Jean Pierre was born on December 19, 1940 to Joaquin Miguel Sanchotena and Jeromina Aguerrebere in a basque etxea (farm house) in Les Aldudes, France. Pierre was the youngest of Joaquin's fourteen children and the ninth youngest of Jeromina's.
Upon his arrival in 1959, he found various jobs around Bakersfield-San Joaquin Valley. Due to his love of the outdoors, he found jobs gardening, farming, sheep-herding, and eventually joined his brothers in raising livestock. In addition, they worked in timber mills that no longer exist. All of this led to him owning herds and managing ranches through his talent of raising produce for many companies, including Del Monte.
Born during WWII in Europe, he learned to work hard but also found playful times. He told stories of skipping school to play handball (pelota) in Aldudes’ handball court (pelota toki), a talent he brought with him to Bakersfield, California. Pierre became a First Division Kern County (KCBC) Champion with Amedee Irey in 1972 and 1973.
He raised his children in the Basque culture, participating in their picnics of mus games throughout California and Nevada. He enjoyed watching his children, grandkids, and great-grandkids dance to “old country” with his loving wife Adelaida. Together they built a wonderful life, traveling to Mexico and taking well deserved trips to France to see his family. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping trips. Pierre is loved by his remaining family.
Today, he joins his brothers and sisters where the ocean and death will never separate them again: Aita, Joaquin, Ama, Jeromina, Serapio, Michel, Ignacio, Jean, Marie, Francois, Dominica, Jeanne, Martin, Joseph, Dominique, and Jean Baptiste.
Pierre is survived by his loving wife Adelaida, and his children Freddy Ayon, Virginia Ramirez, Mary Sanchotena Aguirre, Anita Sanchotena Marticorena, John Sanchotena, and Albert Sanchotena. He leaves behind eighteen grandchildren, twenty eight great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, many nephews and nieces both in America and France, along with his sister Katrine Arastoa in Aldudes, France.
We know that he will watch over us here below, and that we will live with the memories of love he gave to all of us.
A Visitation and Rosary Service for Jean Pierre will be held Friday, January 31, 2025 starting at 9:00 am and Mass at 10:00 at Saint Columba Catholic Church, 213 Orange Ave, Chowchilla, California.
Following Mass the Graveside Service will be held at the Chowchilla Cemetery District, 23359 Rd 14 1/2, Chowchilla, California.
Please join us in remembering Jean Pierre Sanchotena by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Sanchotena Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger.
