A rosary for Jesse will be recited on Thursday, November 19, at 6:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, November 20, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, with burial to follow at San Ignacio Cemetery.

The City of Las Vegas is deeply saddened by the passing of Jesse Montoya, a longtime City employee whose loss is being felt throughout the organization, especially by the many coworkers who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Jesse dedicated more than 20 years of service to the City of Las Vegas Gas Department. Throughout his career, he served as a certified pipeline welder, systems operator, and field supervisor. He was a highly skilled tradesman with extensive knowledge of his work and a willingness to help wherever he was needed. His contributions extended beyond his department, and he was someone his fellow employees could always count on.

But Jesse was much more than his job title. He was a teacher, a friend, a trusted coworker, and someone whose personality and presence left a lasting impression.

A Young Start, A Lasting Legacy

Jude Herrera, Gas Utility Manager, remembers Jesse's beginnings with the Gas Department. Jesse was just 18 years old and fresh out of high school when he started. Knowing he had welding experience, the supervisors decided to put him to the test by having him weld a small gas leak on a meter manifold.

Jesse took on the challenge, spending hours working on the leak until he finally got it fixed. Afterward, his boss revealed that it had been a test to see how he would perform, adding that it was a simple one. He then told Jesse, "We will train you to be a Gas welder."

Over the years, Jesse became much more than a skilled welder. He became a leader, a valued coworker, and, most importantly, a true friend. His years of service with the Gas Department will always be appreciated and remembered.

A Coworker, a Teacher, and a Friend

Jesus Ortiz, from the Gas Department, had the privilege of working alongside Jesse for five years. He remembers him as a knowledgeable and dedicated professional who truly understood his trade.

Jesse always had something valuable to share, whether it was about welding, operating machinery, repairing pipeline leaks, or teaching others how to approach a job safely, Jesse always had something valuable to share. He never kept his knowledge to himself and took the time to teach others the skills he had developed throughout his career.

"It is sad to know that Jesse has passed on, but I am grateful for the time I had working with him and for the knowledge he shared with us," said Ortiz. "His skills, work ethic, and willingness to help others will not be forgotten."

Twelve Years of Friendship, Competition, and Memories

For twelve years, Travis Martinez, the City's Utilities Water Director, worked alongside Jesse in the Gas Department. What began as a working relationship grew into a friendship filled with laughter, respect, and friendly competition.

Travis remembers Jesse as one of the sharpest minds in the department. Although relaxed and easygoing, Jesse had an incredible ability to understand complicated technical work. Their friendly rivalry often centered on certifications, training, and state exams. While Travis spent countless hours studying, Jesse seemed to absorb everything effortlessly. Somehow, they consistently finished near the top with almost identical scores.

One of Travis's favorite memories came during an all-day training seminar. Jesse managed to sleep through much of the instruction while Travis stayed awake taking pages of notes. Somehow, the instructor mixed up their names, and Travis was called into the office and reprimanded for supposedly sleeping through training. Waiting outside was Jesse, wearing his familiar smirk. His only response? "Well... that sucked."

Beyond the laughter and competition, Travis hopes people remember Jesse for his intelligence, humility, dedication, and pride in his work. "You knew when Jesse took over, the job was going to get done right the first time," said Martinez.

A Coworker Who Always Looked Out for His Crew

David Marquez, the City's Gas and Solid Waste Director, remembers Jesse as much more than a great employee. He was a knowledgeable, intelligent, and dedicated Gas Man who always seemed to have an answer or solution for whatever the job required.

Many of David's mornings began with Jesse's familiar greeting, "Que dices, Dave!" Whether starting the day with that familiar phrase or answering the phone with his unmistakable, "Helloooo, whatcha doinggg? Oh, not much, just here. And youuu?" Jesse had a way of making even the simplest interactions memorable. Those are the moments, along with his smile and sense of humor, that David will always remember.

Jesse's generosity extended well beyond the workplace. He was also a great cook with an especially generous heart during the cold winter months. David recalls Jesse bringing in his famous green chile stew, prepared that morning or the night before, making sure his crew had something warm to eat first thing on those cold mornings. And if they were lucky, there might even be some left for lunch.

That was simply who Jesse was. He looked out for his crew, made sure they were taken care of, and treated them like family. It was in those everyday conversations, shared meals, smiles, and laughter that his personality truly shined and the bonds of friendship grew. "Jesse was a Gas Man through and through, and he always will be," said Marquez. "Rest easy, Jesse. Once a Gas Man, always a Gas Man."

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jesse's family, friends, and everyone who will gather to celebrate his life. His legacy lives on through the knowledge he shared, the coworkers he mentored, the friendships he built, and his years of service to our community.

City Manager Robert A. Anaya shared how important it is to recognize the people who have been part of the City family and the lasting difference they make. “Jesse was one of those people,” said Anaya. “His knowledge, dedication, willingness to help others, and the relationships he built with his coworkers left a lasting impression. The impact he made goes beyond the work he did. It lives on in the people he worked alongside and the community he helped serve. Rest in peace, Jesse.”