About Us

Joe Jr. is the 3rd generation of the Jackson Family to proudly work in the funeral industry.  Born in 1956 to Joe and Mary Therese Jackson, he is the eldest among his siblings, Celeste (Bill), Mark (Jamie), and Tim.  He attended parochial schools until 1973. He left St Joseph's Academy after it closed and attended J. W. Nixon High School where he graduated in 1974.  After graduation he attended: Laredo Junior College now Laredo Community College, Texas A&I now Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas A&M University in College Station then went on to Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science in Houston and graduated in 1978.  Upon returning to Laredo he continued to attend classes at Texas A&I while working full time.  In 1978 he passed his mortuary boards and after completing his apprenticeship under his father he received his Funeral Director's License in 1979 and his Embalmer's License in 1980.  Today he serves as President and Chairman of the Board of Joe Jackson Funeral Chapels and actively sustains his Funeral Director's/Embalmer's License.

In 1980 Joe Jr. married his high school sweetheart Elvira Campos.  Together they have 5 children: Joseph III (Monica Castro) and their children, Haley, Joseph IV & Jordan; Ellese (Hector Velasquez) and their children, Diego Andres, Amelie and Katia; Samantha (Doug Russell) and their children Andrew and Elizabeth, as well as their dog, Disco; Kathleen (Jeffrey Davin), and Zachary. 

Joe Jr.'s eldest children, Joe III and Ellese have become the 4th generation of Jackson's to follow in the family tradition.  Joe III received his Mortuary Degree in 2002 and Ellese graduated from Texas State University in 2006 and earned her Funeral Director's License while working full time as Comptroller of Joe Jackson Funeral Chapels.  Samantha graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2008 with a B.S. in Biology and is currently working as a Certified Speech Language Pathologist in San Antonio, Texas, where her husband is a Physician there. Kathleen graduated with a B.S. in Biology at the University of Texas at Austin and subsequently has received her Pharmaceutical Doctorate the University of West Virginia's School of Pharmacy and together with her husband practice in Columbus, Ohio. The youngest of the family, Zachary, is currently employed part time at the funeral home while he completes his collegiate degree.

In his free time, Joe Jr. enjoys many sports activities mainly golf and working with his audio equipment, music is his ultimate guilty pleasure.

Ellese Jackson-Velasquez is the eldest daughter of Joe and Elvira Jackson, Jr. and is also the eldest granddaughter of Joe and Mary Therese Jackson, Sr. the founders of Jackson Funeral Chapels.  H. L. Jackson, the founder of Jackson Funeral Home (Downtown) would be her great-grandfather making her the 4th generation of Jacksons in the funeral industry here in Laredo.

Ellese attended local parochial schools and graduated from St. Aug. in 2002.  She continued her education and attended: Laredo Community College, University of Texas at San Antonio, and Texas State University where she graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications.  She returned to Laredo and joined the Administrative branch of Joe Jackson Funeral Chapels where through dedication and hard work she now holds the hectic position of Comptroller for the Funeral Chapels overseeing the family's three Funeral Chapels: Heights, North, and Springfield. 

She earned her Funeral Director Certificate from Amarillo College and finished her Apprenticeship in 2013, having been granted her Funeral Director License #115780 in October 2013. 

Currently, she is overseeing the financial and administrative operations of the funeral home as she continues the legacy and tradition of the Jackson family.

Ellese is married to Hector Velasquez and together have three adorable children, Diego, Amelie and Katia. She gracefully balances the challenges of motherhood and work and still finds time to devote to yoga, Diego's after school activities, Amelie's princess phase and the babies growing abilities.  When it is quiet, it is time for her to reflect by reading a book or two or watching a new series on Netflix.

Joseph Michael Jackson, III, is the eldest grandson of Joe and Mary Therese Jackson, Sr., the founders of Joe Jackson Funeral Chapels, Inc., and eldest son of Mr. Joe and Elvira Jackson, Jr.  The founder of H L Jackson (Downtown) is his great-grand-father; making him the 4th generation of Jacksons to be licensed funeral directors in the state of Texas.

Joseph attended Ursuline Elementary where he was an altar server for school masses as well as served for St. Patrick Catholic Church.  At a very young age, Joseph volunteered his time at the funeral chapels.  This is where he first developed an interest in the mortuary industry. During his earlier years in life, he excelled in sports and played Varsity Tennis for four years, ultimately helping his team win district for each consecutive year. He received MVP his Junior year of high school and graduated from United High School in 2000. He continued his education at the Laredo Community College where he obtained his basics before going to San Antonio's College of Mortuary Science, where he obtained his Associate's Degree in Applied Science.

Upon his return to Laredo, Joseph along with his father and co-workers began to generate ideas to expand the family business, such as the new addition to the Jackson Funeral Chapels located on Jacaman Road.

Today, Joseph is one of the friendly funeral directors of Joe Jackson Funeral Chapels, Inc. along with his sister Ellese, both of whom aspire to continue the family tradition of serving the families of Laredo during their time of need.

When he is not directing a funeral, embalming or finalizing future funerals, he enjoys spending time with his family, which include his lovely wife, Monica Castro-Jackson; children: Haley, Joseph Michael IV, and Jordan as well as playing various sports including fantasy football.

Rosario Arellano has a Bachelor's Degree in Education, an Associate's Degree in Business, and an Associate's Degree in Mortuary Science. She is an active member and parishioner of San Francisco Javier Catholic Church and the Cursillo Movement. She serves as a Eucharistic Minister and is a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Isabella. A recent highlight of her life and deeply meaningful journey she undertook this past September was visiting Rome and traveling to the Vatican City, where she met Pope Francis CCLXVI in person. 

Rosario has a passion for the underwater world and is currently learning to scuba dive. In her free time at home, she enjoys the company of her pet parrot, Chester and her betta fish, Blue. 

Esther joined our team in January 2023. She has been serving families in the community for over 20 years. Graduated from Common Wealth Institute of Funeral Service. Esther is caring and always ready to serve families. 

Ricardo joined our team in 2018. He is currently attending Dallas Insitute of Funeral Service and is expected to graduate with his Funeral Director and Embalming Licenses in December of 2023.  Ricardo loves helping families and assisting in personilizing every service in its unique capacity. He is also a preplanning advisor and can help families prepare for their future services. 

Erika joined our team in February 2020 as our After Care and Pre Need Director.  She brings over 5 years of insurance experience and personal funeral service experience.

She enjoys spending time with her beloved family, which include her husband and the love of her life, her son.

She is active in the community with various social organizations and projects.  Erika is truly a gifted person who will help you plan a thoughtful and deserved tribute while giving you and your family peace of mind.

Ms. Michelle Williams has been with our firm for over 8 years. Michelle has a handsome young boy, Joseph who is her pride and joy. She is currently attending Texas A&M International University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Psychology. Michelle is an active supporter of Mental Health Awareness especially those activities dealing with A.D.D. & A.D.H.D. She bleeds Carolina blue (U.N.C. Tarheels) and shares this passion of basketball with her son, and also enjoys music and art as a past time.  Michelle is our Heights Chapel administrative secretary where you can find her adding personal touches to memorials and assisting funeral directors.

Joanna joined the team in 2019 as a part-time associate both in the office and on funeral services.

She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and is looking for a future within Federal Law Enforcement.

Joanna is a strong willed individual that can accommodate our families and brave any environment and situation she comes across, she is always up for a challenge.

Mr. Jose Rodriguez is the most senior member of our support staff. He began his career in 1985 with Mr. Joe Jackson, Sr. as the President of the firm. He has seen many faces come and go during his tenure. "Joey" as he is affectionately known is a vital support asset to our team. He is the first to arrive each morning and prepare for the day's services. He specializes in the art of making the most delicious pot of coffee in the funeral industry. He is married and has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Joey is a history buff and can recount stories from our firm's history that help us understand how far along we have come in the industry.

Mr. Jose Colunga is a full time Funeral Director Assistant and part of our presentation staff.  He began with our firm in 2020.  He enjoys relaxing while enjoying his family time and friends.

Mr. Guadalupe Mata is the head of our maintenance staff for the 2 locations. He enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his wife and 2 children.

Jesus has been with our firm since 2015.  He is a graduate of JW Nixon High School.  

Jesus assists the funeral directors and our families in every capacity during the evening visitations and morning funerals.

He comes with over 9 years of dedicated experience in funeral service,  and is well versed in all aspects of the funeral home and committal services.

Samantha joined our team in 2020 and is following in the footsteps of her father, Samuel.

Currently, she has began her  Senior year at Alexander High School and hopes to pursue her Associate's Degree in Mortuary Science after her graduation. She will be continuing the legacy of funeral service established by her father.