JOHN "JJ" JULIS, 70, passed away in Riverside, CA on May 10, 2015. John was born in Cedar Rapids, IA and came to San Diego, CA when he enlisted in the Marines. It was the sunshine and sun dresses that made him stay and never go back to an Iowa winter. He settled in the South Bay area and moved to Riverside, CA about 10 years ago. He loved car racing or anything remotely related and didn't mind the drivers never turned right. He loved his hot rods, wife, and family. He could often be seen cruising around town in his 1932 Roadster or hanging out at the Dry Lake races with his son, Chris. He was the king of splashing anyone in the vicinity of his pool with his massive cannon balls and has shared this skill with his grandkids who he adored. He is survived by his wife of 27.5 years, Nancy, and his son, daughter, and two step daughters and their families who shall carry on the tradition of bad jokes and great family fun. A Celebration of Life appropriate as only John would have it, is being planned.

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Published by The Press-Enterprise from May 13 to May 14, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Julis

Sponsored by Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary.

19 Entries

greg richardson

January 30, 2018

As part of the 2018 VKA adams kart track event Feb 1 2 and 3 ....the Geritol lunch is back on in honor of John thanks to Jilene Chivel.....the word is its at the mission inn at 5pm thur but please check at the Adams kart track on market street early in the event of change......the VKA kart event is Feb 1 2 and 3 with a vintage kart show fri with a barb q Sat is race day

January 26, 2018

I knew John from the IKS days and a renewed connection with the Geritol Gang Lunch that he put together each year. I miss the lunch AND John. RIP old friend.
Bill Peacock

John Mullen

January 25, 2018

John was 1of 1 god bless he wasn't born in California but should have

Bruce Griggs

May 21, 2015

Although I never got to know John really well, he brought my company together with FK Bearing for a long and fruitful relationship. But more than that, his zeal for life plus his personable manner that came across as though all of us in the motorsports business community were truly a family was an example to us all. I have used him as a positive model to both my employees and my family. We will sorely miss his campy newsletter with the silly jokes. Semper Fi.

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Sandie---- Made4You

May 21, 2015

Not only was John fun to be around, but he was a fountain of automotive knowledge. After 30+ years of biz, it will be difficult to remember that all our phone calls will truly be long distance now, but really heavenly. A vacancy will be left that only he could fill. Our most profound sympathies and many prayers go to his family.

DeEtte & Freddie Crow

May 20, 2015

Gods Blessing to a terrific guy. John was a fun loving guy FC and I so miss the dinners at his home, his genuine love of life will stay with us forever. Nancy you are in our prayers. Love & Prayers. We will have a double Kettke One in your honor. With love & respect DeEtte & Freddie Crow

Bill Peacock

May 20, 2015

John and I go back to SCK RR in SOCAL and found him again when he followed Earl Larson into the "Geritol Gang" lunches. I'll miss both John AND the lunches. Spose they have FKE's in heaven? Maybe he and Diz can have a race or two.

May 20, 2015

John, Say hi to Earl and all the others from the Geritol Gang at the race track in heaven!

Dave Larson

May 20, 2015

John Was a great Guy and I cannot thank him enough for carrying The Geritol Gang Luncheon after Earl Passed he will be missed......Dave Larson

Patti Rieger; Chassisworks

May 19, 2015

We'll miss you John. Just hearing your voice come into the office put a smile on my face. You were so funny and we all loved hearing your "stories". Thanks for memories.

John Rector

May 18, 2015

I never knew John back in CR, but I wish I had.

Al Mooradian

May 18, 2015

John was and is a great guy I have done Business with him and that turned into a friendship thru the years he will be missed by all that he has touched in his life time. So long for now my friend till we meet again!

Russ Deane

May 13, 2015

I have known John for many years and have enjoyed the many things he has brought to my life. All of the events we loved to attend will be lesser experiences without him. He will be missed but not forgotten. Russ Deane

John's prized '32

Jerry Cornelison

May 13, 2015

God Speed on your final Race my friend. Thank you for being a great friend and thank you for helping turn my grandson into a fellow "Gear Head". He still remembers the ride you gave him in your '32! You WILL be missed by your Road Runners family! Condolences to Nancy, Chris and the rest of your Family.

Dean Hargesheimer

May 13, 2015

One of the best guys in the automotive aftermarket, John will be truly missed by all that knew him. John's sense of humor and quick wit always brought a smile to my face. His light hearted views of the automotive industry that he penned in the PWA magazines were priceless. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Ken Koffron

May 12, 2015

I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. I have known John all my life. We grew up in Cedar Rapids in the same neighborhood and went all the way through high school together. He was one of my best friends back then and we have kept in touch for many years through email. We had some great times and adventures as kids right up until the time that John left for boot camp in California. I think he delighted in sending me pictures of his beautiful home or cabin in the mountains when we were having blizzards, ice storms and 25 below zero cold here in Iowa. I will sorely miss communicating with him. He was a true friend even though we hadn't actually seen each other for over 50 years. I am very sorry for your loss. I am sure he will always be with you in your fond memories of him.

Meredith Burns

May 12, 2015

My deepest condolences for your family regarding John's passing. I could always count on him to help me with any information I needed regarding the auto racing industry. He was such a warm and genuine person. Praying that God will provide comfort to John's family.

May 12, 2015

He will be dearly missed in the automotive industry. God Speed John

The Guys at McKenzies Performance Products

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