Jose Hernandez Campos

Jose "Pepe" Hernandez Campos was born on November 10, 1940 in San Juan de Los Lagos Jal., Mexico to Jose and Francisca Hernandez Campos. Pepe had 4 siblings, 3 of which have passed.

He is survived by the love of his life Diana Hernandez who he was married to for 50 years and had 4 children together. Gustavo, Juan, Dassie (Noe) and Jose Jr. (Amanda).

Pepe left his hometown in Mexico at the age of 14 for a better opportunity. He came to this country back in the 50's and worked many labor jobs in cotton fields in Texas and in Brawley, CA picking tomatoes and apples throughout the state of California before settling in Watsonville, CA. He came to Watsonville as a "bracero" farm labor. He started at a migrant camp making lunches for the braceros. Eventually he started working in the fields doing various jobs before the opportunity presented itself to become a foreman. Pepe was a foreman for over 40 years for Well-Pict Berries. He had the honor to watch the company grow to what it is now. It is there where he made hundreds of friends. Pepe was not a man of many words, but he was very humble and respectful toward others.

Pepe raised his family at "el campo" before buying a home in town. There he planted many fruit trees (Guava, Figs, Lemons, Avocado, Pomegranate and many more); he loved sharing the fruit with their friends and family. He would go around town sharing with everyone he knew. When Pepe retired, he enjoyed driving around the town of Watsonville, that he loved very much. He enjoyed sitting out in his patio enjoying his favorite vanilla ice cream bar. He was an amazing and loving husband and father. He will be missed tremendously.

Pepe had 9 grandchildren and 1 on the way (Karla & Moctezuma Hernandez) – (Lil Noe & Nehthaniel Madrigal) – (Jayzeah, Naydin, Rayden, & Envy Hernandez) – (Clementine Hernandez) Pepe enjoyed waiving the ice cream man down and buying his grandchildren all the ice creams and candies they asked for. He loved them very much.

Pepe had several nieces and nephews and Godchildren that he was very proud of and loved very much.

Pepe passed away on March 4, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.

Thank you to all family, friends, nurses, and doctors that helped care for him. Thank you to all that have reached out during this difficult time. Thank you to all who were flexible with his children, while they took time to help take care of him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carroll Family of Ave Maria Memorial Chapel.

Published in The Pajaronian · March 23, 2023