Nicolas Belman Jimenez

Nicolas Belman Jimenez passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at the age of 98 years.

Nicolas Belman Jimenez was born in Salvatierra, Mexico on August 1, 1927, to the late Marcelina Belman Franco. He grew up in Celaya, Mexico where he met and married his wife, Ana Maria Esquivel Jimenez, on February 13, 1968.

A dedicated agricultural laborer, Nicolas spent his life working tirelessly to provide a better future for his family. He emigrated to the United States in 1956 and became a pioneer in the agricultural field. His contributions and legacy were recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month and honored in a display at the Saginaw Castle Museum.

He taught us that hard work is a foundation of life. He would often say, "Las letras no entran quando se tiene hambre " Many patrons of El Rancho Grande and Maria's Authentic Mexican Restaurant, owned by his daughters, have often seen him enjoying his cafecito and pan as he greeted everyone. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. In his pastime, he enjoyed going to Soaring Eagle Casino and spending time drinking tequila with his family and friends.

He was preceded by his wife, Ana Maria Esquivel Jimenez, his twin brother, "El Cuate" Roberto, his son, Nicolacito, his grandson, Eliseo Estrada, and his stepdaughters, Ester Elizalde and Teresa Rivera.

Surviving are six children and their spouses: Maria Angeles (Gustavo) Gomez of Saginaw; Jose Santos (Bernarda) Jimenez of Saginaw; Maria Rosario (Daniel) Esquivel of Celaya, Mexico; Maria Gregoria "Chole" of Saginaw; Jose Alfredo (Claudia) Arellano of Saginaw; Jose Jesus (Martha) Jimenez of Celaya, Mexico; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of First State Home Care for all the love and profound care they provided to Nicolas as well as to the family.

A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 3680 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Rev. Fr. Alberto Vargas will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603 on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a vigil service led by Deacon Librado Gayton at 7:00 p.m. Nicolas will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Diocese of Saginaw – Migrant Pantry. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.