John was born in Oxnard, California, on Christmas day 1955, third child of Leova and Juan Garcia. John was five years old when his father died. John is survived by his mother, Leova Garcia and 5 brothers and sisters; Lilia, Alicia, Oscar, Joseph & Teresa, 15 nieces and nephews and 8 grandnieces and grandnephews and his beloved cousins Socorro, Lourdes and Isabel.
John was raised in San Diego, spending most of his life in Imperial Beach/Egger Highlands. He attended St. Charles School and Marian Catholic High School. In high school he ran cross country and was a photographer on the school newspaper and yearbook. He excelled in math and science and earned a full academic scholarship to the University of San Diego, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. He was an avid runner and loved music, photography, astronomy and baking.
He was a lifelong parishioner of St. Charles Catholic Church since 1961; he received the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. Charles.
John was a thoughtful and considerate brother. He was a devoted uncle, mentor, teacher and friend to his nephews and nieces, spending countless hours helping them with their calculus and science classes. He help raise them; teaching them how to cook and bake, and fix anything electronic or mechanical. He loved sharing with them his knowledge and love of reading, music and astronomy and most of all his appreciation of nature. For more than 10 years he was a constant and patient caregiver to his mother, whom he loved very much.
He was a kind, gentle and loving person; generous with his time and talents - always willing to help family, friends and neighbors and even complete strangers. He was compassionate and accepted everyone without judgement. He was a genuine person who valued people more than material things. He marched to the beat of his own drum. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
