Jesus Islas

Jesus Islas, 90, of Cottonwood, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Jesus was born on January 16, 1936, in El Santuario, Mexico. He was raised in El Ojo de Agua, Mexico on his family’s farm, where they worked the land—growing corn and vegetables and raising cattle, horses, and goats. He married his childhood friend and lifelong love, Andrea, on October 25, 1957. They began their family and lived in Ojo de Agua for a year before moving to Sonora, Mexico, in 1958, where Jesus worked as a school custodian.

In 1961, Jesus was hired by the Mongini Brothers to work on their dairy farm and began making plans to move to Cottonwood, Arizona. He immigrated in 1962 and immediately began living and working at the UVX Dairy Farm. Nine months later, Andrea and their four children joined him there. While living at the farm, they raised their four children and welcomed three more. Jesus continued working at the dairy until it closed in 1969.

Jesus and Andrea then purchased their first home, and he began working as a custodian for the Cottonwood–Oak Creek School District, where he remained dedicated for over 40 years. The couple later welcomed their eighth child. To support his family, Jesus worked multiple jobs—at the school, at Verde Valley Lumber Company, and on weekends doing janitorial work for local churches.

Jesus was a strong, devoted, and hardworking man who always put his family first. He lived with deep faith and integrity and warmly welcomed everyone into his home.

He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting, and shared that passion with his family. He taught his children and grandchildren how to hunt, creating many cherished memories through camping and outdoor adventures. He also enjoyed collecting firearms and crafting leather, making holsters and belts by hand. Jesus loved mariachi music and singing, as well as gardening and raising animals on his farm in Cornville. He grew pomegranates, peaches, corn, and his famous sugar cane. He also enjoyed collecting rocks and seashells, often spending hours sharing these hobbies with his grandchildren.

Jesus cherished being “Papo.” His greatest joy was his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He shared a special bond with each of them—they are his lasting legacy.

Jesus was preceded in death by his parents, Sebastian and Amada Islas; his brother, Max Islas; his children, Jose Islas, Consuelo Zuercher, and Emma Islas; and his daughter-in-law, Cam Islas.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Andrea Islas; his children, Amador Islas, Jesus Islas (Audrey), Maria Keller (Terry), Anna Islas, and Andrea Clark (Bill); along with 16 grandchildren (spouses), 24 great-grandchildren (spouses), and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Jesus lived a full and meaningful life, and his family was his pride and joy. They remain his greatest legacy.

Services will be held on Friday, May 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish, 700 N. Bill Gray Road, Cottonwood, AZ. A gathering will follow from 12:45–2:45 p.m. at the UVX Rustic Barn, 1095 UVX Road, Cottonwood, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to outdoorexperienceforall.org.

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