesus then served in the Army National Guard Reserve, as well as in the Air National Guard Reserve.

In the 80's, Jesus took both his strengths and weaknesses and turned them into positive change. If someone called him stubborn, he showed them he was just headstrong. If someone called him loud, he showed them that he was just using his voice to represent the oppressed. If someone told him that Jesus from South Tucson could never amount to anything, he showed them that Jesus "Chuy" Higuera would become a well-known local name. He honed in his leadership skills, love for his community, and passion for justice and became a champion for the people, especially the Chicano community within Arizona, as he became an elected Arizona State Senator.

Every time Jesus was in public, it was inevitable to hear, "HEY, CHUY!" being shouted as he was always recognized by at least one person everywhere he went. Whether the recognition came from his politics days, or from his jobs at the telephone company, Bashas', Food City, or other positions he made an impact in, Jesus was a well-known community staple.

During his time as a State Representative, Jesus "Chuy" Higuera helped pass numerous pieces of legislation that supported education, civil rights, equality, and choice. He helped improve education within the state of Arizona by passing legislation that helped identify and qualify gifted students, as well as helped expand bilingual education. In respect to Civil Rights, Jesus worked with Cesar Chavez to improve working conditions for farm workers by loudly challenging the use of the physically disabling short handle hoe and instead introduced and passed a bill that called for the use of the longer handle hoe. Further supporting Civil Rights, Jesus worked with Jesse Jackson. In regard to advancing equality, Jesus saw the inequity that airport police faced when it came to benefits and retirement, and fought to help them fall under the same retirement system other police departments were a part of. When it came to supporting choice, Jesus stood up for the elderly and ensured that testing of medicine on their ailing bodies stopped. Another time Jesus fought for choice was when he voted to grant the families of those who have lost a love one the option to purchase burial caskets from outside sources instead of being forced to purchase them directly from the mortuary at an alarmingly high price. These examples are only a few highlights of Jesus' impact within the Arizona community during his time as Senator Higuera.

Although Jesus made a name for himself within the state of Arizona, his family was always his backbone, helping him stand tall through his accomplishments. Throughout his life, Jesus enjoyed sharing his love of golf with his son Adrian, eating the home cooked meals his wife Lourdes made, taking his daughters to University of Arizona basketball games, taking family trips to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), watching western movies and shows such as Bonanza, and praying for health and prosperity for others while never missing televised church services.

Jesus is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Lourdes Higuera, daughters Anna Christina and Carolina Higuera, Siblings Margaret Gallego, Rosella Rosthenhausler (Robert), Ramiro Higuera (Rosita), Angel, Margarita Flores (Albert), Yolanda Rubalcava, Joaquin Higuera, Jorge (Chayito) Higuera, Celida Higuera, and many nieces and nephews.

Jesus is preceded in death by his parents Ramiro and Librada Higuera, son Adrian Higuera, sister Maria Diamantoulis, niece Ava Passannanti, sister-in-law Connie Higuera, and brother-in-law Richard Gallego – all of whom are welcoming him on his peaceful journey to be with God.

Although Jesus is no longer with us in person, he has left us with the knowledge that a strong sense of humor can get anyone through times of difficulty and pain. In his honor, we ask that you aim to bring humor and smiles to those around you, and speak up for what you believe is right.

Dad, your impact will never be forgotten. Although our hearts are crushed, we are happy that you are finally able to rest and find peace. We love you.