Justin Garcia

A Tribute to our Dad
Reverend Justin Garcia


On November 1, 2013 Rev. Justin Garcia, our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, uncle and friend went home to be with the Lord at 92. He was born in Calexico on April 14, 1921, the second son to Reverend Francisco and Maria Garcia. Not long after the family settled in Bakersfield, CA. His parents, his brothers, Olegario, Robert, sister Ellena and another little brother whose name is lost due to his early death. His father pastored a church in the San Joaquin Valley for over thirty years. In his youth dad followed his dreams to study architecture, classical piano, and law, and later in life he attended Fuller Theological Seminary. As a trained pilot he eventually owned his own airplane after serving in '1942 in the Army Air Force in WWII. During that era while attending an Apostolic church convention in Los Angeles, CA - he was introduced to a beautiful young woman Dora Soto, who later became his wife on March 6, 1946 for the duration of 68 years. Their love was not ordinary but filled with romance and lived in the tradition that most families would care to enjoy today. Mom was always a great support in all of his pursuits from civic duty as Mayor of the City of Irwindale to his Godly service in pastoral ministry for forty years. Four children blessed the happy couple, Judy, Jeri, Justin Jr. and Rena. From these children the family grew in size with the beauty of eight grandchildren, Lydia, Yvonne, Jamie, Christi, Lindsey, Dannielle, Mandy and Justine. And five precious great-grandchildren, Matthew, Malaya, Dorian, Aliyah, and Andrew, and one sweet great-grand son who is yet to be born in January bringing the count to six. With his whole heart he eagerly embraced with joy his whole family, his church family and a host of friends.
Our dad loved people and people loved him for his sincere effortless loving disposition toward all and malice toward none, a priceless example to us all. His charming smile brought warmth and acceptance to everyone. He was a courageous man of faith and followed peaceful perseverance in this life's challenging journey.
He enjoyed singing, playing the accordion and piano in church, but preaching and teaching the Word of God was the oil of gladness in his life. It is for certain his appreciation for music was instilled in his son, Justin Jr., Jeri and Rena. It is fairly said, this passion for music is a hereditary trait in many of his grandchildren. How do you effectively pay tribute to a wonderful patriarch we call dad in a few select words. He is now in glory with his beloved wife, our mother, Dora Garcia and his brothers, Olegario Garcia and his lovely wife Isabel Garcia, Robert Garcia and sister Elena Garcia, Lupe Garcia, as well as his parents, Francisco and Maria Garcia. We as your family are grateful to God for giving us a blessed gift in you dad!

One of Dad's Favorite Scriptures
"Looking for the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13