Roy Richard Jura

Roy was born June 2, 1928 in Fresno to Mike and Rose Jura, naturalized immigrants from Maschito, Potenza, Italy. He attended Teague Elementary, Central High, and Fresno State College, majoring in Agriculture, graduating in 1950.

In 1950 he married Betty Jane Wood and together they raised their three children, Scott, Teri and Keith.

Roy grew up working on his family farm and eventually went on to earn a degree in Agriculture. After the death of his father, he continued working on the family farm with his brothers. Roy also served in the Fresno National Guard in the 1950’s.

Roy was active in many organizations including Fresno State Viticulture Club, California Fig Advisory Board where he also served as chairman for 2 terms, the Dried Fruit Association of California where he served as director, and the Fresno Trade Club. He was a founding member and served on the board of Regency Bank, and he attained the 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus.

Roy and Betty were also avid supporters of and donors to the “Welcome to Fresno County” monument site, Fresno State, the Fresno Met, the Fresno Zoo, Monterey Aquarium, Aquarius Aquarium of Fresno, the future site of Saint Michael’s Church, UC San Francisco Medical Center (Fresno Campus), Valley Children’s Hospital, Saint Mary’s Queen Apostles Building fund, and the St. Elia Committee. St. Elia is the patron saint of his ancestral town of Maschito, Potenza, Italy, whose feast day is celebrated annually in Fresno, on the 3rd Sunday in September. They were enthusiastic supporters of the Nutra Fig Cycling Team, and annually hosted the team's training camp.

Roy and Betty were a host family to foreign exchange students to Fresno State, and later enjoyed visiting some in their home countries.

Roy loved traveling to many different destinations with his wife Betty, driving his family on road trips across the country and taking cruises. He enjoyed attending Fresno State Football and Basketball games, gardening, and reading. Additionally, he and Betty actively supported many local politicians.

Roy was active in real estate investments alongside his best friend, Ed Daniels, and enjoyed socializing with the various partners that Ed brought to the deals.

The family would like to thank Josie Sanchez, caregiver, for all her hard work, care and devotion.

Roy had a deep love for his wife Betty, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and had many family gatherings at his home. He also enjoyed going to dinners and events with his friends. He made friends easily and many felt like they were his adopted family members. Roy had a quick and friendly smile and loved to talk to anyone he met. He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke.

Roy is survived by the love of his life, his wife Betty, his children, Scott (Linda) Jura, Teri (Jim) Farnesi, Keith (Mary) Jura, his grandchildren: Skye, Kyle and Bryn Jura; Nichole (Oskar) Chomicki, Matt (Alyssa) Jura, Laura (Dan) Mortenson and 7 great grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers, Vince, Joe and Mike, and was predeceased by his older sister, Martha.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the St. Mary’s, Queen of Apostles building fund, Aquarius Aquarium’s building fund, or to the charity of your choice.