Joaquin "JR" Rodriguez

Joaquin Rodriguez Jr. otherwise known to many as JR, 57 of Bakersfield, California passed away on January 8th, 2021 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, JR managed and accepted his illness with the strength of God, and grace. He fought a tough battle and fought with no complaints for his family and friends. On the day that God called him home, he was surrounded by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, mother, brother, sisters, brother n laws, nieces and nephews. His family adored him and yearn for the goof ball that would light up every room and change every mood around.

JR was born August 4th, 1963 to Joaquin and Brigida Rodriguez in San Diego, CA. He graduated high school from SDHS, class of 81’. After graduating he explored various employment opportunities and developed lifelong friendships. He traveled all around the world and really experienced what life had to offer. One of his greatest adventures was driving his red Volkswagen Jetta all the way to Alaska where he settled in and lived for a year and a half. The experience of living somewhere completely different from what he was used to really opened his eyes to gave him a different perspective on how to live life and had a huge influence on the person he shaped out to be.

In November of 1995, he began his state career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Academy. After graduating he reported to North Kern State Prison and had a successful career as a Peace Officer for 22 years and retired in July of 2018.

In 1999, JR met the love of his life, Pattie. JR and Pattie dated until 2002, where they got engaged. On August 30th, 2003, JR and Pattie got married and began building their lives together in Bakersfield, CA.  They had a beautiful genuine loving respectable relationship. Completely opposite of one another, they complimented each other perfectly. To his final days they both continued to honor their vows and stood by each others side through it all. For better, for worse, in sickness and in health. I know my mother will continue to honor him for the rest of her life. They were married for 17 years.

Jr was a devoted catholic man and a doting husband and father. He was someone you could always count on and always showed up for anyone in need. He was a man of his word, a man of honor, one of the good ones that left an impression in your heart. He was huge believer in Bigfoot and a big Charger fan. He loved watching college basketball (Go Aztecs!) and often called his nephews to just to complain about the calls made by the refs or coaching style that he didn’t agree with. Most of his time was spent doing DIY projects, updating his home and volunteering at church functions his wife would sign him up for. He also tried to incorporate as many vacations to visit his favorite places and always made it home to San Diego to visit his mother and family. He was a loving, supportive and generous father, a father that was rational and could give you unbiased advice. He was often our peace maker between one another that could always convince us to ‘let it go’. He assisted his wife to raise good respectful kids. He was the worlds greatest “Papa”, and had special bonds with his grandchildren. He loved dedicating time to his grandchildren and always included them in every vacation and spending individual time with them. JR had a contagious sense of humor and always managed to either put a smile on your face or leave you with a face of confusion from hearing him sing a made up song about the states of Mexico. He was a young soul at heart. Having made up words be part of his everyday vocabulary and would randomly talk to strangers using those words and would walk away satisfied and laugh about his encounters. He brought plenty of brightness to our lives and so much joy with his presence. He was proud and look forward to dressing up as Santa Claus for the kids, pilgrim for thanksgiving, Elmo for his grandchildren, Elvis Elmo just because, and his absolute favorite, the in infamous Gorilla/ Bigfoot. There was nothing he couldn’t do, he was a perfectionist with his projects and stamped his name on almost everything he owned. Yes, even including the trashcan. His free spirited memory and love is forever stamped in our hearts.

JR “Oaxaca” was a beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he is survived by his wife, Patricia; mother Brigida, daughter Korina; son’s Erik and JakeRyan; grandchildren Joshua, Mila, Elyse, Sophia, Isabella, and Baby Vasquez, brother Frank Rodriguez; sisters and brother in-laws Patricia and Johnny Diaz, Betty and Mike Wade, Elsa Norma and Mike Gonzales, Yolanda and Alan Cummings, and Sandra and James Clifton and nieces and nephews.

With all my love, Dad.

Korina