Michael "Mike" Jimenez was born on July 31st 1953 in Blythe, California. Growing up, Mike lived on a ranch where they raised animals, milked cows, and even made their own ice cream. At a young age, Mike learned how to drive a tractor, burn ditches, and irrigate fields.

Mike attended Margaret White Elementary, Blythe Junior High, and Palo Verde High School. He was involved in 4H, baseball, and football.

The highlight of Mike's childhood were trips to Florence, Arizona to visit family, especially during rodeo weekend and the summertime. He and his sister Lindy attended rodeos where he rode calves and he was even in an equestrian competition.

Mike met the love of his life, Christina Sandoval, in 1969. People would comment that you would never see one without the other. Mike graduated in 1971. He loved his class, and said that they were the "Class with Class."

After high school Mike enlisted in the United States Army with his two best friends, Danny Claypool and Tony Barrozo. Mike completed his basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and served in Amberg, Germany under the 2nd Platoon, K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry.

Following his honorable discharge, Mike returned to Blythe where he began working for the family farming business. Mike married Christina on April 12th, 1975.

Mike was a beloved softball coach. He loved the girls like his own and would frequently tell stories about his coaching days. He said those were the best days of his life.

Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Christina, his daughter Brogade, son Michael Jr. (Linda), his beautiful granddaughters Evalyn, Brea Rose, and Emilia, sisters Becki Jimenez and Shawna Barrett Stayner, brother Richard Jimenez, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ruben and Joy Lee Jimenez, in-laws Ignacio and Rosie Sandoval, sisters Lindy Stewart and Lisa Jimenez, brother Dickie Lake, brother-in-law Paul Stewart, and the best son-in-law John Asmus.

His Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at the Frye Chapel and Mortuary at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Blythe Little League. Donations can be made directly at Provident Bank in Blythe, California.