It is with complete devastation we announce the passing of Juan Jose Ceja Vaca, born on April 16th 1964, in PajacuaranMichoacan. He passed away tragically, in San Diego California, on Sunday October 11th, 2026, at the age of 62, after suffering a brain injury due to a fall.
Juan was an incredibly hard-working man with a heart of gold. The complete dedication he had for his family is indescribable.
He was known as “THE BEST GRANDPA,” “the favorite Uncle,” “Mr. Juan,” and “the life of the party,” among many other things, but most of all he was a devoted husband who would do absolutely anything for his wife, kids, and grandkids.Our family will never be the same without him.
Juan grew up in Pajacuaran, Michoacan, where he spent his time serving as an altar boy for many years. As a teen, hemigrated to the United States. He attended Junior high in Hollister, where he met the love of his life, Cristina. They married in 1985 and had 4 children together.
Juan was an excellent provider for his family. He worked nearly seven days a week for most of his life to build the life and home he shared with Cristina. His commitment to his wife and family was unwavering. As a family, he was a man we could always count on, and someone we are incredibly proud of.
Juan had many skills, in which he loved to share by helping others. Throughout his life he worked as a carpenter, handyman,and landscaper. He held long standing employments with Milgard Windows, San Benito County CDC and Go Kids. There was nothing he couldn’t fix or create, especially if it was for Cristina. Having turned his two-bedroom home into a beautiful four bedroom for his wife and kids with his own hands, Juan was a man who always did whatever was needed for his family.
In his spare time, Juan loved gardening and tending to his plants. He took pride in his home and always kept his yards looking pristine. His backyard was kept beautifully, as a place for gathering. Juan loved to have people over for BBQ’s or to swim in his pool. He enjoyed preparing garbonzo beans, aguachiles, and granadas (pomegranates), especially for his grandkids, in which he would spend hours peeling them just to make them happy.
Juan Jose Ceja Vaca is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Cristina Ceja, his siblings; Luis Ceja (Noemi), Daniel Ceja(Teresa), Gonzalo Ceja (Rosa), Marta Vasquez (Juan), Evelia Castaneda (Joe), Mago Maganon (Nacho), and Yolanda Ceja-he loved and cherished you all.
His brother/sister in laws whom he loved deeply; Maria Servin (Luis), Carlos Ceja, Luis Ceja (Teresa), Alicia Gonzalez(Sal), Esperanza Guzman (Carlos), Ricky Ceja, Jessie Ceja (Anayi).
Along with all his nieces and nephews-he loved them with all of his heart and enjoyed spending time with them.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Daniel Ceja and Elena Vaca.
His spirit will live on in his four children; Claudia Garcia(John), Juan Ceja Jr, Eduardo Ceja, and Julian Ceja (Rebecca),as well as his eight Grandchildren; Kaliyah Ceja, John Garcia Jr, Josiah Garcia, Joseph Garcia, Emiliano Ceja, Julianna Garcia, Julian Ceja, and Adelynn Ceja.
Visitation
Friday, October 23, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Family Funeral Home & Crematory. 870 San Benito Street, Hollister, California
Rosary follows at 11 a.m.
Mass Service
Friday, October 23, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Sacred Heart Church. Fifth & College Streets, Hollister.
Internment
Friday, October 23, 2026. 2:00 pm
Calvary Cemetery. 1100 Hillcrest Road, Hollister.