DAVID JIMENEZ

On October 10, 2011, David R. Jimenez; our Pop, father, grandfather, compadre, tio, father-in-law, and friend passed from this world to the peaceful arms of his Lord at the age of 87.

He was born to Josephina Romero and Joseph Jimenez on February 10, 1924 in El Centro, California. In 1939 his family settled in Fresno where he attended Edison High School, graduating in 1942. In September 1943 David married the love of his life, Lupe Teresa Medina Mendoza who preceded him in death in November 2008. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1946, serving in Korea in 1950.

David will be truly missed by all who have had the opportunity to know and love him. We know he is watching over us now, but most of all that his suffering has ceased and he is walking with our Lord.

David was a generous man who opened his home to many foster children. He was a police officer with the Fresno Police Department for 16 years with more than 8 years in the Juvenile Division. He was involved in many civic organizations like the EOC, helping people find work and opportunities for success. In 1970, he worked for Governor Ronald Reagan as a community relations consultant moving on in 1978 to a job in Washington, D.C. as a senior staff officer for the Economic Opportunities Commission. He supported youth sports and was an avid Fresno State Bulldog and Oakland Raiders fan. David loved to golf and fish as well as traveling with his wife on their annual trips to visit family in Baja California. He also had many fond memories of his trips with Lupe and their RV group The Clovis Campers.

David is survived by his sons, David L. Jimenez of Texas, Conrad and his wife, Kristine of Fresno, and Raymond Sandoval and his wife Susan of Fresno. David was also blessed with four grandchildren, Janet Jimenez Sellers of Sutter Creek, Calif., Tyler DiFalco-Jimenez of Clovis, Calif., Raymond Sandoval, II, and Rachel Sandoval-Fontaine, both of Fresno. Family members also include Blanca Porras and her two daughters Michelle Porras and Blancita Porras. Recently, David has enjoyed his great-grandchildren Adam, Declan, Paloma and Jude Sellers, and Raymond Sandoval, III. David's family is extensive and crosses many borders where there is sorrow for the loss of such a great man, yet joy for his rejoining with his beloved wife, Lupe Teresa. His nephews, Vidal, Daniel, and Guadalupe Gonzalez and their families join David's nieces, Carmen Gonzalez Aragon, Enedina Gonzalez Rodriguez, and Maria Lourdes Gonzalez Marron and their families in this emotional time of reflection, sorrow, gratitude, and celebration of life.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Friday, October 14, 2011 from 4:00 to 7:00p.m.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Inurnment will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens on Friday, October 21, 2011, at 2:00 p.m.