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BORN
1925
DIED
2019
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John Gainza Obituary
John, a Stockton, CA native, was born November 10, 1925 to Basque immigrant parents Andres Gainza and Jesusa Uriarte Gainza. He was captain of the Stockton High Tarzans' winning football team of 1943, leading them to a perfect season and a Sac-Joaquin championship. The team was later inducted into the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame.
John joined the army in 1944. Wounded in Okinawa, Japan, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Returning to Stockton, John managed and eventually owned Jessie's place, a Basque hotel, bar and restaurant established by his mother. He sold Jessie's and spent his career in the retail food and beverage industry, at one time owning Nor Cal distributing.
John was a passionate sports athlete, fan and promoter. He played city league baseball and basketball into his 40s, then golfed twice per week well into his 80s. He was a founding member of the Jesters' Club, an organization which supports high school athletics with scholarships. He also supported the UOP Tigers basketball team. His community activities included service on the San Joaquin County Grand Jury. Gregarious and fun loving, he cultivated a wide circle of friends in Stockton and Lodi. He and Lois relocated to Yountville in 2013 where they continued to enjoy new friendships.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Andres and Jesusa Gainza and his brother Andy Gainza.
John is survived by his loving wife, Lois, children Linda Lucaccini (Anthony), David Gainza (Kim), and Craig Gainza (Sandy), grandchildren Jennifer McCormick (Aidan), John Gainza, Allison Gainza, Emmy Gainza, and Annie Gainza Longuski (Ben) and great granddaughter Lilly McCormick. He will be fondly remembered by his stepchildren Sharon Welch and Boyd Van Noate, step-grandchildren Lucas Van Noate and Hailey Van Noate, and step-great grandchild Brad Diaz.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 10 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, CA.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church Thursday July 11 at 11 a.m., 215 W. Walnut St. Lodi, CA, followed by a military graveside service at Cherokee Memorial Park. Friends and family are invited to a reception at St. Anne's following the funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to : CFOSJ Jesters Fund, at 6735 Herndon Place, Suite B, Stockton, Ca 95219.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Gainza
Sponsored by Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home.
Florence Arburua Drury
July 27, 2019
I remember Johnny Gainza at Jessie's Place. My and my sister's First Communion parties werethere in 1951 and 1952. I also remember his mother Jessie who came to my First Communion at St Gertrude's Church. She was in the same auto accident in Westley that my cousin Jessie Tapia was in. Sadly, Jessie Gainza passed away while my cousin was at the hospital in Patterson's Del Puerto Hospital for six months. My cousin lived at Jessie's Place for about 5 years from about 1951 until 1956 when her wedding reception was there. She was a waitress there.
Judy Connole
July 10, 2019
So sorry Lois and family to hear of John passing. Many fond memories of the domino get together days.
Remember the day John took a bet that he could crawl through our doggy door. Many many fun days.
God Bless
Judy Connole
Pat Corda Peirano
July 10, 2019
Lois and family: My prayers and condolences to you. I remember the nice visits and laughs we had every Sunday after Mass at St. Joaquins.
God Bless,
Pat Corda Peirano
Mel Corren
July 8, 2019
With condolences. We remember John and all those great Basque restaurants of the old days.
Mel Corren
Bill Simoni
July 8, 2019
Remember all the great time we had at Jessie's; the Jesters club. golfing your smile and the sound of that great John Gainza laugh. You will be missed by all because you were a legend. May God Bless. -Bill Simoni
Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home
July 7, 2019
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Memorial Events
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Jul
10
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home14165 Beckman Road P.O. Box 1000, Lodi, CA 95240
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Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home14165 Beckman Road P.O. Box 1000, Lodi, CA 95240
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