Nathaniel Adelbert Emerson, Jr.

Nathaniel Adelbert Emerson Jr.

"Jumbo Jr"

June 26, 1982 - July 29, 2025

Nate was born June 26th, 1982, in Yuma, Arizona and sadly departed from this world on July 29th, 2025. As a child, he was raised on both the Cocopah and Quechan Indian reservations with his siblings and parents. Nate was a graduate from the class of 2000 from Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, California. He would then attend Haskell Indian University for three years before returning home to the Ft. Yuma Indian Reservation.

Nate began his professional career in 2002 as a slot attendant at the Quechan Paradise Casino. He would later transition into a table games dealer at the Quechan Casino Resort, where he dedicated over twenty years of service.

One of Nate's most highlighted passions was cooking for his family and his community. He partnered with his brother Bobby to create their infamous "Jumbo's Frybread". Nate had created something truly special and Jumbo's Frybread was a delicious testament to that.

Nate had a love that was loud and his loyalty to his friends and family was one of his most defining qualities. Without hesitation he gave generously of his time, his care, and his heart. He had a contagious smile and sense of humor that brought laughter to everyone who knew him. Nate leaves behind a legacy of love, joy and the simple reminder to live life unapologetically.

Nate devoted sixteen years of love to his life partner Michael Ramirez. Along with raising their fur babies Ruby, Oliver, Ponchita, Thea, R2 and Alice.

He also shared a devoted love for his siblings, which was evident in his every word and action. Losing our big brother has left an unfillable void in our hearts but we find comfort in the countless memories we share together.

Nate is survived by his husband, Michael Ramirez; mother, Gloria White; siblings: Robert Emerson, Brandon Durand, Kristy White, Kimberly Durand and Kailah Durand. Nieces, Loveleigh and Cianna Durand; nephew, Codah Silva. Brother, Jonathan Emerson, and niece, Emeray Emerson.

He is preceded in death by his father, Nathaniel Emerson Sr.; paternal grandparents, Elmer and Lucille Emerson; maternal grandparents, Ronald White and Linda Massey. Stepfather, Roy Durand; uncles, Andy Hayes, Christopher Galvan, Alvis Emerson Sr; aunts, Nadine Twist, Avis Black and Debra Massey.

Pallbearers are Brandon Durand, Elmer Emerson Sr., James Emerson, Peter Emerson, Luther Emerson, Mannix Ramirez, Andrew Ramirez, Nicholas Ramirez, Gaberiel Hemmer, Michael Sanchez, Richardo Barrera, and Noah Polk.

Honorary Pallbearers: Robert Emerson, Jonathan Emerson, Michael Ramirez, Codah Silva, Richard Galvan Sr., Bradley Massey Sr., Bradley Massey Jr., Benjiman Massey, Danny French, Thomas Hills, Zion White, Philbrick Emerson Sr., Dylan Emerson, Wilfred Emerson, Carl Emerson, Christobal Emerson, Andrew White, Antonio Emerson, Keith Twist, Kirk Nerva, Arlie Emerson, Dan Hunter, Lavar Twist, Thai Townsend, Rodney Hunter, Charleton White, Boyd Hill Jr., Steven Hill, Vincent Durand, Matthew Juan, Damien Durand, Malachi Allen, Kelly Hills, Tommy Counts, Rudy Waco, Kelvin Owens, Larry Hammond, Jonathan Koteen and Virgil Smith.

Services will be held at the Yuma Mortuary on Saturday, August 9th, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Tribal Ceremonial Rites will follow at the Quechan Indian Reservation Big House. Cremation will be Sunday August 10th, 2025, at 5:00 am.

On behalf of our entire family, we want to extend a warm thank you to the friends, family and community members for their kind words, prayers, donations and support during this heartbreaking time. Also, a thank you to Quechan Indian Tribe for their support.

Rest peacefully Jumbo, you will be missed until the day we can all be reunited again.
 

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