John Jimenez

      Many things can be said about John Jimenez. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. John was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

       His parents were Deciderio and Mary Jimenez. John was raised in Watts, California and Fresno, California. When he was young, John's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, John demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

      John grew up with Brothers Deciderio and Richard, Sisters Alice and Irene. John was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. John carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. John was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

      Always considered a “good” friend, John sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason John always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. John's friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. John would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. John was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. Later in life, he became friends with Roger Miller,Jim Rhodes.

      On March 10, 1979 John married Eleanor Ann Slater at the Chapel of the west of Las Vegas, Nevada. Compassionate and devoted, John worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Eleanor came first in John's book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Eleanor's feelings. By trusting his emotions, John did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how John was truly a person of empathy.

      John's quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. John shared these values with his Eight Children, one daughter April and one son Jonathan and step daughter heather, three sons Gilbert,Ernest and Jeffrey two daughters Claudia and Marina. John related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

      John experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was his primary occupation was machine shop supervisor. He was employed for 44 years at Robertshaw controls/Invensys. John always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. John took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. John was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. John continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

      John was an Army Veteran. He was in the 3rd infantry 1950-1953 Korea. John saw action for three years in the Korea conflict. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of specialist first class. He received several awards including a two bronze service stars, Good conduct medal, Korean service medal,National Defense service medal,united nations service medal,Combat Infantry Badge. His fellow soldiers knew him as being very resourceful and kind. John demonstrated personal initiative and valued these same principles in those with whom he served.

      Because he was organized and methodical, John took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were Gardening and painting. John enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

      John derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, John delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. Recreational sports included Baseball. John was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Baseball , Basketball.

      Throughout his life, John was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, John was known to his peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, John was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting his own needs aside. John's involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was John's ability to bring valued principles along with him. Throughout his later years, John was an active member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans.

      John's faith was important to him. He was a member for eight years at the New Commandment Missionary Baptist Church. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

      John enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with John were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included camping at Yosemite and El Capitan.

      When John's retirement finally came in 1998, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, John had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, John knew exactly what he wanted to do. In retirement, he found new pleasure in spending time with family and volunteering at the V A garden. Even in retirement, John continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

      John passed away on July 4, 2008 at home in his wife of twenty nine years arms. He fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife of twenty nine years, Eleanor,son Jonathan, daughters April,step daughter Heather and son in law Randy and grand-daughter Makenzie. Services were held at Whites Funeral Home. John was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery.

      Throughout his life, John was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. John leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember John Jimenez.