On June 21, 2023, Jess Manuel Acosta (84), beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother passed away surrounded by his loving family. Jess left this world for his heavenly home after a long battle with complications from diabetes. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Overland Park, Kansas, preceded by a 9 am Visitation.
Born June 15, 1939, in Gibbon Nebraska, Jess grew up in Sugar City, Colorado; with his brother Arthur and sister Gloria, and his 11 aunts and uncles. His love of family and the outdoors began during his childhood in Colorado. Jess treasured his Minjarez family and the rich Mexican culture they shared together, and he shared this love with his wife and children who love and carry on these cherished traditions today. Jess remained especially close to his sister, Gloria Florez and his brother, Arthur Acosta both of whom he loved dearly.
In 1963, Jess was drafted into the U.S. Army where he received medals for Expert Rifle and Good Conduct. He was stationed in St. Louis, Missouri, where he met the love of his life, Janet Leuchtman, at a Valentine’s Day Dance. Jess is quoted as saying, "Columbus discovered America in 1492 and I discovered happiness in 1964 when I met Jan." Jess married Jan in 1965, and they began their lives together in Los Angeles. They hopped across the Midwest living in four different cities for his work promotions and welcomed a baby each time they moved to a new home. They settled in Overland Park, Kansas, where they lived for over fifty years. Jess’ love of computer science led him to a career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture where he retired as an IT Executive. He spent all his spare time with the family who he loved fiercely. He enjoyed coaching and was very involved in scouting. After retirement, he loved to cheer on his grandchildren at all kinds of events. Jess shared his love of the outdoors on many camping and fishing adventures with family and friends. Fishing was his happy place, and he told many tall fish tales.
Jess retired in 2004 and continued loving life with his family and friends and going fishing whenever possible. Despite his diabetes, he had an enormous, sweet tooth; and could always be caught with Tootsie Pops, bubblegum, or Coca Cola. He was rascally strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave. Jess’ smile was infectious, and he lit up a room with his laughter. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them- and if you knew him, you knew it. He will be missed dearly.
Jess is survived by his loving family which includes: his wife Janet Acosta; daughters Susan Bryars and Andrea Stverak (Erick Stverak), sons Joseph Acosta (Jill Acosta), Jess Acosta II (Patience Acosta), and Jake Acosta; grandchildren Jini Mae Fouts (Chance Fouts), Jess Acosta III (Shelby Acosta), Josephina Acosta, Joelle Acosta, Isabella Bryars, Sam Acosta, Charlie Acosta, Gabe Acosta, Simon Stverak, and Veronica Stverak; great grandchildren Kaysen Fouts and Lucis Fouts; his sister Gloria Florez; and brother Arthur Acosta.