John Christopher Herrera

John Christopher Herrera was born on Nov. 27, 1973 in El Paso, Texas. John passed away on Oct. 7, 2014 at the age of 40 in Tucson, Az. John was diagnosed with liver disease in early Jan. 2012, which was the cause of his death. John is predeceased by both sets of grandparents as well as his younger brother Michael Herrera. John is survived by his father, Juan R. Herrera and mother, Barbara M. Herrera, son Timothee Martinez, siblings Daniel Herrera and Jennifer Alvarado, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews as well as longtime signifcant other of nearly 20 years, Heather Fuller.

John was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Growing up, John was an active child. He played baseball, football, and in his early adolescence he rode and raced BMX bikes, where he competed and won many trophies and other awards. He attended school (grades K-12) as well as some college in El Paso, Texas. He graduated early from high school (Parkland High School) in 1992. In school, John excelled in math. He was always good with numbers. He boasted of taking math exams with an ink pen instead of a standard pencil because of his confidence in his skill for the subject. It was also in high school where he developed his skill in playing golf and was a member of the golf team at Parkland High. He won many trophies and other awards as he mastered his skill for the game. His love for the sport continued after high school and he played almost all, if not all, the courses in the local Tucson area. As his illness progressed, he was deeply saddened when he could no longer find the energy to play golf. After high school, John did attend college at El Paso Community College as well as ASU in Phoenix, Az and Pima Community College in Tucson, Az. He obtained college credit, but did not acquire a degree. His ultimate passion for a career was to become a fighter pilot and fly jets in the Air Force. He was devastated when he was informed that this dream would not be fulfilled. His second career choice was to become a history teacher. He acquired many college credits towards a teaching degree, but never achieved it.

John worked several jobs throughout his young life: 7-Eleven, Target, custodian, sales associate, customer service rep, and delivery driver/manager of several pizza chains in the local area of Tucson, Az. He had the ideal personality, character and drive for sales, although it never completely fulfilled him. He had been unemployed for several years prior to his passing.

John's interests in life included golf, playing pool (he even played in pool leagues), art (drawing/sketching), music (some of his favorite groups were Van Halen, Bon Jovi, U2, Scorpion, Jane's Addiction, Def Leopard, Depeche Mode, The Cure, The Police, and other alternative music as well as dance/club music), reading, technology (always had to have the latest and greatest in cell phone or computer), spending time with friends, politics, and listening to talk radio and FOX News daily. John also loved knitting as a hobby. He made several scarves for family members and friends. John also loved Harry Potter. He read all the books and watched all the movies. John also enjoyed get aways to San Diego, California. He and Heather took several trips there and visited such areas as the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Belmont Park, Mission Beach (specifically the beach, boardwalk and the Wavehouse (an outdoor restaurant/bar with a wave pool where people would surf on their surfboard/boogie board and also had a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean). Every trip also included a visit to the bay along Harbor Drive where he and Heather would visit Seaport Village (a cozy little village of shops and a walkway with benches where you could sit and enjoy the view of the ships/boats that entered and exited the Bay). Disneyland was another favorite attraction of John's. His favorite rides included Star Wars, California Screamin, Indiana Jones, and Thunder Mountain Railroad.

John was very opinionated and aware of his position in the political arena. He loved to talk about politics, with anyone and everyone who indulged him. He was actively engaged in politics and supported local political affiliations in the Tucson area. He volunteered and poured his support in the campaign of an individual in the local Tucson Area, running for Congress. His title was "Tucson Ambassador" which he was very proud of and did not take lightly, the jobs, duties and effort that went into his support. John worked diligently to build her contacts and recognition in the public eye/society by designing button pins, bumper stickers, business cards, etc from a blank template using his own creativity and ingenuity. He went to numerous rallies and public affairs as well as walking door to door to pass out flyers. He was recognized for his hard work and volunteering by several people who advised him to one day run for some political position himself, but he never expressed an interest in that endeavor. He was content in his commitment and involvement. Whenever John put his entire effort,drive,ambition and passion into something, he usually excelled at it. John truly enjoyed being active in the local community through his political affiliations in the latter years of his life even while suffering from the effects of his disease. Working in the local political arena brought him great joy because he was excited about it, it gave him a purpose, and it was his favorite topic of discussion/conversation.

John was always a free spirit, from childhood to adulthood. He never held back in living life "his way." The pains and afflictions that he encountered and battled in life, led him down some dark roads, compromising his health, and ultimately took his life. Many say that John was the most stubborn person they have ever known. But his kind, gentle, loving heart outshined anything else. He was very loved by his family, significant other, and friends. John impacted many people in his short life. He will forever live on in our hearts. His spirit now free of the pains he knew in life, he now dwells in Heaven with his Savior God and his beloved brother Michael. Rest in eternal peace dear son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, companion, and friend.