Juan Pena Campos

Juan Pena Campos was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Juan will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Juan was born on May 16, 1956 at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay, Ohio. He was the son of Margarito Rodriguez Campos and Olga Pena. Juan grew up in Morgan Hill, California.

Juan was raised with seven siblings. He had one brother, Ruben, and six sisters, Estella, Rosa, Margarita, Teresa, Rosario and Lupe. Juan was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Juan had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Juan was an active child who took part in track (running). However, to Juan, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Juan had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He attended Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Juan enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jim Webb, Saul Gonzalez, Raymond Ramirez, and Benny Chavez. Later in life, he remained friends with Jim Webb, Raymond Ramirez, and Benny Chavez, and became friends with Nick Pisco, Ralph Ortiz, and Tom.

On April 13, 1973 Juan exchanged wedding vows with Yolanda Ramirez at the San Jose Courthouse in San Jose, California. Empathic and loyal, Juan was committed to making his new family happy.

Juan worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Juan was blessed with five children: three sons, Johnny Jr., Mario, and Billy, and two daughters, Corina and Christina. Another blessing for Juan was the gift of thirteen grandchildren, Alley, Anthony, Abel Jr., Ava Rose, Adrian, Johnny Jr., Avery, Jeserae, Cassandra, Lissette, Baby "Niko", Erik, and Mario Jr.

Fortunately, Juan enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Juan worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was as a truck driver. He was employed for most of his life as a truck driver for Nor-Cal Portables, Webb Septic Tanks, U-Save Rockery, and Day and Night Towing. Juan always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Juan enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were camping, motorcycles, fishing, boating, and planting vegetables in his garden. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Juan found pleasure in sports. In high school, Juan participated in track and field. Recreational sports included bicycle riding. Juan was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were football.

Juan’s faith was important to him. He was a Catholic and a member of Saint Catherines in Morgan Hill.

Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Juan was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Employee of the Year. Juan was recognized for his hard work as an employee for Nor-Cal.

Juan enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Lake San Antonio.

Juan was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Some of his favorites were Scruffy, Chuckie, Spike, Cosmo, Sparky and Peaches, all of which are Shi-tzu and Pitbull dogs. He was friends with Scruffy for 16 years, Chuckie for a couple of years, Cosmo for 12 years, Sparky for 3 years, Peaches for 2 years, and the puppies for a year. His dogs Sparky and Peaches gave birth to five puppies named, Sweetheart, Dolly, Junior, Lassie and Drama Queen.

In 2011, he retired when he became ill and was unable to work. His new life involved spending most of his time in and out of the hospital receiving medical attention for several months. Before his illness, he found pleasure in gardening, walking, bicycle riding, fishing and camping.

Juan passed away on March 29, 2012 at City of Hope in Duarte, California due to Hodgkin's lymphoma, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney failure. He is survived by his wife Yolanda; his children Johnny Jr., Corina, Mario, Christina, and Billy; his grandchildren; his brother Ruben; and his sisters Estella, Rosa, Margarita, Theresa, Rosario, and Lupe. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Chapel of the Oaks in San Jose, California. Juan was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

Simply stated, Juan was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Juan leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Juan Pena Campos.