BARTOW - Jesus Cortez, 26, of Bartow, FL died Monday, April 19, 2010 due to an automobile accident on U.S. 17 in Bartow.

Born September 26, 1983 in Shenandoah, Virginia , he moved to the area over 20 years ago with his family.  He was a field technician for Cutrale Citrus Juices and attended  the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Wahneta.   His hobbies included art, custom lowriders and diesel trucks.

He is survived by:  his mother, Marta G. Avellaneda of Bartow; his father, Servando B. Cortez of Mexico; 2 brothers, Servando Cortez, Jr. of Winter Haven, FL and Hugo Cortez of Bartow, FL;  his fiance', Celia Perez of Bartow, FL; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm till 8:00pm on Friday, April 23, 2010 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Boulevard, NW, Winter Haven, FL.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 24, 2010 in the our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Wahneta.  Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park.