C. John "Heto" Jacome

Clarence John Jácome, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and proud son of Tucson, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by loved ones on Monday, January 16, 2023 at the age of 88. Born on July 14, 1934 in Tucson, Arizona to Juan Germán and Anita (Duarte) Jácome, John was raised in Barrio Menlo Park with his brothers, Leroy and Eddie, and sister, Marie Jácome. John is grandson to Carlos C. and Dionicia (Germán), founders of famed Jácome’s Department Store, now the site of Jácome Plaza in downtown Tucson. John is survived by his wife and everlasting love of 67 years Ruth V. Jácome (née Lovio); brother, Leroy Jácome; son George Jácome, daughters Rose Wade and Dolores Jácome; grandchildren Matthew Martin (Jenna) and Cristie Scott (Eric); great-grandchildren, Dionicia Marie Martin and Rico John Carlos Bulrice; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who all benefited from his love, support and wisdom.

John attended Tucson High School and was a notable baseball player, nicknamed “Flypaper'' alluding to the fact that no fly ball could slip his grasp. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 24, 1951, rising in rank to Sergeant as he served in the Korean War with an Air-Wing Division, and later on the USS Bairoko (CVE-115), a Navy aircraft escort carrier that provided ship-to-shore airlift to work crews. John accompanied the USS Bairoko to the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands as it engaged in atmospheric and underwater nuclear weapons tests with Operation Castle Bravo, earning himself the rare distinction of Atomic Veteran. Following an honorable discharge on July 23, 1959, he returned home and joined the Tucson Fire Department on April 25, 1960, was promoted to Captain in June 1968, and proudly served with Station 1, and later Station 7 for a combined 29 ½ years. Over his career, John was involved in countless lifesaving, critical calls including the infamous Pioneer Hotel arson fire of 1970 in downtown Tucson. Featured in the Arizona Daily Star (Dec. 25, 1987), John reflected poignantly on his profession and belief that “Firemen have big hearts. We just get our thanks from doing what’s right.”

Upon retirement, John embraced a full and creative life as an artist, while continuing in service to Tucson through community organizations such as El Centro Cultural de Las Américas Gallery, San Augistín Cathedral and numerous art & craft festivals. He remained a dedicated member of the Tucson Fire Fighters Association Local 479 until his passing, supporting the firefighting field, key charitable causes and always impressed at the annual TFFA Chili Cook-Off.

As in life, John’s legacy will emanate through all who knew him as a true embodiment of service, integrity, faith, humility and, above all, love of family, friends and the great city of Tucson. His key enjoyments were times spent with his beloved bride Ruth, children and grandchildren–assembling tamales, watching the Arizona Diamondbacks go head-to-head with the Dodgers, toiling in his workshop, installing the most grand Christmas lights display in the entire neighborhood, or simply sharing the day’s events with a dear friend. Clarence John Jácome, our Viejo, Father, Tata, Heto and Friend will forever live on in our hearts and lives. A private service for family and close friends will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 at South Lawn Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in his memory to the Tucson Fire Fighters Association Charities: https://www.tucsonfirefighters.org/.