Francisco Pancho Cruz

Francisco ("Pancho" "Frank") G. Cruz Jr. passed away from this life and into God's eternal glory on August 2nd, 2023 at 12:05am.

He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandpa, pop-pop, great grandpa and friend.

Pancho had an infectious laugh that could light up a room. He made friends everywhere he went and his personality was one you could never forget. He was beautifully and wonderfully made by our Creator. Unique and special in so many ways. A life that cannot be forgotten.

Francisco was born December 13th, 1955 in Los Angeles, Ca to Stella Rocha and Francisco G. Cruz. He grew up in Oxnard, Ca and graduated from Channel Islands High School. After high school, he joined the Marines and was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He was enlisted in active service from May 1974 to June 1976. There he served as a Shore Fire Control Party man, an Instrument man and a Parachutist. He served in the Vietnam War and earned his National Defense Service Medal and NAVMC Parachutist insignia. Serving in the Marines was an honor he carried with him throughout his life. 

On January 17th, 1978 he married Kimberly J. Reed and they started a life together in Santa Paula, Ca. He started his career as a tile setter and enjoyed using his expertise for many side jobs over the years. His tile work was admired by many. In his younger years you could find him serving as a deacon at Southcoast Fellowship Church, playing men's league baseball, fishing with family and friends and enjoying quality time outdoors. Later in life, he moved to Grants Pass, Oregon and resided there for about 20 years until the day of his death. He loved his home and his neighbors and often found beauty in the simple things around him. The changing colors of the trees, the clouds in the sky, the brightness of the moon and the fallen snow on the ground are just a few things that he admired and brought him happiness. Francisco enjoyed making others laugh and being funny came naturally. Whether he was telling jokes, imitating movie characters, flexing his eyebrows (for the ladies only) singing or simply giving you a hard time, he was sure to put a smile on your face. He enjoyed drawing and coloring, cruising in his power chair and watching Dodger baseball. He was always up for a BIG burrito, some taquitos, an unburnt pizza and anything other than what they were serving at home. Francisco was admired for his strong-willed personality. He never gave up and knew exactly what he wanted. He had a character of strength and determination. He was loved and will be deeply missed.

Francisco is preceded in death by his mother Stella Rocha; father Francisco G. Cruz; sister Sylvia Escobar; daughter Charlotte Tirado; grandson Ezariah Sheets; grandchild baby Ceballos; and great-grandson Layton Sheets. 

He is survived by his wife Kimberly Cruz; sisters Arlene Tirado and Elizabeth Warner; daughters Chastity Tirado, Andrea Darlene Ross, Autumn Ramirez, Alyssa Ceballos and Alanna Sheets; his only son Neight Cruz; 25 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him. Francisco knew that after this life comes eternal life with our Father in Heaven. That's a day we can all look forward to! 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 19th 2023 at 3pm. 

Tom Pearce County Park- Hester Shelter

3700 Pearce Park Rd

Grants Pass, Oregon 97526

We will celebrate his life with smiles, laughter and his favorite color- Please wear blue

Please share a memory of Pancho in his Guestbook below.