Jessy Espinoza, Sr.

Jessy Espinoza Sr. passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, in Billings, Montana, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 14, 1947, in Sheridan, Wyoming, to Camilo Espinoza and Gloria Isa.

Jessy proudly served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969, including service during the Vietnam War. In September of 1970, he married the love of his life, Barbara Carpenter. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage and raised five children.

In 1971, Jessy and Barbara moved to Texas, where they lived for 28 years. In June of 1999, they returned to Hardin, Montana, to help care for his in-laws.

Jessy deeply loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed playing the guitar, singing for residents at the hospital, taking vacation trips to Texas, riding his lawn mower to the casino, spending time with friends, and watching his favorite sitcoms. One of his greatest joys was jamming and singing with his Texas family, especially performing songs by Hank Williams Jr.

Jessy is preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Marvin, Octavia, and Frances Carpenter; his brothers Camilo Jr., Alfred, Joe, Triny, Raymond, Mike, and Manuel; and his sisters Trisa and Ruthy.

Jessy is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Espinoza; his children Mary (Ray), Jessy Jr. (Deanna), Jolene (James), Connie, Octavia; his brother Jimmy Espinoza, his adopted son Roger; and his 10 grandchildren; Liz (Frank), Amanda (Greg), Mary K. (Sabrina), Cheyenne (Richard), Nick, Stephen (Taylor), Britney, Kyla (Jem), April, and Emma. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Maritza (Dylan), Caleb, Ezekiel, Israel, Henry, Abel, Tabias, and Adah, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Jessy will be remembered for his love of music, his devotion to family, his service to his country, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him.

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