Jose Santana Jimenez

Joe Santana "Chepe" Jimenez went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 2, 2024, at the age of 87. Joe was born in Dinuba, CA, on August 27, 1937, to Urbano and Epigmenia Jimenez and was the youngest of 3 boys. Joe came from a farming family. He and his brothers, Paul and Tiburcio "Butch" Jimenez, were raised on a working farm in Seville, CA, primarily growing cotton, fruits and vegetables. Still a boy, he would do his morning chores, go to school, and come home to work on the farm. As his brothers grew older and were unable to continue work on the farm, Joe worked hard to make sure the family business was successful. During his school years, he was recognized by coaches for being an elite runner and could have continued in the sport to compete at a higher level but decided to devote his time to helping his family on the farm. Joe met his future wife, Gloria, when they were both children living in Seville. As soon as he could drive, he would pick her up from school and they began their lifelong friendship that led to dating in early adulthood. They were married on August 11, 1961, in Morgan Hill, CA and raised four children, Debbie Navarro, Veronica McDermott (Bruce), Joe Jimenez Jr., and Laurie Stoneroad (Brett), at their home in Visalia. On September 19, 1986, Joe accepted Jesus Christ, and his life was changed instantaneously. His relationship with the Lord gave him the strength to defeat alcoholism and he devoted the rest of his life to living for the Lord and sharing the word of God with everyone whose path he crossed. More than just a husband and father, Joe was a provider, a good listener and a friend. To celebrate the end of each work week, on Friday's, Joe would take his family out to dinner. He enjoyed being outdoors and loved taking his children, sons-in-law and grandchildren on camping and fishing trips. He was gentle, loving and always had good advice to share. His favorite phrase was, "Rejoice in the Lord". Joe's work ethic was unmatched. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He proudly worked as a Foreman for Paul Haney's Master Pools until his retirement at the age of 70. Outside of his day job, he worked numerous side jobs and often brought his children or sons-in-law with him, making these jobs more like family time and an opportunity to teach his loved ones the tools of his trade. Joe was a Jack of All Trades and could fix anything. He restored cars, remodeled homes, and built furniture. He loved cars, especially Model A's, Model T's and Chevy's. His first car was a brand-new Chevy Bel Air. From installing new brakes to rebuilding transmissions, Joe could do it all. Joe's ministry was service. He served as a Deacon of his church, Abounding Grace. His church family was very near to his heart. He found joy in serving those in need; from prayer to pruning trees and anything in between, he was a genuine example of a servant leader. In his free time, Joe loved to fish. He often took his grandkids on fishing trips to Kaweah Lake where he taught them how to bait a hook, cast a pole and the perfect time to start reeling in a bite. Staying true to his farming roots, he also loved tending to the fruit trees in his backyard garden and always had avocados to share. He had a special practice of planting a tree to commemorate special occasions, like the births of his grandchildren. He was also known for his love of the Bible. He could be found reading it anywhere, in his truck, in the house, but mostly on his front porch. His kind nature and friendly demeanor would draw his neighbors near, and he would share the word of God with all who visited. Cooking was another one of Joe's passions. He loved preparing meals and sharing them with family and friends. Mealtime was a time to fellowship and share his testimony. He was known for his chile verde and famous tamales at Christmastime. His grandchildren Adrie Maciel (David), Andrew Navarro (Denice), Morgan Stoneroad (Justin), and Seth Stoneroad, and great grandchildren Mia, Cole, Tesla, and Jackson, were his pride and joy. Joe was blessed to assume the role of grandfather to Paige, Clay, MacKenzie and Andrew, children of Jathan and Melissa Newton, when their family relocated to Visalia. A few of his favorite things to do were to spend time with them and teach them about God, how to take care of a garden, and how to cure olives. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Urbano and Epigmenia, his brothers, Paul and Butch, son-in-law Bruce McDermott and parents-in-law Pete and Clara Hernandez. He is survived by his wife, daughters, son, son-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends who were like family. Joe loved the Lord with all his heart and looked forward to the day he would meet his Lord and Savior. A celebration of Joe's life will take place on Saturday, September 14th from 5:00PM-7:00PM at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave.,Visalia. Reception to follow. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Jose Santana Jimenez

August 27, 1937 - September 2, 2024