Manuel Jr. Jaquez Hernandez "Manny"

On Tuesday, July 21st, 2026 Manuel Jaquez Hernandez passed away at home. To his family he was always Junior or JuJu. To his friends he was Manny. Even when he was in trouble I don't think he was ever Manuel. The loss of him is unexpected and devastating to all who loved him. 

He was born July 9th, 1990 in sunny California to Flora Jaquez, who he loved fiercely. He will always be the big brother to Flora Ashley and Tommy. The brother of his heart is his cousin Christian, and he loved to be the fun uncle figure to Christian's daughters Destiny, Alina, and Bella. Through every phase of life their bond never faded.

Growing up in California was an integral part of his being. The mountains never quite called to him the way California did. But over the years he found friends he loved while enjoying being near his "teenytiny mommy" and his siblings. 

Over the last few years if you knew Junior you also knew how much he cherished his dachshund, BabyLegs. You would think a name like that had to be a joke or nickname but he would correct anyone who said it wrong. The perfect near pocket sized companion, she went with him anywhere and everywhere. The tough guy with the small dog he loved. 

He experienced so many different things life had to offer, both the good and the bad. We focus on how hard he worked to have the good outshine the bad. And with the good there are so many memories it would be impossible to recount them all, as much as we will try to.

He is and always will be our beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend.