John Patrick Durkin Jr. passed away on March 25, 2008 in San Francisco, California at the age of 63.

John was born at the Naval Hospital in Alameda, and grew up on property outside of Vacaville with many animals and fruit trees.  As a teenager, he lived on Travis Air Force Base as his father was career Air Force; then moved with the family to Napa.

After graduation from Napa High, John joined the U.S. Army.  He served a tour of duty in Germany before being deployed to Vietnam as a Specialist Fifth Class (SP5).  It was here that his courage and leadership qualities were rewarded with numerous medals and commendations.  John was the recipient of the Bronze Star (for heroic or meritorious achievement or service), the Air Medal (for flying on many dangerous missions), and the Army Commendation Medal (for heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service).  He was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.  John was truly one of our local heroes.

John was a Christian, a Registered Nurse, an office manager, a bowler, an avid reader, a history buff, and a sports fan.  He was also a generous giver and a loving brother.

John was a resident of Sonoma when he passed away at the Fort Miley San Francisco Veteran's Hospital following a stroke.  At the time of his passing, he was in a Christian Bible Training Program, designed to minister to veterans returning from the Iraq War.

John is survived by two sisters, two brothers, six nephews, and five nieces.  He is also survived by 19 great-nieces and nephews as well.

A memorial service with military honors was held on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.