Jesse Rey Trinidad Martinez passed away unexpectedly on July 9th, 2023 at the age of 44. Jesse was born on November 29, 1978 in Arcata. He was a lifelong resident of Trinidad and enrolled tribal member of the Trinidad Rancheria. Jesse was of Yurok/Karuk descent and was extremely proud of his Native American heritage. Jesse was currently a student at the College of the Redwoods and was just a year shy of graduating with a degree in business accounting/restaurant management.

Being the oldest and only brother to his four sisters, Jesse would often joke about how he was always surrounded by girls, yet he really loved all of his sisters. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for them and was super close with them all. He was very protective of his sisters, which everyone knew that about him. Jesse was a mama’s boy at heart even if he didn’t necessarily like being called that. Our family would often joke that he was our mom’s favorite child. Jesse was very close with his mother and had always stuck by her side throughout the years. After his father passed away, he really stepped up to make sure his mother was always taken care of. Jesse had lived and taken care of his mother up until his passing. His only child, Alayna, was also his pride and joy, his baby, his everything. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her, she was his rock. They enjoyed watching TV together, playing video games, cooking meals together, and going to the movies.

Jesse’s number one passion was cooking, especially BBQ food. He was such a great cook, he cooked better than anyone his family. He also loved football in which he was a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan. Jesse’s other interests included; fishing, hunting, working out at the gym, hiking, listening to music and hanging out with friends. Everyone who knew Jesse looked up to him. A leader to so many, he was the most coolest and nicest guy around. He was the life of the party and was the most fun guy to be around. Many would say Jesse was always the most strongest and toughest guy in the room. He was the type of guy you’d want to have your back. Jesse had a heart of gold and truly cared about others. He was also the best story teller. In particular, Jesse was really good at imitating other people’s voices which made all of his stories that much more entertaining. He was one of a kind — a great brother, father, son, uncle, and friend.

We are really going to miss you, Jesse, for our protector and lifeline is now gone. We will never forget all of our precious memories together and the all special .mes that we shared. We love you brother, we know this isn’t the end and that we will one day all be together again. Jesse is survived by his mother Kim Martinez, daughter Alayna Martinez, his sisters Trina (Joe) Mathewson, Lisa Martinez, Brianne (Anthony) Ulmer, and Amanda Martinez. His Uncle Keith (Erica) Ervin & Don Ervin. His Aunt Frances (Corey) Pederson and his Grandpa Craig Ervin. His nieces Reya Mathewson and Sophia Ulmer. His nephews Brenden and Talon Bates & Joey and Makoah Mathewson. He is also survived by his girlfriend Toni Mericle as well as many numerous cousins/extended relatives.

Jesse is preceded in death by his father, Rey Martinez, grandmother, Carol Ervin and cousin Tawny Ervin. Funeral services for Jesse will be held on Saturday, June 22 at 1 p.m. at Paul’s Chapel in Arcata. Following the service, a burial ceremony will take place at the Trinidad Cemetery. Lastly, please come join us for a reception in honoring Jesse’s life that will take place at the Trinidad Town Hall at 4 p.m. on the same day. The reception will be potluck style/BBQ themed, so feel free to bring your favorite dish.

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe account was created for the Martinez family in which any donations will go towards funeral costs and in supporting his family during this difficult time. Here is the link to the GoFundMe- https://gofund.me/41753e14

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