October 16, 1952 – July 1, 2023
Joseph “JoJo” Herrera was born on October 16, 1952 to Graciela and Joseph Herrera. He was raised in San Juan Bautista on the Breen Ranch alongside his brothers and sisters. JoJo’s passion for sports began at a young age. He began playing baseball early on and continued through high school where he also took up football. Upon graduating from San Benito High School,
JoJo began his path of service by voluntarily joining the Army. He underwent rigorous training at Fort Ord and emerged at the top of his class. His determination and discipline led him to specialize as a paratrooper in North Carolina. After his honorable discharge, JoJo returned to his home in Hollister to reconnect with family and loved ones. During his time in Hollister he was employed at Leatherback, a roofing manufacturing company, for a couple of years before relocating to San Jose, California where he found his calling as a mechanic at Reed & Graham, Inc.
He dedicated his skills and expertise to the company and served faithfully for two decades. His unwavering commitment to his loved ones brought him back to Hollister where he would reside for the remainder of his life. JoJo found a position that would allow him to enjoy the outdoors as he transitioned into the next phase of his life. He happily worked as a Greenkeeper at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club for 10 years before retiring. Beyond his professional achievements, JoJo found solace in his hobbies and passions. He was an avid sports enthusiast, ardently supporting his beloved teams, the Oakland A’s, Warriors and Raiders.
To say JoJo was a die-hard Raider fan is an understatement. JoJo enjoyed cheering on his teams from the comfort of his family home surrounded by his loved ones. Classic cars also held a special place in his heart, he owned a 66’ Chevy Impala earlier in life but his pride and joy was his beloved Monte Carlo. He cherished every moment behind the wheel, relishing in the freedom and nostalgia that these timeless vehicles offered. JoJo’s adventurous spirit also led him to explore the open road on a Harley Davidson with his long-time love Annie Ballesteros.
JoJo’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He is survived by his brothers and sister: Martin, Robert, and Guadalupe. He will be deeply missed by his nieces and nephews: Angela, David, Joseph, Noel, Joshua, Neville and Mashawn. He will be cherished by his great nieces and nephews: Courtney, Preston, Deslynn, David, Josiah, Davina, Jayla, Ivy, Keagan, Bailey, Natalee, Nathaniel, Aunaliyah, Stella, and his Great-Great nephews: Avery and Elias. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Y. Herrera and Graciela M. Herrera, his sister Estela Herrera, his nephew Joel Zuniga, and compadre Keno Solis.
He has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him, and his spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace.