Jesus Alejandro (Cano) Valencia July 6, 1944 - December 19, 2009 Jesus Alejandro (Cano) Valencia died on December 19, 2009, after an intense two month illness. A Native Nogalense, he will be remembered for his calm nature, unique sense of humor and his personal effort to help those in need. He was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Antonieta Lusignan Valencia, his beloved aunt and uncle, Luz and Antonio Verdugo.

Early in life he developed a strong work ethic. As a young boy, he delivered the Tucson Newspaper up and down the hills of Nogales and worked at the old Nogales Safeway. Jesus, was educated in the Nogales School District, and served in the National Guard and left to Sun Devil Country where he graduated with bachelor degrees in criminal justice, social studies, education and bilingual certification. In Nogales, he worked as a probation officer and an educator in the private and public schools. He also worked in the Phoenix schools and retired from Tucson Unified School District in 2007.

After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling and appreciated the cultural diversity among people. This gave him a new perspective on life. Cano was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and a staunch ASU Alumni. He played basketball all through high school and participated in the Seleccion de Sonora de basketball. He is survived by his sons, Luis Fernando (Elsa), Dwight Omar Valencia; daughter, Maria Venezia Valencia; and seven grandchildren; his sisters, Alejandra, Margarita, Olivia Verdugo, and Maria Eugenia (Adolfo) Sanchez; his brother, Marco Antonio Verdugo; his uncle, Jose (Celia) Lusignan; his loving supportive companion, Delfina Alvarez, and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rodriquez Street in Nogales, Arizona. Viewing will at 8:00-10:00 a.m., immediately followed by a Rosary and Mass. Interment will be at Nogales Cemetery.

Published in the Arizona Daily Star on Dec. 21, 2009