John August Jelmini Jr.

John August Jelmini Jr (Papa John) July 16, 1923-October 1, 2013 John Jelmini passed away quickly from a heart attack with his family nearby. He was the only son of Italian immigrants John and Margie Jelmini. He was preceded in death by his sister Josephine Pierucci and his loving wife Dalma. John is survived by: sisters Margaret Delfino, Adeline Bucholtz, and Angie Magniez; children Claudia and (Gary) Duncan, Cynthia and (Phil) Richina, Randy and (Linda) Jelmini, David and (Stacy) Jelmini, Richard and (Michele) Jelmini, and Marie and (Bryan) Batey; grandchildren Debbie Hodge, Denise Smith, Kevin Duncan, Angela Devin, Tony Richina, Vickie Trudel, Michael Jelmini, Diana Ciappina, Steven Jelmini, Alyssa Bartlett, Erin Jelmini, Cecilia Jelmini, Anastasia Jelmini, Paige Jelmini, Justin Batey, James Batey, and John Batey; eight great grandchildren. John was born and raised in Bakersfield on his father's farm. His family relocated to the Turlock area to live with relatives during his high school years, after their house burned down. He graduated from Livingston High School and faithfully returned for class reunions to visit with friends he made during that time. Two of his sisters married and continue to live in that area today. He returned with his parents to Bakersfield, only to join the Army Air Force and serve in WWII. He met his future wife, Dalma Bertolaccini , after his discharge and was married on April 11, 1948. He began farming in the Greeley area and has resided there ever since. John's passions in life were simple: farming and raising a family. He was very active in farming until the last few years of his life. He continued to offer advice about farming until his death to his son Richard, who has taken over the family farm. John was active in community service, serving on the Farm Bureau Board for 55 years, was one of the founding board members of the Rosedale Rio Bravo Water Storage District serving for 38 years, and board director for many years at the Rosedale Co-op Cotton Gin. The principal crop he grew for many years was cotton, but transitioned into primarily almonds beginning in 1979. John and his family were founding members of St Philip the Apostle Church. John had little time for hobbies, but always had time for friends and family. Until the day of his death he was happy with the life he lived, and would strike up a conversation with anyone he met, especially a pretty lady. A recitation of the Rosary followed by a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 4, 2013 at 2:00 PM at St Philip the Apostle, 7100 Stockdale Hwy, with visitation prior to the service at 1:30. The Burial will be held on Saturday, October 5th at 10:00 AM at Union Cemetery, 730 E Potomac Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton building fund at 12803 Montbatten Place, 93312. Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara www.bakersfield.com/obits