John Bautista went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 27, 2024, at the age of 67.
John is survived by his children, Anthony, Danielle and Jacqueline, sons-in-law Mario and Jorge and his wonderful grandchildren Isabella, Max, Camila and Thomas, his mother, Nadine Bautista, siblings Louis Bautista, David(Liz) Bautista, Danny(Marlene) Bautista, Ray(Sandee) Bautista, Arnie(Jeanne) Bautista, Patsy(Jake) Morales, Barbara Tinoco, Veronica(Lou) Gomez, Eric Bautista, Christina Bautista, Francine(Darren) Tong, Jesse Bautista and a plethora of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Louis, sister Della, brother-in-law Joe Tinoco and beloved wife of 31 years, Annette.
John was born on April 16th, 1956 to Louis and Nadine Bautista. He graduated from Rio Mesa High School in 1974 where he wrestled and played football. John’s crowning athletic achievement was receiving the award for second team all-league as a defensive tackle. He was taught the concrete construction trade from his father in his teens and went on to own and operate John Bautista Concrete. Working alongside his brothers, nephews and son, his successful business ran for 40+ years by word of mouth referrals, serving countless jobs in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
John grew up in Oxnard, but frequently spent time in Van Nuys and would tell stories of the many memories in his childhood with his valley cousins, going to the beach, fishing and camping. Throughout his life John continued to be an avid fisherman and would venture on different trips with his family whenever he got the chance. His favorite memories with them was their trip to Alaska and the treasured Santo Thomas and Bay of LA, in Mexico. John loved to tell stories. He lit up whenever he got to tell tales of his childhood and the mischief that comes with having a large family of 14 brothers and sisters. The stories may have been factual and not true fishing tales, but the delivery was sure to be exaggerated, full of laughter and oh so entertaining.
John loved the Lord and would attend church regularly. It was only fitting that a church event was where he would meet the love of his life, Annette. John lived for his wife and children, working hard in his business and even harder at being a devoted husband and father. Together, John and Annette put the utmost importance on spending time as a family. Making memories was their priority. They would go fishing at the islands in his Boston Whaler, or camping in Yosemite. Later, they would take their toy hauler to Pismo and Faria beaches and spend hours enjoying each other’s company with family and friends. John took pride in going to every event in his children’s lives and later, his grandchildren’s. He was a sweet and loving grandpa and his grandkids were his everything.
John was a great man and will be greatly missed. His family finds solace that he is now at peace in the presence of the lord and after 9 long years, reunited with his sweetheart.
Funeral services will be held at Journey Church Ventura on 4050 Market St. February 16th, at 10:30am with Pastor Ricardo officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home.