Jess Mejia passed away at his Gilroy residence August 17th at the age of 59 yrs. A native of Hollister, Jess spent much of his life between San Benito and Santa Clara Counties. A graduate of Hollister High School and prior to his graduation from San Jose City College with his AA Degree, Jess served three tours of duty with the U. S. Marines in Vietnam. A former employee at the Ford Plant in Milpitas until it closed, Jess transferred to Cal Trans and retired due to health reasons June 30th of this year. Jess was a dedicated Raider fan and overall sports enthusiast. He loved his trips to Lake Tahoe. “Family, friends, and his back yard gatherings meant a great deal to him. He was a warm, loving and a genuinely caring person”, said his wife Carol. Besides his spouse Carol, survivors are his children Jay Mejia (Birgit); Gabi Mejia; Henry Gracia (Rita); Melanie McIntyre (Erik); Benjamin Navarro ( Serena) and George Navarro (Claudia). Eleven grandchildren, his uncle, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and treasured friends survive. He was predeceased by his grandparents, his mother, his aunt and uncles, and Cecilia Gracia.
Visitation will be held at Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home 870 San Benito St., Hollister Wednesday Aug 22nd from 1 P.M. until 8 P..M. with a Prayer Service offered at 7 P.M. Family and friends will meet Thursday morning at 9:30 A.M. at the Old Mission San Juan Bautista 2nd & Mariposa Sts, San Juan Bautista for a Mass beginning at 10 A.M. Burial will follow at San Juan District Cemetery with military honors . Donations are preferred to VNA-Hospice or American Cancer Society c/o the mortuary chapel.
