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Mr Jan David LeMarr
April 24, 1947 ~ November 30, 2022 (age 75) 75 Years Old
18 Flowers or Condolences have been shared with support of Jan's family - View on Tribute Wall
Jan David LeMarr was born in Marysville, California, on April 24, 1947, to Newton ("Lee") and Nadine ("Deanie") LeMarr. After moving from Marysville, he spent many of his young years in Delano, California - where his parents moved in the early '50s and had a '50s-style diner. Jan would ride his bicycle to the diner, clean tables and sweep, and then ride his bike to school. As a child, he won the State Math award - and he was also qualified to swim in the Junior Olympics. He played the saxophone, piano, guitar, mandolin, and harmonica - and he also became fluent in French. Later, he moved with his family (Mama, Daddy, and little sister, Carol Ann) to Oroville, CA, and then to Madera, CA, where he graduated from Madera High School in 1965.
After graduating from high school, Jan attended Reedley Junior College, where he won the "Little Abner" award - which was given to the most popular guy on campus. He was beloved by everyone - and when he danced, his fellow students would stand aside and watch him. In the late '60s, Jan was drafted by the Army . . . but he did not open his draft notice. Instead, he enlisted in the Navy - and he scored 1/2-point off the highest test result in Naval history and was put into the military Intelligence, where he was given a choice of countries in which to serve. He chose Germany and was stationed in Bremerhaven. He learned Russian, German, and Morse Code - and his job was to intercept Russian messages and forward them to the American Intelligence. While there, he met and married Barbara Georgi. After serving his time in Germany, Jan and Barbara came to the United States.
Later, Jan acquired a "Health Science" degree at CSUF, which was followed by a degree in "Accounting " - and then later, post divorce, he acquired a degree in teaching. Jan taught "Special Ed" for several years and was beloved by his students, who enjoyed his colorful tales and the fact that he would wear mismatching shoes and socks. He was a gifted individual - and in particular, he had a gift for speaking, writing, and communication - and he never knew a stranger. For all of his brilliance and high intellectual ability, he was a humble person, unaffected by material objects or a person's station in life. He knew that a person's heart and character were the barometers that mattered.
Jan was preceded in death by his parents. --- Later in life, Jan rekindled his relationship with Barbara, by whom he is survived, along with his sister, Carol Ann - and also his nephews Vincent Enrico (wife, Crystal), Ryan Enrico (wife, Lori), Patrick Enrico, Alec Hagopian, and niece Lisa Enrico. He is also survived by his great-nieces and nephew - Haley Catherine Enrico, Dashiell Enrico, Victoria Rose Enrico, and Teresina Anna Enrico. He is also survived by his uncle, Joe LeMarr, of Oklahoma. --- Jan was a great and bright light, and his family will be forever grateful to have been a part of his life and to have had him in their lives.
Carol Ann and the family would like to extend their thanks to the Veterans Administration - and also to Heritage Crossing Hospice Home, for their loving and devoted care, during his final months. The family also thanks all of the people who loved and cared for this wonderful man during his lifetime.
Jan was a proud Veteran and also loved animals - any and all of them. Donations can be made to any Veteran-affiliated organization or to the animal charity of choice.
A graveside, military service is being planned for a future date. --- To best honor this lovely man, and as he said, "Go out, smell the flowers and enjoy the day. It is a short and precious life."
Services
Cemetery
Arbor Vitae Cemetery 1301 Roberts Ave Madera, CA 93637