Jose Barba

Jose Barba was born September 6, 1957. He passed away on January 24, 2013 during a process to remove a tumor in his chest. Jose was born in Tijuana, Mexico. His family then moved to San Diego, CA. He graduated from Montgomery High School in 1976. As a Montgomery Aztec, he participated and excelled in track and basketball. As a member of the track team, he was on the mile relay team that broke the school record for the fastest time. His favorite class was Psychology with Dr. Elliot. He enjoyed spending time with his good friend, Alberto Corona. He enjoyed going to concerts, especially Stevie Wonder, War, and Neil Diamond (his all-time favorite). After high school, he attended the University of San Diego and Coleman College where he studied to be an accountant although he always wanted to be a California Highway Patrol Officer. He worked at the Town & Country Hotel, Safeway, and the 76 Gas Station before becoming a CHP officer in 1989. Jose worked as a CHP for 15 years. As a CHP, he received numerous awards. He earned 2, 5, and 10 year Safety Awards for Safe Driving and Working. He received the "Stolen Vehicle Award" twice for vehicle theft recovery and worked as a liaison to Mexico with the "El Protector" Program. He also earned the "Century-100 DUI" award for obtaining 100 DUI arrests in a year. He did this over 5 times in his career. He also received the "Best Accent Award" from his CHP colleagues (friends) on the graveyard shift. He enjoyed going to the annual CHP softball tournament in Las Vegas, NV. He retired from the CHP in 2004. Jose had a passion for several hobbies. He loved to bowl, play racquetball, play softball and coach. As a player and coach, he had an obsession with possessing the perfect technique in relation to sports. He believed there was only one correct way to do things and loved to lobby his perspectives about what made sense. Jose was always a stickler for the rules, according to good friend and racquetball pal, Jesus Flores. When he wasn't sharing his knowledge with others, he was spending time with his grandchildren. Taking care of and spending time with his grandchildren was his greatest joy. He stuck all his grand children's school projects on his living room walls and cherished them as if they were done by Picasso. Jose was a unique and funny person. Instead of celebrating Christmas in December, he liked to celebrate it at his house in March. He kept his tree in the living room approximately 6 months out of the year. According to Jose, every party that served nachos was "The Best Party Ever!" He loved the rain and the sound it made. He dreamed of moving to Seattle and not returning until he got sick of the rain. He enjoyed "rugged camping trips”, but only if camping meant being in a motor home with a bathroom, running water, a comfortable bed and a television with cable. During Thanksgiving, he always looked forward to his Mom's (Mrs. Beatrice Williams) famous turkey leg and fluffy "green stuff" dessert. Jose met Norma Lizarraga in 1977. They married a year later at St. Charles Church in San Diego, CA. They were married for over 20 years and remained very close friends after their marriage ended. He is survived by his three children Jose, Alberto (Tito), and Norma Alexys. He had 6 grandchildren, Jose IV, Esabella, Norma Alexah, John Paul, Roberto Carlos, and JonCarlo. Jose was one of 9 children of Jose and Esperanza Barba. His survivors include younger brothers, Eduardo, Victor, Gustavo, Juan Luis, Jaime, and younger sisters Guadalupe and Lulu. Jose was preceded in death by his younger brother, Rene. Jose is remembered for being funny, unselfish, stern, strongly opinionated, and loving. He also had very soft feet that he wouldn't let anyone touch. Services will be held at Funeraria del Angel Humphrey on February 4th from 5-9 pm. Mass will be February 5th at St Charles Catholic Church at 2pm. There will not be a procession as cremation was chosen for disposition. The family extends a sincere thanks to Sharp Hospital, Hospital Guadalajara, Eddie Gonzalez, American Athletic, Ricardo Perez, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Williams, Ricardo Perez, SD Jammin' City, Mr. & Mrs. Gustavo Barba, Blanca Barba, and Gustavo Guzman and the rest of our friends and family for their love and support.