John Gerald St. Clair

It is with great sadness and heartbreak that we announce the passing of my loving husband John G. St. Clair on Christmas evening December 25th, 2022.  His presence will be missed as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, he received messages, videos, and texts and you should know that he blew you all kisses. He has been reunited in heaven with his mother Beverly Jane Hayes St. Clair, and his older brother Thomas St. Clair Jr.   He leaves behind his wife Janie St. Clair, son Lorenzo (Katrina) and their sons Jace and Liam St. Clair. Son, John Jr. (Karen) and their  son Joseph St. Clair. Brother Russell Anthony (Tony) St. Clair (Angela) and their children Joshua St. Clair (Polly), Amanda St. Clair, and Matthew St. Clair of Redmond, Oregon. Niece Kimberly Jane St. Clair of Redmond, Oregon. Father Thomas St. Clair, half-sister Kendel Sonsalla, half-brothers Kennith Pierce, and Nicholas St.Clair of Bakersfield, California. John also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.   John was born on September 23rd, 1966, in Philadelphia, PA to Beverly and Thomas St. Clair.  He attended schools in both Philadelphia and Oxnard with the last at Hueneme High School.     He worked at PAC Foundries prior to being welcomed by the Mission Linen family where he worked for 33 years. With that position and throughout the decades he made many longtime friends. Thank you to John's close confidants, for being there for him. To Anthony for lending an ear, to Ralph for keeping him laughing, and foremost to Chuck for reaching out. The St. Clair family would like to take this opportunity to thank both Mission Linen and local Teamster's 186 for reaching out to our family during this sorrowful time, the beautiful flowers, and their generosity. It will not be forgotten and speaks of  your thoughtfulness.
  John blessed his family with his love and concern and he thought and cared for others when they were unaware. Often putting others first so that they were "good" and comfortable was his way.  The outpouring of love from his extended family, friends, colleagues, clients, and neighbors is not surprising and has been heartwarming to the St. Clair family.
  John left us with great memories to hold on to. He loved that "family" feeling. Whether it was family and friends gathering at our house or theirs for a meal or a BBQ , or watching the Raiders football game who "almost always almost win". If you arrived in Raider gear he hugged you tighter. He enjoyed celebrations, "Just Win Baby". We knew what kind of moment he was going to have when the Raider flag came down early, but he always bounced back after the commercials. That was John, and we would give anything to watch another Raider game with him and with his grandsons on his lap. Jace, Liam, and Joseph, his biggest little Grandpa Raider fans. 
  The Raiders were not John's first love, his family was, beginning with the love he has for our boys and me.  From baby steps to teaching them to read, building Legos, watching them play sports, coaching baseball,  taking them to the beach after a game (especially if they lost), birthdays, and teaching them to drive. Then later graduations, walking down the aisle on a wedding day, and welcoming their children into this world. Not only did he have fun watching our kids play sports but also our nieces and nephews, and finally our grandsons. He was and still is their biggest fan. Now looking back they were all memorable. 
  Once John married he was surrounded by a larger family. He  fondly recalled  the Munoz-Chavira family welcoming him. Learning how to make tamales at Christmas time with his in-laws Josephine and Rudy Munoz. Organized by his sister-in-laws, Cynthia Munoz, Yolanda Munoz, Frances Munoz, Jeannettte Munoz and brother-in-laws Rudy Munoz and Anthony Munoz. Eventually all his little nieces and nephews  began helping too. He missed having  poker nights at Grandma and Grandpa Munoz's house and the Godinez family gatherings. Several households opened their doors to welcome him. This big family will miss his presence, his smile, and his hugs.   When  John's mom Beverly lived locally, we also had many memorable gatherings. Then she and John's brothers  moved to Oregon. We missed them and began visiting the beautiful lakes, campgrounds, and mountains. Even though Mt. Bachelor, Sisters, and Crater Lake were so impressive, visiting with his adventurous family surpassed them every time. The camaraderie during a football game with his brother Tony and his family will be missed, but not be broken. We had only wished they lived closer.
  John took time out to enjoy local and distant beaches, road trips to see family , RVing, and boating in and out of California.  Bringing family and friends, again making sure everyone was "good" and comfortable. He looked forward to finding other perfect travel spots. For those who left flowers on the boat, they were not overlooked.  Thank you, and I hope you too had a fun memory.  
  When he was working he sometimes had his lunch along the Pacific Coast Highway and Solimar Beach where the squirrels, the dolphins, and whales kept him company. He always said it was so peaceful and relaxing to him.  The sea tends to call us, the waves pull us. It is so unnatural not to be pulled in by him, just like a wave. We will feel closer to him when we visit frequently.    The many tears we've cried affirm our love for John.  Pain, exhaustion, and love have been redefined. This year our Christmas theme was "Believe", yet this is unbelievable. He welcomed his last sacrament by someone who believed in more for him. Precious moments we wish we could relive we can only treasure, but treasures in the sea cannot compare to what he meant to us. 
  Thank you all for the beautiful flowers and plants that have filled our home with perfume. John would buy my favorite perfume "Azure" by Estee Lauder. Azure is the color blue, just like the sea, this is no coincidence, and it's no coincidence that I've run out. We had many special times by the sea.
  The ocean brings a floating lightness, a calmness that is almost indescribable, which he pursued. Something bigger than the oceans and the seas calls on our loved ones. Our God, called for John, whom we deeply love and will miss immensely. I believe he is resting in a calm peace, looking down on us, in a place where the Raiders always win, and where you can still find seashells.   Funeral services will be held at Perez Family Funeral Home 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003, (805)484-6365,  on January 21, 2022 beginning at 11:00 A.M, with visitation allowed one hour prior. Raider attire welcome at service and gathering. Gathering reception location will be announced at service.