John Richard Grijalva

John was born in San Jose Ca on October 18th of 1950 and spent the first 39 years of his life there; He grew up with his parents Omobono & Genevieve and his siblings Delores & Ralph. He was an energetic kid with an infectious smile and many lifelong childhood friends. He was a graduate of James Lick H.S class of 68', where he was a “standout wrestler” earning the nickname "flea", bringing home the “CCS Championship” in the 95lb weight class as a Jr in1967. In the summer of 71' he met Jeanna, the love of his life, and married her shortly thereafter. He embraced her sons as his own and though he didn't have to, he actually went through the process of adoption to make them his own. That’s just the kind of man he was.....he never did anything halfway!

In 1976 Stevie wonder released the hit “Isn’t she Lovely”, the same year John and Jeanna we’re blessed with their daughter Brandi, “isn’t she Lovely” is and always will be John’s song to Brandi, he probably sang it to her a million times or more.

Johns love for music is probably on the short list, behind his deep love for God, his family and friends. In his early years after work or on Saturday you could find him fixing something, making something or on a set of conga drums playing something. He would mess with the harmonica, bongo drums or even just sit back and strum the guitar. He was extremely resourceful, ingenious and handy, he could fix just about anything and this was before youtube! He was a teacher by example to most people he met always with a big smile, speaking positive regardless of what a situation looked like. He didn’t really sugar coat things, but always saw the positive even in a negative situation.

After moving to Modesto in 1989, He and Jeanna began raising their grandson Anthony Jr, he was always taking care of people; his obligation to family was his main priority. He got sick for a couple years and ended up not being able to work in his previous field, not wanting to commute to the Bay Area anymore he decided to begin a new career at the age of 56 because he did whatever it took to take care of his family. He spent the next 14 years driving the city bus and it turned out, that was probably the job he loved the most! He’d made more money on other jobs, but for some reason, he loved driving that bus and talking to people.

John was a man who helped people without the need for recognition; he had a heart of forgiveness and he showed love by his actions. He will be forever missed, eternally loved and always remembered!

He is survived by; Parents: Omobono & Genevieve Grijalva, Wife: Jeanna Grijalva, Children: Anthony Grijalva, Joseph Grijalva & Brandi Oliva, Grandchildren: Anthony Jr, Timberlina, Brittney, Jasmine, Jennise, Alex, Nathaniel, Janessa and 13 Great Grandchildren.