Jason Arthur Martella

May 10, 1971- June 9, 2017

Jason Arthur Martella was born in Hanford, California on May 10, 1971 and passed away on June 9, 2017 in Lemoore, California.

Jason grew up in rural Hanford where he attended and graduated from Thomas McCarthy School and Hanford High School. In 2000, he married Julie Harp Martella and together they had two children: Merribeth and Allison, who were the love of his life.

Jason's life was surrounded by agriculture and the influence of his father Tom and his grandparents Art and Jane Martella. Jason carried on the family agricultural tradition when he began his own farming operation in 1990. Jason loved farming and took pride in every crop. He is known as a "clean farmer" because every field is weed free. Jason farmed primarily row crops; however, in 2011, his passion shifted to walnut trees. Jason developed his first walnut

orchard and it is a beautiful, clean and peaceful orchard and his spirit will live on in it. In the past couple of years, he completed his vision of the family farm with the addition of chickens, sheep and an occasional skunk.

Jason was a huge supporter of local schools and recreational sports teams. He was also a longstanding member of the Pacific Tractor Pullers Association where he served as the treasurer for many years. He is the cofounder of Fagundes-Martella Motorsports with his mini-modified pulling tractor, Bollworm. Although Jason stopped pulling when his children were born, he continued to participate by weighing tractors and recording statistics at the California Winter

Nationals and at the Tulare Fair. Jason was a great friend and a big part of the Fagundes family and he will always be loved.

Jason was a great man, husband and father. He was the epitome of a kind and honorable man. He loved his family and his love was apparent in everything he said and did. He took such joy in sharing life and it's many events with his wife and daughters; whether it be driving to a soccer tournament in the dark, or cheering on a swim meet at the end of the day. He enjoyed spending time with others, especially from the vantage point of his favorite chair.

Recently, Jason accepted a role as an alternate member of the Kings County Republican Central Committee. His participation and contribution was enjoyed and greatly appreciated by the entire community.

Jason is survived by his wife Julie, his daughters Merribeth and Allison, his parents Tom and Shirley Martella, his younger brother Tommy Martella and wife Alicia along with their children Kelsey and Kaeton, his grandmother Gerri Dowd, and countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jason is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Martin Dowd and his paternal grandparents Art and Jane Martella. He also leaves behind many

cherished friends who were family to him.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Jason's name may be made to the Lemoore Presbyterian Church; 260 B Street, Lemoore, CA 93245 (559) 924-5658.

In life Jason was loved by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.

Family and Friends are invited to view Jason’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family.

A Celebration of Jason’s Life will be held on Monday, June 19th at 10:00 a.m. at South Valley Community Church; 1050 W. Bush Street, Lemoore, CA 93245.

Services by People’s Funeral Chapel (559) 584-5591.