Official obituary: Jesus Amezcua, 39 years of age from San Pedro California died on September 17, 2006. Survived by proud parents; Gilberto and Guillermina; sisters Isabel Luna, Mina Rios, and Susana Loquellano; wife Araceli who he married in October of 2004. Jesus was a proud uncle of 2 nieces and 3 nephews. He was also a proud parent of two Beagles named Charlito and Snoopita. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves followed by serving the LAPD for six years from 1991; he then became a U.S. Air Marshall until present. Jesus started riding a tricycle at the age of 3 which progressed to owning a three wheeler by the age of 9. In his late teen years he entered the Baja 250 which he was proud of participating in. Jesus became a WSMC member in December 2004, and that same weekend he won his first race as a Novice. In July of 2005, he was involved in a race accident that broke his right collarbone, left wrist, multiple ribs, and left toe but it did not deter him from his passion to race. The entire Amezcua family appreciates all the support that they have been receiving. Donations can be made toward the AraceliAmezcua/980 Fund via Bank of America. This fund will be used to create a memorial in Jesus’s name and placed in Willow Springs International Raceway. #980 checked out in Style! Funeral Service is open to everyone: Viewing Date: 9/24/2006 (Sunday) Time: 3-8pm Location: All Souls Cemetery & Mausoleum 4400 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 (562)424-8601 Note: Ceremony starts at 6pm Mass and Burial Date: 9/25/2006 (Monday) Time: 9am (Mass Start) Location of Mass: Holy Family Catholic Church 1011 East L Street Wilmington, CA 90744 (310)834-6333 Followed by Burial: All Souls Cemetery & Mausoleum 4400 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 (562)424-8601 It is requested that fellow motorcyclists ride their street bikes in the caravan from the Church to the Cemetery on Monday, wearing their leather suits. The Amezcua Family sends their appreciation for all your support! Donations can be made towards the “AraceliAmezcua/980 Fund” via Bank of America. The Amezcua Family intends to use the funds to create a memorial to be placed at Willow Springs International Raceway under Jesus’ name. Contact Person: Rix Gano 310-291-3963 FIRST PERSON/OPINION: Via e-mail: It is hard to believe that our good friend Jesus Amezcua has vanished in front of our eyes. He really was a great friend, a great competitor, and a 100% racer. He introduced me into the two-stroke world and I thank you for that. You’ll never be forgotten. In our hearts and where ever life will take us. We miss you Jesus. Jorge Artola & Andrew Artola WSMC # 610 Hawthorne, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION: Via e-mail: Jesus’ passing leaves a big hole in the WSMC ranks. He was a jovial, gentle soul who was as courteous as he was fun to be around. We looked forward to seeing him each month and to observing his rapid improvement as a racer. He was a true motorcycle enthusiast, a fast racer and a giving comrade. Rest in Peace Jesus. Britt and John-Mark Arechiga WSMC #80, WSMC #140 San Diego, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION: Via e-mail: I will always remember the names and faces of every single one of the racers that lost their valuable lives while racing or not. They have the true understanding and acceptance of truth that only a few people ever do. Example You lost because you were slow! The other guy was fast! Jesus was a racer, I remember his first day walking around the pits at Willow. He came to my pit on the front wall and told me he was going to get a 250 and start racing at Willow. I thought, “I hear that everyday.” But then he bought Joji Tokumoto’s Honda, had me get it right for him with no complaints over my charges, solid to his words, and went racing, I thought “this guy is kind of big to race a 250.” He did well on that 99 model and shortly after he bought a 05 model and again living to his word, he had me do the work on it as he said he would. He always obeyed the manual and my tuning specs. I respect him mostly for being a man of truth and solid to his words. My wife Sharon put it into perspective for me when she said Jesus had a smile that lit up the day. Jesus is in Heaven going fast on a 250 and lighting up the day with that smile of his. Jesus’ heart was in 250 racing, that is why he rode fast. God bless you Jesus. Kevin Murray WSMC #742 Vista, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Sunday was the toughest day of my announcing career. Words cannot adequately describe the feeling that I have right now regarding Jesus’ passing and when I was given the news, I could not come close to computing the information that had been delivered to me. My partner in the booth, Steve Sturm, and I looked at each other and didn’t say a word, our eyes both welling up, we each had to take a few minutes away from the mic to gather ourselves. “A few minutes” … that almost sounds insulting. I have no idea how long this is going to take for me to get over, but I guarantee, a few minutes won’t make it. In some ways, I don’t want to get over it. Getting over it seems like forgetting him and I can’t do that, I won’t do that. I can’t believe that I will not be seeing that brightly painted bike making its way around Willow ever again. Jesus and I always had a quick chat in the morning on his way to tech inspection and we’d trade the latest news. I remember a few months ago when he brought out that Rothmans RS125 replica and pulled me aside saying that he knew I’d like it because of my fondness for 1980s GP bikes. In a way, that sums up Jesus. Always doing something that would not only benefit him, but that would also help, benefit or brighten someone else’s day. As has already been echoed by many, Jesus always had something good to say about someone, never spent his time slamming anyone and was just a genuine one of the guys. For those of you who were there on Sunday, I make no apologies for not announcing what had happened. For one, I was told not to. Second and most importantly, if I had been told to do it, I would have refused. I KNOW THAT JESUS WOULD HAVE WANTED IT THAT WAY. I know that he would have wanted the day to continue, I know that he would have wanted everyone to be happy and not know any better, I know that he would have wanted me and Stevie to do the best that we could have given the hand that was dealt, and I know that as much as he loved hearing my voice at the track, he wouldn’t have minded not hearing me talk about what had happened. Having said all that, I will NEVER forget him and sincerely hope that none of you will either. Godspeed Jesus, we’ll catch you on the next lap. David Koenig Announcer, Willow Springs International Raceway Oceanside, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION: Via e-mail: In Memory Of Jesus Amezcua This is in dedication to a rider #980, Jesus Amezcua from La Puente, CA. who we lost in the 250/50 race at Willow Springs International Raceway, in Rosamond, CA. Jesus will be missed by us, and most definitely by fellow racers and friends, and his Family; So I must sadly say in Dedication, to this man and rider to your Family I send my Sympathy! On September 17th, 2006 a rider we lost, my prayers are sent to the family of this man, We feel the hurt and sadness of the loss; I think that maybe for him God has a better plan. I wish to send my prayers and condolences, to all those where family is concerned, Though as a corner marshal we stand out there, watching out for the Drivers and Riders I Souly feel is earned. From up on the hill in my turn, I had seen the very moment those three riders went down, And two ride offs were coming back on track, dust clearing and he was still on the ground. Sadly I must say that things on a racetrack; surely do and can happen so very quick, In all the years I’ve worked at many tracks, I’ve seen things happen that would people sick? I and others do our job very well, and yes sadly a part of me went with this man’s life; On the Toyota 200 warm-up, cap held upon my chest and with my right arm out a Thum up in strife. And Lord knows those riders had nodded their heads, or waved a hand and that made me Feel very proud of them, I’m glad to tell, Spectators across from me in 4 a, saying that was very nice of me as my tears fell. So from a Corner Marshal who cares my heart and sadness and My Deepest Condolences go out to this Man’s Family, For my heart grieves with you, in true feelings and cares, and with great Sympathy. My prayers do go out to you and yours, in this time of loss for you, Lord I ask that you care for them, watch over them and see to their needs, yes that’s true. Knowing that it’s a little soon, surely family will say I do miss you, and cannot believe that you’re no longer here. Though now saying no matter what, I see or may touch in Memory see you everywhere. Seemingly it was only yesterday, that we started the day’s journey in laughter, Now, though we all mourn your leaving, as you rejoice in the here after. Anthony Demetri WSMC Corner Marshal Rosamond, California