Jose Ortega, a retired correctional sergeant, passed away March 16, 2024. He began his career with the department as a cadet at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in January 1990.
After graduating the Basic Correctional Officer Academy in February, he reported to Chuckawalla Valley State Prison.
Ortega then transferred to Calipatria State Prison in March 1992. Two years later, he joined the staff at Ironwood State Prison. In April 1998, he promoted to correctional sergeant.
In June 2018, Ortega retired from the department.
“His peers knew him as ‘Chili’ and loved him dearly,” according to a statement issued by Ironwood. “He will be greatly missed by many. Memorial services are not finalized at this time.”
Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Recent Obituaries
San Quentin mourns passing of Officer Michelle Jones‑Harris
Michelle Jones-Harris, a correctional officer at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away July 21, 2026. Jones-Harris began her career at…
Watch: Agent Byrd memorialized at training center, CMF
Two CDCR memorial ceremonies honored fallen Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, marking one year since his passing. At California Medical Facility…
Ismael Martinez, retired correctional lieutenant
Ismael Martinez, a retired correctional lieutenant from Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, passed away July 14, 2026. He worked…
CMF mourns loss of Melissa Boos, management services tech
Melissa Boos, a management service technician at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville, passed away July 21, 2026. She worked…
CSP‑Solano mourns loss of Kevin Thomas, health records tech
Kevin Thomas, a health records technician at California State Prison-Solano, passed away June 22, 2026. Thomas began his career as…
San Quentin mourns passing of Jonathan Castillo, office tech
Jonathan Castillo, an office technician at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away Feb. 1, 2026. Castillo began his career at…