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Major Michael Ridge "Juice" Sobyra USMC (Ret)

1954 - 2013

Major Michael Ridge "Juice" Sobyra USMC (Ret) obituary, 1954-2013, Visalia, CA

BORN

1954

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center

765 W. Henderson Ave.

Porterville, California

Michael Sobyra Obituary

Michael was born in Tripler Army Hospital on Oahu, Hawaii on March 10, 1954, and passed away on February 10, 2013, following a sudden illness. The son of CWO-2 George and Luella Sobyra, Michael attended Saint Anne's Catholic schools in Porterville and Santa Ana, California, before the family moved to Porterville in 1969.
Michael attended Monache High School, where he excelled in handball, baseball, and football, and was a member of the 1971 Marauder undefeated Eastern Yosemite League Football Championship team, where he was voted Most Inspirational Player. Michael also attended Porterville College, where he again excelled in baseball. He also attended San Diego State University and Fresno State University where he graduated in 1975.
While growing up, Michael began a lawn cutting service in order to pay for a long-range fishing trip. This was the beginning of a life-long love of deep sea fishing, a pastime he would return to again and again throughout his life.
While attending college, Michael began a lifelong career of service to his country when he attended the U.S. Marine Corps' Platoon Leaders Class program for officer training, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Marines upon graduating college. Michael attended The Basic School for Marine lieutenants during the spring of 1976, and graduated in time to witness the Bicentennial of our nation in Washington, D.C. Michael then attended Naval Aviation flight school in Pensacola, Florida and Kingsville, Texas, and earned his Wings of Gold on February 3rd, 1978. His first assignment following graduation from flight school was to Yuma, Arizona where he learned to fly the F-4 Phantom fighter.
Upon qualifying in the Phantom he was assigned to the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Fighter Squadron 323 at El Toro, California where he picked up the call sign "Juice." Within a year of joining the squadron, he was deployed on the USS Coral Sea for a historic deployment to the Persian Gulf during the Iran hostage crisis.
Following his return to the United States, Michael met one of the loves of his life, Christine Pearson. Michael and Chris soon wed, and raised a family of five boys.
During this time, he was hand-picked to attend two prestigious training programs: the "Top Gun" school for fighter pilots and the Marine Corps Aviation Weapons and Tactics Course. In the mid-1980's Michael transferred to Lemoore to train in the newest Marine Corps fighter, the F-18 Hornet. He remained in Lemoore training other fighter pilots where he earned a reputation as a outstanding fighter pilot and instructor. One of the highlights of Michael's career was when he flew an F/A-18 to the Porterville Moonlight Fly-In in 1989, where he was joined by his brother David who flew in a Marine Corps UH-1N helicopter.
Promoted to Major in 1990, he was assigned to the "Death Angels" of Marine Fighter Squadron 235, in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. As squadron operations officer, he was instrumental in preparing the squadron for deployment to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield, and combat operations during Operation Desert Storm. Michael led a four-ship strike mission into the heart of the Iraqi air defenses on the night of January 16th, earning an Air Medal for Valor during this action. He would go on to fly and lead over 40 combat strikes during Desert Storm. Following his combat service, he returned to Hawaii, and then back to Lemoore and retired from the Marines on September 1, 1993.
Michael then settled in the central valley, living in Visalia and working as a civilian at the Weapons School at Lemoore Naval Air Station. Michael was fortunate to find another love in his life, and married Beth Schriener in 2000. One of Michael's many accomplishments in life was returning to school and graduating from the San Joaquin Valley School of Law in Fresno, with a Juris Doctor degree.
Michael enjoyed life to its fullest. In addition to being a talented athlete, he loved baseball, the Los Angeles Lakers, the manned space program and horse racing, attending races around the country at some of the iconic tracks such as Hollywood Park in Southern California, and Belmont in New York. Michael had a lifelong admiration for the sacrifices of our country's Prisoners of War during the Viet Nam conflict and developed friendships with many of them, respecting and admiring their defense of our country's values under the most difficult conditions imaginable.
Michael's admiration for Law Enforcement was without question, some of his proudest moments were pinning on the California Highway Patrol badge on the chest of his son Jared, and witnessing his son Paul's recognition as Paramedic of the Year in 2012. He often said that many of his heroes were cops. Michael also loved Elvis, and was an avid collector of Elvis memorabilia and trivia. But Michael's most important love was his family.
Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Luella Jane.
He is survived by his dear companion, Diana Martin of Visalia; his father, CWO-2 George R. Sobyra USMC (Ret) of Porterville; son, Jared and wife Krissi and grandsons Kolton and Jakob, of Paso Robles; son Paul of Porterville; daughter Sierra of Woodland; son Bradley Knight and grandson Logan of Edmond, Oklahoma; Stepsons Joshua and wife Lynn of Hanford; Todd Pearson and wife Rebecca of Salinas, and Seth Pearson and wife Erin of San Luis Obispo. He is also survived by sisters, Annie "Blaze" and husband, Ken Green of Porterville, and niece 2LT Ashley Green USAF of Cocoa Beach, Florida; Mary and husband, Eric Bream, and nephew Chandler of Visalia; brother LtCol David Sobyra USMC (Ret) and wife Dana of Fredericksburg, Virginia;. He is also survived by his Uncle Mike, Aunt Pam and cousins Angie, Katy and Robert in Australia; Aunt Barbara of Henderson Nevada, Aunt Jean and cousin Keith Mayberry of Kingman, Arizona; cousins Donnie, Eddie, Karen and Michael of Chicago; Donald, Ginny Lou, and Miles of Oregon; Joanne Fletcher of Porterville; and many family and friends around the world.
Michael's family would like to thank everyone for being his friend. He loves all of you and will be our guardian angel forever.
For friends who wish to do so, Michael's family would be honored for donations made in his name to the Military or Law Enforcement charity of your choice.
A visitation will be at Whitehurst-Peter-Loyd Funeral, 195 N Hockett St., Porterville, CA 93257 (559)784-6485 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A graveside service with full Marine Corps honors will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, 1013 E. Olive Ave. Porterville, CA 93257. Time on Target is 1100 hours sharp, plus or minus 30 seconds. For additional information or to sign Michael's register book log on to www.whitehurstfuneral.com.

Published by The Porterville Recorder from Feb. 14 to Feb. 15, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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To the family,
May you be able to cling to the special moments shared and may they provide you comfort.

Patty (Lewis) Hall

School

February 8, 2022

I met Mike at the Marine's PLC program in Quantico, back in '75 and we became friends from there. Mike would call me every other year just to say hi. Well, I have been waiting to hear back from Mike for some time and decided to google him, to find out of his passing. What a great guy, friend and a tremendous loss to all! I went to Mike's wedding back in 2000, and there were two Marine officer's at our table, and I mentioned that Mike would like them to go up and say a few nice words about Mike. One of the officer's also mentioned that he flew with Mike, and mentioned that Mike never got rattled. Wonder if it was Bill at our table. Well, I send prayers and blessings to the Sobyra family. The last gift Mike gave me was a USMC shirt with full of holes and a nice letter explaining the purpose of this shirt. Mike was a die hard Elvis fan and kept everything for memories. Mike, you left lasting memories for me and know that you are in a better plan, now. God speed and blessing to your family!

Allen Shubat

Friend

December 29, 2017

I've just become aware of Michael's last flight by way of the latest quarterly newsletter for retired Marines. I flew with Juice in VMFA-323 both at El Toro and during the Coral Sea cruise `79-`80. He was fun to fly with because he never got rattled (or showed it) and always made his RIO feel like a valued and integral part of the F-4 crew. On top of that, Juice was just a heck of a nice guy. I can't recall ever seeing him angry or in a dispute with another aircrew...an unusual event in a squadron of Type A personalities! My most heartfelt condolences go out to his dad, siblings, children, relatives, and friends for your loss. I put my Marine Corps flag out yesterday and puffed an expensive cigar I was saving to have a private wake for Juice. I hope heaven is as we envision it so he and I can renew our friendship one day.

Bill Bowers

July 28, 2013

Mike was my closest friend in this world for 29 years. His passing will leave an enormous void in my life, and I already miss him terribly.

Brian Todd

February 26, 2013

I remember Mike in high school as such a kind and thoughtful person. He was a true everyday hero, especially in his service to our country.

Therese Dill(Yanes)

February 21, 2013

Mike was my roommate at Fresno State in 75. He was always considerate of me and others around him. God Bless his family and friends

j. walter

February 19, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. May your family find peace and your friends and family surround you with Love at this difficult time.

Amber Hoover

February 19, 2013

Juice, we'll see you over the target a little later....

Paul Ozmer

February 19, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Another GREAT soldier has gone to God. God bless your family.

Donna Newby

February 17, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I just can't imagine. Find peace in that he loved you and knew you loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Cathy Buckley

February 17, 2013

Annie I am so sorry and God Bless you and your family. I remember Mike coming to see us here and I remember how proud he was of his aviation training and his going into the Marines. I hope you all find comfort and I pray for the Lord's peace for you. Mike is a hero, a gentleman and I know how proud you are to be his sister.

Dana Phillips(Bonds)

February 16, 2013

To George and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Michael was at our house a few times for dinner while dating my cousin and we had a wonderful time. Great memories! Jared is a friend of our son Brad Bonnett and we watched Jared play in many high school football games. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

David & Cheri (Maloney) Anderson

February 15, 2013

Annie, I wanted to send my thoughts and prayers.
Barb Muller

February 15, 2013

So sorry for you loss. He was truly a good man and will be missed by many.

Patty Hall

February 14, 2013

I will miss our phone conversations and will remember you always. Give my regards to "Chesty." Jim Mortensen Retired CHP #2153

February 14, 2013

Words cannot express the sorrow I share with all of you with Michael's passing. He was one of a kind. I will miss his stories, (one more story Gwen) his laughter and being very dear friend. He made such an impact on my life. His spirit and words will always be with me! He was a true American and my hero. "You Betcha."

Gwen Hall Davis

February 14, 2013

I've signed it once, but not sure it went through. So, again, I send my deepest thoughts and prayers to Michael's family and all his friends. to Michael, please don't cry over our sorrow, just rejoice in the Light of your savior, and know we will all meet again.

Betsy Britton

February 14, 2013

I will miss our regular phone chats, and your kind heart.
Evett

Evett Hamma-Seibert

February 14, 2013

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. WE will be keeping you in our thoughts thru this difficult time.

Donna & Jason Watson

February 14, 2013

To George and family: Mike was a gentleman and patriot and will be missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. I bet he and Elvis are having a really good time!

Judy Hall

February 14, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Whitehurst Loyd Funeral Home

February 13, 2013

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765 W. Henderson Ave., Porterville, CA 93257

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