John Charles Herren Jr.

John “Jack” Charles Herren Jr. January 17, 1937 – January 7, 2026 John “Jack” Charles Herren Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, and veteran, passed away peacefully at his home on January 7, 2026, at the age of 88. Jack died shortly after midnight while sharing a final conversation with his sons, Eric and Craig. His passing followed a courageous recovery from a heart valve replacement in December and a subsequent battle with pneumonia; however, he was able to spend his final Christmas at home surrounded by his three sons and extended family. Early Life and Education Jack was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on January 17, 1937, to John and Geraldine Herren. Growing up as an “army brat” alongside his brother, Bill. Jack moved frequently following his father’s military assignments. He spent his high school years in Virginia while his father was stationed at the Pentagon, graduating from Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria on June 18, 1954. During his youth, Jack achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was honored to serve as part of the Presidential Guard during the inauguration of Dwight D. Eisenhower. He went on to attend Texas A&M University, graduating in 1959 with a dual degree: a Bachelor of Arts in Business and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Military Service and Career While at Texas A&M, Jack was a member of the ROTC and later joined the Army Reserves. He served as a First Lieutenant in the Army, specifically within the Air Defense group at Ft. Bliss in El Paso. Following his military service, Jack began a career in industry, working as a Quality Control Analyst for a cement plant in Amarillo, Texas, before joining IMC in Carlsbad, New Mexico. In 1976, he and his family settled in Gilroy, California, where he worked producing solid rocket booster fuel for the space shuttle program. He later became a fixture in the local community as the owner and operator of Jack’s Pool Service. Family and Personal Life In El Paso, Jack was introduced to Rosemarie “Dixie” Smith by a childhood friend. The two were married on June 13, 1964, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and enjoyed a honeymoon in Hawaii. Jack and Dixie raised three sons and shared a life full of devotion until Dixie’s passing in 2021. Jack is survived by his three sons: John C. Herren III and his wife Natida; Craig S. Herren and his wife Tina; and Eric S. Herren and his wife Diana. He is also survived by his six grandchildren—Emma, Chloe, Garrett, Bridget, Nevin, and Sean—as well as Diana’s children, Tyler and Sierra. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosemarie “Dixie” Cecilia Herren. Service Information A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6th, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Gilroy.

John Charles Herren Jr.

January 17, 1937 - January 7, 2026