John Heredia

John "Papi" Heredia Jr., 74, of Indio, California passed away on October 16, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. He was born to John and Martina Heredia on July 12, 1943 in Riverside, California. He was the oldest of six children. He grew up on a ranch in Oasis, California and attended Oasis Elementary School. He graduated from Coachella Valley High School, and upon graduation, proudly enlisted and served in the U.S. Army. He married Jessie Valdivia on May 11, 1968 in Coachella, California and resided his entire life with Jessie in the Coachella Valley.
He was a dedicated employee for 33 years at College of the Desert. He became father to two beautiful girls who he spent days with playing pool, badminton, and ping pong until they grew up and started families. He then became grandfather to two boys and two more girls. He spent countless days in his backyard with his grandchildren teaching them to play "hit the ball," pulling them in their wagon, and tossing horseshoes. He enjoyed doing the simplest tasks in life and always greeted or spoke to everyone he encountered.
Later in life, he passed the time relaxing in his recliner, watching his favorite TV shows, and indulging in his love of all sweets. He deeply enjoyed caring for his dogs, most of all his beloved Chihuahua. He valued the basics in life and set an example for everyone who he welcomed into his home. From taking his kids to school to making sure they ate, he made sure his family had all the essentials to learn, grow, and succeed.


John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Martina Heredia and his 2 siblings, Dolores Rodriguez and Robert Heredia. He is survived by his spouse, Jessie Heredia, daughter, Cassandra Heredia and grandson, Rey Castro; daughter, Marcia Heredia Lopez and son-in-law, Sipriano Lopez, grandchildren, Matthew Heredia, Mariah Lopez and Aaliyah Lopez; his 3 siblings, David Heredia, Richard Sanchez and Rebecca Jaso. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Indio, CA.

"A man with a heart,
so cliche to say,

All the love he gave
each day to day,

A man of a few words,
but spoke with action,

The littlest things
translated with passion,

Pushed through it all
when life wasn't fair,

but at least his kids knew
he'd always be there,

At home with a smile
in his car giving rides,

Looking out his window
to see who's outside,

Opens his home to you,
welcomes you inside,

Only showed his happiness,
he never did cry...

I can't tell you
there's no such thing as a man with no greed,

But I can say I know a man,
who got his fam all they need,

A man with a dream,
a man with a hope,

Gave no insults,
cracked many jokes,

Since the day of birth,
always there from the start,

We always had "Papi"
A man with a heart!"

Rosary and visitation will be held at Forest Lawn in Indio, CA 82975 Requa Avenue Indio, CA 92201 and will begin at 4PM on Tuesday November 7, 2017. The funeral service will be held at OLPH Church 82450 Bliss Ave Indio, CA 92201 at 10AM Wednesday November 8, 2017.