Jose Luis Flores Martinez

Jose Luis Flores Martinez passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the age of 74, surrounded by the love of his wife and children. Born on January 20, 1951, in Poncitlán, Jalisco, Mexico, Jose was the son of Mariano Flores and Esperanza Martinez Flores. He was the third eldest of nine children and spent his early years in Tijuana, Baja California, in La Colonia del Río Parte Baja. There, he enjoyed a joyful and hardworking childhood, helping his siblings with household responsibilities, attending school, and selling newspapers on the streets of Tijuana. In the 1950s, his father immigrated to the United States, and in 1966, at the age of 15, Jose and his family followed, eventually settling in Fallbrook, California. He attended Fallbrook High School and held a variety of jobs in his youth, including Guajome Park, East Brothers, and San Luis Rey Downs Horse Ranch. Baseball was one of Jose’s greatest passions. He began playing at a young age and in 1965, he played for the Tijuana All-Star Little League team, competing in the finals of the All-Star Little League World Series in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was an exceptional pitcher, throwing fastballs at 90 miles per hour, and continued to play in leagues throughout San Diego County. He also coached a women’s softball team in Fallbrook. Jose was once offered the chance to try out as a reserve player for the San Diego Padres, but a last-minute injury prevented him from attending. Jose had a deep love for classic muscle cars and proudly owned a 1967 Ford Mustang GT Fastback. He could often be found cruising down Main Street, revving the engine with pride, and occasionally attracting the attention of the local sheriffs. Fitness and bodybuilding were another lifelong passion for Jose. He spent years lifting weights, often traveling with his brothers to Gold’s Gym to train alongside other bodybuilders. He loved sharing his knowledge of weightlifting, muscle groups, and fitness techniques with others. His strength and discipline were an inspiration to many. A music lover at heart, Jose had a deep appreciation for Ranchera, Mariachi, and Rock'n'roll. He was a walking encyclopedia of music, knowing the names of countless bands, musicians, songs, and composers. He was also an incredible storyteller; funny, mischievous, wise, loyal, and endlessly charming. His loved ones will remember his unique sense of humor, his warmth, and how handsome he was. Above all, Jose valued family. He showed unwavering love, respect, and compassion for his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and especially his mother. He had a special way of connecting with people, giving everyone their own nickname, sharing laughter, and instilling a strong sense of pride in family heritage and Mexican history. He carried his Jalisco roots close to his heart and held a deep affection for Tijuana, where he built memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He married the love of his life, Teresa Velasco, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on December 30, 1972. From there they shared 52 wonderful years together and built a beautiful family with three children and four grandchildren. Jose worked for 27 years as an Injection Mold Engineer at Hudson RCI and later as a school bus driver for the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District before retiring in 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mariano and Esperanza Flores; his brothers Raul and Juan Flores; nephews Gabriel Flores, Ulysses Flores, Rigoberto Garcia, Arthur Velasco; and his niece Vanessa Lopez. Jose is survived by his beloved wife Teresa Flores; his children Hiram Flores, Jahnine Esperanza Flores Lopez, and Favio Flores; his grandchildren Zhasha Flores, Iyleen Lopez, Alani Lopez, and Leo Flores. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Daphne Rodriguez, son-in-law Raul Lopez, siblings Antonio Flores, Manuel Flores, Maria Guzman, Mario Flores, Victor Flores, and Beatrice Lopez, as well as many nieces and nephews from both the Flores and Velasco Family. Jose’s legacy of love, strength, laughter, and wisdom will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.