FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — Juan Jaramillo Sr.’s son shares his pain as he navigates the loss of his father less than two days ago.
“This morning, I woke up and consciously thinking he’s coming home to visit me and it didn’t happen. My wife woke up and she’s asking me like what’s wrong, what’s the matter, I just miss him,” Juan Jaramillo Jr. says.
Candles covered the intersection at Ashlan and Maroa Avenues in Central Fresno as several dozen of his family members gathered on Sunday evening.
The rock of our family was suddenly taken from us this past weekend. He was on his way home from work when a motorcycle that was evading police ran into him and unfortunately took his life. Words cannot express our sorrow in this horrible time. His life was cut short and he leaves behind his wife, 6 kids, and 20 grandchildren.
The family met to comfort one another in prayer after Jaramillo was killed in a crash early Saturday morning.
“My dad was a very hard working person. Lovable. Always checked up on us,” Juan Jaramillo Jr. says.
Jaramillo Jr. says his dad was close to home after leaving work at Famous Daves.
He adds that he’s hurt to know his dad won’t be able to see his kids play sports, which Jaramillo Sr. was very involved in.
The Fresno Police Department says around 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to pull over 25-year-old James Baker for reckless driving.
Deputies asked for air support before Baker drove into the intersection at a high rate of speed and crashed into Jaramillo Sr.’s car.
Both Baker and Jaramillo Sr. were pronounced dead on scene.
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tony Botti said Baker was riding a stolen motorcycle the night of the crash. Baker was released from the Fresno County Jail on March 21, 2024 after serving a sentence related to stolen vehicle charges. He had previously served time in prison as well for vehicle theft.
As the family mourns this difficult loss, they hope to remember Jaramillo’s kindness.
Jaramillo Sr. leaves behind his wife, six children and 20 grandchildren.
His son says he was the best role model.
And he hopes to continue to honor his dad by being the best father he can be.
“We love him and we’re proud for everything he did for us,” Jaramillo Jr.
Jaramillo Jr says this is a time for finding peace through the pain.
A GoFundMe has been created by the family of Juan Jaramillo.
To support, click here.
By Vince Ybarra, KFSN/KMJ
