Devoted Father and Friend Jason Menefee Passes at 48

Jason Kennedy Menefee, a dedicated father and loyal friend, passed away on December 12, 2025, after battling metastatic melanoma. He died peacefully at home in San Juan Bautista, California, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 48 years old.

Born on April 27, 1977, at Alta Hospital in Dinuba, California, Jason was the son of Douglas Kennedy Menefee and Julia Celeste Giannandrea. Much of his childhood was spent in Santa Cruz, California, in a home cherished by his family. It was there that he began his first job delivering newspapers for the Santa Cruz Sentinel, showcasing a work ethic that would define his life.

Jason’s teenage years were marked by time spent with both sets of grandparents in the Dinuba area. He developed significant skills while helping on his maternal grandparents’ ranch in Orosi, California, where he became an adept forklift driver at Giannandrea Packing. After high school, he transitioned to truck driving, a career path he pursued with passion.

He practiced in trucks owned by his father and friend until he secured his Class A license. This pivotal moment allowed him to drive locally and for long hauls, often accompanied by his beloved Chihuahua, Killer. Jason returned to Santa Cruz to work for Hildebrand Trucking, a company he would be associated with throughout his career.

In 2014, Jason and his then-wife, Paula Mercedes Menefee, moved into his maternal grandparents’ historic Victorian home in Orosi. During this time, he dedicated himself to restoring the property after it had fallen into neglect. By 2018, seeking a return to his childhood roots, Jason moved back to Santa Cruz and continued his work with Hildebrand Trucking, maintaining a strong connection to the community he loved.

For the last three years of his life, Jason worked as a welder/helper for the Caltrain railroad out of the Bay Area, thanks to a connection made by family friend Edmond Soso. His love for mechanics and engines was evident in his collection of vehicles, including a Sanger jet boat, a 1982 Chevrolet El Camino, and his 2012 Harley Davidson Street Glide motorcycle. He took pride in restoring each of these vehicles, spending countless hours working on them.

Jason’s passion extended beyond vehicles. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Rita Sophia Menefee, 9, and son, Domenico Kennedy Menefee, 7. He was known to go above and beyond to bring joy to their lives and celebrated their achievements with pride. His signature look, a long beard styled into two braids, even earned him recognition when he won a Best Beard contest in Sacramento in 2016.

His hobbies included disc golfing, camping, and spending time at the beach. He enjoyed cooking and was known for his barbecuing skills, particularly his delicious steaks. Jason had a knack for storytelling, captivating friends with his anecdotes gathered from various stages of his life.

Jason’s friendships were a vital aspect of his life. He valued each relationship, appreciating the support and camaraderie they brought. He is now remembered fondly by many, including his close friend, John Tarbell, who passed away in 2020.

He is survived by his children, his fiancée Hanna Hildebrand, his father, and his sister Kenedee Menefee. He was preceded in death by his mother, all of his grandparents, and his uncle, Mark Menefee.

A viewing and rosary for Jason is scheduled for 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Light, located at 1620 W. Belmont Ave, Fresno, California. A graveside service will take place at 1 p.m. on December 23 at Mountain View Cemetery, 1411 W. Belmont Ave, Fresno. Following the service, a reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, located at 1880 Art Gonzales Pkwy, Selma, California.

Jason Menefee’s legacy as a father, friend, and skilled tradesman will continue to resonate through the lives he touched.