John Messing

John Emerson Messing Born March 12, 1936, died suddenly and unexpectedly on October 10, 2011. John was the beloved husband of Joyce C. Messing. Father of Laura, Robin, Linda, Douglas and Christopher. Grandfather of Jordan, Aaron, Rachel and John Grgich, Ashley and James Ferguson, Sarah (Messing) Buckley, Michaela, John, Jennifer, Justin and Danielle Messing. Great grandfather of Joseph and Jack Buckley. John was born in San Andreas California to Arthur and Bertha Messing. The youngest of the six children, Orval, Dorthea, Leroy, Martha, Joanna and John. Only Dorthea and Joanna now survive as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a country boy at heart, growing up in the valley surrounded by orchards, vineyards and farms. He loved animals. As a young boy he was asked to hold a piglet while his dad castrated it. He couldn't do it, he ran away crying. He liked to shoot his guns but chose to shoot at targets rather than the creatures he regarded with caring and respect. He especially loved terriers and for most of his life he had one trotting at his side. His Westie, Lily, adored him and was a wonderful companion to him in his later years. After Lily, another Westie, Buddy was his loving little friend until his death. John was a teenager of the 1950's. His late niece, Alice, remembered him as "The coolest uncle ever, like the Fonz." He wore his hair in the "D.A." style of the day and rolled his cigarettes up in his tee shirt sleeve. He liked cars, boats, trucks...... anything with an engine, he was an accomplished mechanic. He could always be depended upon to know what was wrong with the car and find his way in a vehicle. He had an uncanny sense of direction, never having to ask for directions because he already knew his way there and back. He loved music and played the trumpet when he had time after work, often scolded by Joyce to quiet down as to not wake the kids. In 1954 John and Joyce married and soon had five children. He was never known to not have a job and often took overtime to provide for his loved ones. He moved his family to SSF in 1957 and worked at the Zanetti Brothers station on Linden Ave. In 1965 he took a job at the Goss- Jewett company and joined the Teamster's Local 85. There he became the warehouse manager and worked with his long time friend and fellow soft ball player, Dave Carelli. He remained a loyal union member until his retirement in 1992. He often mentioned his desire to have been a Forest Ranger but his family came first. He loved nature and the outdoors. Each year summer vacation was spent at Shasta in northern California. He bought a jet boat, the first of it's kind at the lake before there were many. He once was challenged to race, the family watched from the shoreline, cheering him on. He won. There are many cherished memories of those times. He tirelessly towed the kids on skis and inner tubes, many of them experiencing his "whiplash" maneuver. He was an excellent skier and was always athletic enjoying many sports including softball. He played for the local teams Dete's and the SSF Police Department League. John and Joyce bought a vacation home at Pine Mountain Lake. The family's best times have been spent there. The grandchildren with their "Papa" listening to his stories on the deck at night. He truly enjoyed his family. The grand and great grand kids could do no wrong. John's health declined within the last year. He was forever grateful for the help and devoted care of his wife Joyce. They watched the Giants together and he was delighted to see them win the world series. He had learned to work with his computer, often sending funny notes and You Tube videos through e-mail to his family. He had just gotten involved with Facebook, proudly displaying pictures of his family and pets. The night before his death he felt well and was cheerful while finding pictures to scan in for everyone to enjoy. John's fondest wish was to win the lottery. He made the trip each week to buy tickets until driving became difficult and Joyce went instead. He wanted to win for his family to provide for their safety and comfort as he had always. Services will be held privately.