John J. Hernandez

John J. Hernandez, a pioneering Fort Worth entrepreneur and lifelong advocate for education, community service, and Hispanic advancement, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 94.

Born on June 12, 1931, to Mexican immigrants Esther and Jesus Hernandez in Fort Worth’s historic Northside, John spent his life working to open doors for others through business, civic duty, and personal mentorship. A man of quiet strength, deep conviction, and unwavering faith, he lived by the values he instilled in his family: education, hard work, and service to others.

Through this belief in the power of education, he gave all eight of his children the gift of a Catholic school upbringing and had the pleasure of watching them attend college. Long after they were grown, he and his wife Jeanette continued living their values by assisting to create the Father Jasso Tuition Assistance Program at All Saints Catholic School, which is still opening doors for children to receive a Catholic education today.

In 1988, alongside his son Philip, John founded John Sons Press, later being joined by his three other sons Edward, Adrian, and Marc to build one of Fort Worth’s premier commercial printing businesses. He used the platform not only to succeed professionally, but also to elevate other minority-owned companies. He was part of a group of leaders who established the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Fort Worth more than 50 years ago and served as Chairman in the early 1990s, helping expand the Chamber’s outreach, mentorship, and influence across the region. In 2023, the Chamber recognized him as one of their 50 Latino Leaders of Fort Worth in honor of their 50th anniversary.

A lifelong member of All Saints Catholic Church, serving on its first Parish Advisory Council, and a longtime member of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth’s Finance Council, John’s service extended far beyond business. He was a founding board member of the North Texas Area Community Health Center, a trustee of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and a board member of Fort Worth Sister Cities, where he helped establish a sister-city relationship with Toluca, Mexico. He served on the boards of the Red Cross, MedStar, John Peter Smith Hospital, the Fort Worth Stock Show’s International Committee and its Hispanic Advisory Committee, where he worked to extend the rodeo’s international and Hispanic reach. John also led Boy Scout Troop 315 at All Saints and served the Longhorn Council for 20 years, earning the Silver Beaver Award, Scouting’s highest volunteer honor.

In 2000, John was honored with the Ohtli Award by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs for his lifetime of service elevating the Hispanic community. A graduate of Laneri High School, a predecessor to Nolan Catholic High School, he along with his wife were honored in 2014 with the Esto Dux Award for their lifelong commitment and support of Catholic education. His achievements were further recognized with the Fort Worth Business Press Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 and the John V. McMillan Hall of Fame Award from the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber in 2019.

His family was his greatest pride and joy, and his favorite moments were those spent with them, especially at Thanksgiving, when the entire family and extended relatives gathered for the weekend at the Double J Ranch.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jeanette Hernandez, his twin sister, Esther Medina of Westminster, California, his aunt, Myra Hernandez of Tucson, Arizona, and his many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren. While he accomplished much in life, he always recognized his eight children as his greatest achievement: Teresa Montes (Louis), Vanessa Siordia (Hector), Philip (Roseanna), Carmen Flores (Raul), Edward (Lupe), Cynthia Flores (Rene), Adrian (Dee Dee), and Marc (Mari). He was the proud grandfather of 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, who he lovingly called his little “Angels”—each of whom carries forward his legacy of integrity, leadership, and service. John is preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Esther Hernandez and brother Armando Hernandez.

John J. Hernandez will be remembered for his love of family, humility, faith, and his tireless commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Fort Worth.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Trinity Terrace for their many years of compassionate care.

Mr. Hernandez will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00p.m. on Monday, August 11, at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd., Fort Worth.

Visitation: 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary following on Monday, August 11, at All Saints Catholic Church, 214 NW 20th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76164.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at All Saints Catholic Church. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be his children.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations to All Saints Catholic Church, 214 NW 20th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76164; The Fr. Jasso Tuition Assistance Fund at All Saints Catholic School; or the Seminarian Burse at the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, 201 Main Street, Ste. 1198, Fort Worth, TX 76102 are greatly appreciated.