Jess Stephen Badilla

Jess Stephen Badilla, age 69, passed away on November 3, 2022. Born January 1, 1953, to parents Manuel and Elda Badilla, Jess was the first baby born that year in Yuma, Arizona. This was highlighted in the local newspaper.

Jess started his first job serving in the United States Army where he was able to travel the world and eventually meet his future wife, Avis, while stationed in Panama City, Panama. He later moved to Tucson and began a career with the federal government as a Customs and Border Protection Officer in Nogales, Arizona. Later on he transferred to Tucson, Arizona where he worked at the Tucson International Airport for many years. He eventually transferred to Port Canaveral, Florida, where he retired from USCBP on July 28, 2013. After retirement Jess spent some time in Florida, Panama, Tucson, and most recently, Washington state.

As previously mentioned, Jess met Avis in Panama City, Panama. Jess and Avis went on to have 2 children, Avis (Stephanie) Badilla and Catherine Badilla. He loved his family so much and most enjoyed spending time with his wife and daughters and then the newest addition to the family, his granddaughter, Everly. Jess had the biggest smile when he was around Everly. It brought him much joy being a grandfather.

Jess enjoyed watching basketball and football every chance he got! He was a big U of A fan and Cardinals fan! He also enjoyed fishing and making everyone laugh all the time with his wonderful jokes. He could always put a smile on someone’s face. He will be remembered as the nicest and most selfless person anyone could have ever come across.

Jess was predeceased by wife, Avinicia (Avis) Badilla, and his father and mother, Manuel and Elda Badilla. He is survived by daughters, Stephanie (Mike) Workman of Ridgefield, Washington, and Catherine Badilla of Denver, Colorado; sons, Bernell Ford, Andre Ford, and Adrian Ford of Lawton, Oklahoma; brothers, Manuel Jr. (Sophie) Badilla of Yuma, Arizona, Samuel (Ronni) Badilla of Cambridge, Nebraska, and Joseph (Patty) Badilla of Yuma; sisters, Victoria (Carlos) Rivera of San Antonio, Texas, and Nancy (Joe) Espinoza of Yuma, Arizona; and his precious granddaughter, Everly Workman.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 4-5:30pm at 109 W Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705, with the Rosary to immediately follow at 5:30pm. On December 1, 2022, Mass will be held at 10:00 am at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, followed by burial at Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 12:00pm, 15950 N Luckett Rd, Marana, AZ 85653. A Celebration of Life reception will follow from 1:00pm-4:00pm at Glover Ranch located at 13400 W Twin Peaks Rd, Marana, AZ 85653.