John A. Jupe, Jr.

John A. Jupe Jr., age 87, was called by the Lord on March 17, 2016 in Visalia, California. Memorial Graveside Services will be held 10:30 a.m., July 1, 2017 at St. Martin's Cemetery in Tours, with Msgr. Isidore Rozycki officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. A meal will be served for family and friends following the service at Tours Hall. John was born February 8, 1929 in Tours, the son of Gertrude and John A. Jupe, Sr. He lived and worked on his family farm until entering the USMC in 1947, where he served with the 1st Brigade Combat Marines in Quam, Korea and China. Upon his honorable discharge he moved to Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA. He lived with and was mentored by his uncle, Roman Holecek of Santa Clara, then made his home in San Jose, CA. John became a skilled carpenter and soon became a licensed building contractor with a successful business in San Jose. He was a proud member of the Carpenters Union 405 for 54 years. He could build anything and was always willing to lend a hand. He is remembered for his love of his family and he always put them first. He was a hard working father and sacrificed his whole life so that his family would be well taken care of, like the old country tune, "Daddy's hands weren't always gentle, but I've come to understand, there was always love in Daddy's hands." John also adored his pets and would go to great lengths to make sure that they were always happy and comfortable. He was a great story teller and had a way of making his stories more interesting and humorous each time he repeated them. John was affectionately known as "Big Bad John" by those who loved him and was truly admired by all. He is dearly missed. John is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ralph and Kirvin Jupe; and sisters, Adele Williams, Willie Mae Wessinger and Leona Swatzel. Survivors include his daughters, Sharyl Jupe of Livermore, CA, Deana "Dedee" Pernu and her husband Daryl of Visalia, CA; grandchildren, Melanie Petty and husband Mark, Steven Ford and wife Willow, Lucas Pernu and Sara Beth Pernu; great grandchildren, Ava Ford, Carson Petty and Chole Petty; a brother. Gene Jupe; sisters, Betty Jensen, Sarah Mandel and Diane Moore; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.