Jose De Jesus Contreras

Jose de Jesus “Chuy” Contreras, 36, of Tucson, Arizona sadly passed away on Monday, May 6th, 2024. He is survived by his parents, Fernando Contreras, 74, and Leticia Contreras, 66, his sisters, Mayra Natalie Contreras, 39, and Ximena Contreras 30, and his children, Amaris Isabelle Diaz Contreras, 17, Serenity Guadalupe Contreras, 4, and Julius Santana Contreras, 4 months. Chuy was known for his howling laugh, jokester personality, and for his humble attitude. Born on October 22nd, 1987, Chuy lived an adventurous life by anyone's standards,  filled with his share of joy and love, as well as trials and tribulations.

Chuy, born and raised in Tucson, AZ, lived his daredevil life in Desert Shadows Neighborhood. In his youth, Chuy and his friends prided themselves on scouting and guarding the hood daily, ensuring Desert Shadows was a peaceful oasis. Chuy attended Esperanza Elementary School, Sierra Middle School, and received his high school GED through Project Challenge, all of which he was known as everyone’s favorite class clown. Multiple teachers could confirm that Chuy “was always making jokes” but respectful and always abided by the classroom rules. Chuy was the best impersonator and you bet he would point out and mimic your worst habits in all, but in good fun. 

As a young man, Chuy took the values his parents instilled in him to heart. He was dependable and always there to help those in need. Chuy was quick to find a solution and determined-he would always figure out a way. We can say Chuy was the kind of person to “take the shirt off his back” and the saying was made true one day in Mexico in 1999. In 1999, Chuy went on a family trip to his mother’s hometown in Atequiza, Jalisco, MX. Chuy quickly noticed that many of the children there were in need, and that he could help them, even though he didn’t have much to give. Without a second thought, Chuy told his mother, while folding the clothes he had just removed, “I’ll be back mom, I am going to give my pants to my friend because I am leaving and he doesn’t have anything. I am going to give my socks to my other friend. He doesn’t have anything, mom. They don’t fit me anymore anyway. You’ll buy me new clothes when we get back anyway.” We know that despite his challenges and the troubles he faced later in life, Chuy was always that same kind and mischievous soul underneath. 

Chuy gets his nickname from the name his parents gave him “De Jesus”. Which was a name that they hoped would guide his life and dedicate his spirit. Although Chuy battled with the disease of addiction on and off, we are grateful for the love he gave, the lessons he and his life helped us learn, and the renewed reminder that we can all gain from divine guidance and the love of our families. Our family hopes his memory will encourage all of us to reflect and remember that Jesus came for the least of us, in our time of need. Chuy was humble, hardworking, and noble. With his great sense of humor, he could make even the most serious person crack a smile. He was always his authentic self and took pride in his appearance, making sure to dress to impress, including cologne, or a fresh scent, no matter the circumstances. Chuy was the best secret keeper and refused to gossip or talk bad about others. He was courteous and respectful to his family elders and knew the value and wisdom they offered, even when his disease made it hard for him to follow their guidance. 

During his downtime, Chuy loved producing music. He would spend hours making music and writing lyrics. His innovative and musical spirit would lead him to create an “in-home” studio wherever he was. Music was his passion and calling. Chuy even created music with his friends and was part of a local group called, “T-Town Hustlaz.” They would go on to do local performances. C-Gesuz was his stage name and some of his most iconic lines include his older sister’s favorite lyrics, “Chuy, Chuy, back again.”

In his memory, our family dedicates John Chapter 8 verses 7-12 “So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”. While our family grieves his passing, and the toll the disease of addiction left on him and those who loved him, we remember the whole person, and the loving son, brother, and father we knew him to be in his heart of hearts. His memory will forever be in our hearts. 

A visitation in memory of Jose De Jesus Contreras will be held on May 13th at Martinez Funeral Chapels in Tucson from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Rosary at 6:00 PM. A Mass to honor his life will be conducted at Santa Monica Catholic Church on May 14th at 10:00 AM followed by a burial service at Holy Hope Cemetery at 11:30 AM.