Juan M. Reyes

Juan Reyes was born in Eagle Pass, TX to Francisco and Carmen Reyes on December 22, 1957. He is the baby of the family -youngest of 8 children. As a family they came to California in the 1960’s where he and his family settled in Santa Clara, CA where the Reyes family still currently lives.

After graduating from Peterson High School, Juan enlisted into the United States Army where he served as an 82nd Airborne Combat Medic. After the military, Juan married his sweetheart, Yolanda “Yolie” Reyes and they just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 6th. Juan and Yolanda raised 4 children in Santa Clara, CA and were also blessed with 2 grandchildren.

Juan worked for many years serving his community as a San Jose Police Officer and Investigator. During this time he helped to raise money by hosting golf tournaments for the Police Chaplains, ran Toy Drives for families in the community who were in need, supported the Turkey Drive for PAL families who needed extra help and food for the holidays. Juan helped along with the Junior Giants to raise money and support to get a baseball field built at Olinder School in San Jose which is still in use today. During Juan’s time at PAL, he spearheaded the Junior Giants program which supported over 80 special needs athletes in playing baseball without limitations. Juan retired from San Jose Police Department in 2009 and in true Juan fashion, his retirement didn’t last long before he got into real estate and eventually started his own company Citylights Property Group which is now managed by his son, Juan “JD” Reyes, Jr.

In Juan’s free time you could find him on a golf course, toasting Jameson during the good times, making cinnamon coffee for his wife Yolie or watering his beautiful plants. Juan also enjoyed sporting events, specifically watching Da Bears play, we are not completely sure why he is a Chicago Bears fan considering he was born in Texas and grew up in Santa Clara. His favorite Bears player and coach is Mike Ditka and to those of you who know Mike Ditka know that Juan and Ditka have the same haircut. Juan helped BBQ for Vets at the VA in front of the Spinal Cord Injury building where he received treatment at the ALS Clinic at the Palo Alto VA. Juan is known as the BBQ Grill Master and loved to feed people, this was one of his favorite things to do. He spent many hours with his Grandson, Derek, who is currently serving in the United States Army like his grandfather. He enjoyed helping Derek with activities involving the Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol and supporting Derek in his endeavors. He was always there to drive a herd of rowdy boys, tell stories and lend an ear to help develop them into individuals of integrity and respect.

In February 2017, Juan was diagnosed with a rapid form of ALS more commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s” which took away his ability to walk, breathe, speak or move. For a portion of his ALS journey, he was only able to move his face and use his eyebrows and eyes to express his emotions. He was able to communicate with those around him using a word board and occasionally had an eye gaze machine that allowed him to speak with a device that tracked his eye movement. We had many fun and frustrating moments working through the bugs in these communication styles.

Juan officially lost his voice in July of 2018 when he decided to move forward with receiving a tracheostomy to allow for easier breathing and better quality of life. This surgery did not provide him with a better quality of life like he had hoped making getting around even more difficult than before but it improved his breathing ability.

He was cared for full-time by his wife of 40 years and his 3 sons which allowed him to stay in the home receiving the best care in the world. Juan passed peacefully on July 28th with his entire family holding him, playing Hawaiian music with flowers from his garden by his bedside. Juan was reunited with his Mother, Father and recently passed brother Rick.

In Heaven, Juan awaits his wife, Yolanda Reyes (Acuna), sons Juan, Jr. “JD” (Wife Mila), Marco and Espiridion “Speedy”, his daughter Jessica Reyes Sparks (Husband Johnny, Grandchildren Derek and Ryker).

In lieu of flowers, please honor Juan with donations to San Jose Police Chaplaincy, PO Box 2202, San Jose, CA 95109

Please join the Reyes Family for a Celebration of Juan’s Life & Laying Him to Rest. Please dress for warm weather, come hungry for delicious tacos that Juan would’ve loved and let’s share some memories.

Monday August 16th, 2021:

11:00am

St. Simon's Church, 1860 Grant Rd, Los Altos

(Masks, 3' distancing, sanitize hands required)

12:30pm

Burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery

22555 Cristo Rey Dr, Los Altos

Military Section (near entrance)

2:00pm

Reception at the Elk’s Lodge

1680 Martin Ave., Santa Clara 95050