Juan Alfredo Garcia Mendoza

A native Houstonian, he graduated from Milby High School in 1979, where he played in the marching band and was part of the golf team. Following high school, Fred attended and graduated from the Houston Fire Department Academy in 1981.

During his early years as a firefighter, he was a volunteer Texas Peace Officer, serving as a Deputy Constable and eventually becoming a Sergeant at Precinct 6.

However, his main profession was a Houston firefighter. Originally stationed at Station 42 in the Port of Houston area, he not only served as a firefighter, both as a Pipeman and an Engineer Operator/Chauffeur – but was also the resident chef to his colleagues.

Fred’s love language was cooking. This spread to the larger community as the owner of a small business, “Fred’s BBQ Catering,” where he catered for local churches and parties, bringing briskets, fajitas, and a taste of home cooking to the various celebrations.

A popular teammate, Fred loved golfing and spent time perfecting his skills and playing in tournaments with fellow firefighters and friends.

Fred retired from the Houston Fire Department after 35 years, 6 months, and 25 days, as a Communications Captain at the Office of Emergency Communications.

However, the most important roles in his life were husband and father. Family vacations and long weekends were spent camping, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors as a family.

After retiring, Fred leaned into his love of cooking and became the private chef to his wife, Jackie. He later learned to craft his new skills in bartending and became a wine and tequila aficionado, officially perfecting an old fashioned, sangria and margarita for when the mood would strike.

Fred split his time traveling across the Hill Country to his dream home, Moose Lodge, which he managed as a part-time Airbnb, and, more recently to Galveston, where the beach house was recently completed.

Fred had the ability to draw people in and welcome them to the family. He was loved by many of Stephanie and John's friends. He loved cooking for and hosting their friends whether in Texas or Maryland, teasing them about how his newfound retirement allowed him to spend so much time together.

Before his unexpected departure, the family was fortunate enough to spend extended quality time with Fred by visiting his favorite restaurants, watching him cook, sharing stories, and creating memories that the family will hold close during this next stage of life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Maximo and Isabel Mendoza.

Fred is survived by his wife Jackie; daughter Stephanie; son John; brothers Chris, James and Martin Mendoza.

We would like to thank all of our family and friends for the care and compassion given to us during this difficult time.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home on September 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The Funeral Service will take place at Resurrection Church (915 Zoe St, Houston, TX 77020) on September 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM followed by the Committal Service at Forest Park Lawndale at 11:00 AM.