Johnny’s Eulogy 
My brother John lead an amazing fulfilling life. He had his struggles and loss but always kept a positive attitude. He shared his knowledge and lessons learned with his children and grandchildren. 
He loved talking about the good old days or “Back in his Time”
Here’s a few memories:
Growing up at Swanson Ranch in Hollister we ran around hunting, fishing, swimming, and played football in the mud with Uncles and Cousins. 
Johnny used to play football with the neighborhood boys, he was usually the tallest and biggest and came home bragging how no one could tackle him. 
Johnny loved art. In high school Johnny won first place for his drawing of a Peacock in a national drawing contest.
Johnny had a beautiful singing voice and dabbled in playing the guitar. He got pretty good and sang “House of the Rising Sun”
One of his first cars was a Flat bed truck. Johnny would cruise through Sunset or Kearney Park blasting his music, “Summer Madness” by Kool and the Gang is the one I remember. 
Johnny work as a Chef at the Tres Pinos Inn. And worked at a cemetery building burial crypts in Hollister.
He also worked in Watsonville as an Assistant Manager at Kentucky Fried Chicken. And later he worked in Cabinetry for 20 years. 
Johnny loved his family and He taught them the lessons to carry on without him. Be strong, Jessica, Bubba, Marilyn and Melissa your Pops, your Father is proud of all you.
And lastly:  I’m never gonna hear your ringtone on my cellphone again, “Big John” Big John, Big Bad John. Rest in Peace Big Brother, until we meet again…
Your Sister Phyllis

My baby spent her first Easter with her great grandpa

Thank you for every hug, laugh, lecture and lesson. Thank you for being a big part of my life, Thank you for being my grandpa

Beloved husband, beloved friend, beloved Grandpa, and my beloved dad. I miss you so much dad, not a day goes by that I don't miss you. I'll always remember our jokes we made together, our shopping days and how I took hours. My favorite meal you cooked, pot roast. Thank you so much for being the best dad you could be. Gibson misses you, you we're his best friend though he always got you mad, haha. I love you dad, thank you for all those shopping sprees.     Ps:You look like Gous.

I love you guys  Tio Johnny  you are going to be missed good memories and laughs with you so unreal

This was at Moms Birthday party. Gonna miss you Johnny. April 16 - 23  Love from your brother David.

Mom and Johnny. Her first born.  The was April 16 - 2025

Gonna miss you Jonny. Love from your brother David.  April 16 - 25

My Big Bro John, I took this picture on June 13th, 2025 we were celebrating his 68th birthday, which was June 10th. It was a very very special day. We laughed, and we cried, and we shared our childhood memories and wishes for the future for ourselves and our families. I will cherish my last day with you forever Bro 😎

To My Big Brother John 
I’m really gonna miss you Johnny. 
You were my Rock. My big brother, the first person I called when I needed help, needed support or a shoulder to lean on. 
In fact I reached for my phone several times this week to call you to talk to you and tell you I needed you. 
You were so brave the evening you passed away. You held strong, long enough saying your goodbye’s and telling us how much you loved us. 
You asked me to be there with Jessica & Bubba making your arrangements. 
I watched them feeling very proud of the job they were doing following their father’s last wishes. You can Rest In Peace Big Brother and be very proud of all your children. Time is going to be hard and we will be strong. 
I’ll miss you, I’ll never forget you, and I will Love you Forever Big Brother 🙏❤️🙏
Your Sister Phyllis

My condolences to the family at this difficult time you are in my prayers Big John was a great man it's been awhile since I have seen him but I have so many great memories of him and Johnny also memories when we worked at KFC in Watsonville God Bless you all 🙏

OBITUARY

John Fred Martinez Jr.

June 10, 1957 – July 3, 2025

Lisle Funeral Home

Show your support

Send Flowers

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Recitation of the Holy

Funeral Service