Jose Natividad Trujillo Delgado

Jose Natividad Delgado Trujillo, born February 18, 1954, in Chupícuaro, Guanajuato, Mexico, passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 22, 2024, at 5:55 pm at the age of 70, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jose is survived by his five children, Cuauhtémoc, Israel, Enoch, Jovita-Cunacai, and Elijob, along with his partner Esmeralda Valencia and her children Alex and Argentina. He is also survived by his sister Guadalupe and close family members who loved him unconditionally through the end. Jose was an immigrant, activist, business owner, father, grandfather, and humble Christian who is now at peace in heaven with his deceased wife, Elia Saavedra Trujillo.Jose's childhood was fraught with hardship. He immigrated to the United States as a child and overcame the odds as a field worker. He graduated high school as a 100M and triple jump track star, earning MVP and Most Inspirational Basketball Player, leading his team to victory. Jose graduated high school early and earned his Bachelor's Degree from UCSC, where he met his wife, Elia.Always a voice for justice, he received his Doctorate in Law. He managed a labor camp in San Gerardo before opening his insurance company, the Hispanic American Business Association (HABA), in Salinas.After selling his company, he used his business and law knowledge as a professor at Hartnell College while building his property empire with Elia. He welcomed farm workers as tenants and charged well below market rates, always being fair and understanding. Jose and Elia left an incredible legacy and generational security for their children and grandchildren.Jose had many things of which to be proud. He spent many years fighting for human rights as a United Farm Workers Association leader alongside Cesar Chavez. During his tenure as a member of his old church, he led a church youth mentorship and sports program, Royal Rangers, to multiple league championships utilizing the famous "zone defense." His children, however, were his proudest accomplishment, and he considered himself blessed he saw them succeed.Jose loved being in nature and took everyone he loved to places like Arroyo Seco. He loved children and made sure anyone that came to "Rambo Camp," aka the Trujillo household, left stronger, full of memories, and maybe some poison oak.He lived his ancestors' wildest dreams, and his humility, humor, love, and selflessness will live on through his children, grandchildren, and the countless lives he touched. Jose will be missed, remembered, forever loved, and always in our memories.