Jose Fernandez III (Junior)
Sept. 24, 2001 - July 12, 2024

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Our beloved Junebug was called home on July 12, 2024, surrounded by all who loved him.

Junior left behind a legacy and an incredible amount of memories in his short time here on earth, 8,327 days to be exact. His spirit will not only live on in each and every one of us who loved and knew him, but in his three beautiful children.

Junior was born on Monday, Sept. 24, 2001, in Lakeport, California, to his loving parents, Joe and Jamie Fernandez. He was an only child until they adopted his sister and best friend, Adriana.

As a child he had many friends with whom he remained extremely close to throughout his life.

Junior attended school in Upper Lake, California. Over the years Junior played many sports, starting with soccer, then baseball, basketball, BMX, football and, of course, his passion was found in wrestling.

He started playing baseball when he was 6 years old, and excelled. Junior was an outstanding catcher during his Westshore Little League years, making the All Star Team every year.

When Junior was 11 years old he attended his first wrestling practice for Kelseyville Krush. After a short time he was hooked and wanted to do nothing but wrestle. He devoted all his time to wrestling, wrestling year round in all three styles and traveling the world to compete and train with the “best of the best.”

Junior claimed many accolades in wrestling: Triple Crown Winner, many USA state titles, All-American Honors at Reno Worlds, invitations to the Doc B tournament every year, four-time Lou Bronzan Champion, representing the USA and California on the Japan Culture Exchange Team, and eventually earning a Division 1 Scholarship to his school of choice, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, just to name a few.

His love for wrestling flourished in his coaching, where he led the Upper Lake Middle School to a League title in 2023.

In high school Junior also decided to play football for the Upper Lake Cougars. He was an outstanding football player (#32), which he accredited to his background in wrestling. Junior received prestigious awards throughout his career including Record-Bee and Press Democrat Athlete of the Year and Male Student of the Year for Stars of Lake County.

Junior was not only driven but dedicated and ambitious. During his time at Upper Lake High School he entered their FFA program, raising hogs and steers. Steers turned out to be his favorite animal, and he started J2 Cattle at the age of 15 with the help of his father. Junior successfully ran this cattle company for five years, even after moving away to college. He would return home every weekend to work with his cattle and to be present during calving season. Junior wanted to raise local, quality steers for upcoming 4-H and FFA showmen to have another option when purchasing their projects. Junior was eager to learn all he could about steers because he wanted to help the younger kids and give back to his community.

The summer of 2019 after graduating top of his class from Upper lake High School, Junior moved to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly and wrestle. He majored in ag business, knowing his goal was to return to his hometown of Upper Lake. Junior had plans to raise a family here due to his love for this community. During his short time at Cal Poly, he made his mark by starting on Varsity at 133 pounds as a true freshman.

Junior returned home and rekindled with his high school sweetheart and wife, Emily Acevedo-Fernandez. They met sophomore year and dated for a few months, but remained close friends. During the couple years they were apart, Junior and Emily supported each other through the best and worst of times. Their friendship came easy to both of them, and blossomed into a deep love that is unimaginable for such young souls.

They purchased a home and welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl, Ava Marie Fernandez, who was quickly followed by their wildchild of a son, Jose Maria Fernandez IV (Bubba). They welcomed their third and final baby, Junebug’s mini-me, in February of 2024, Camila Diane Fernandez. They were the light of his life and his spirit will shine through them forever.

Junior thoroughly loved being a husband and father. Living in organized chaos with his family was his favorite thing, working a 9 to 5 for his father’s company Jim’s Pumps, and ending his days cuddled up with babies was his pride and joy.

We all have choices in life and Junior chose love, light, friendship and family above all else. He was known for his smirk of a smile, humor and relentless pursuit for life. His life’s mission was to make the people he loved happy and to enjoy quality time spent together.

Junior held many titles in his life, from athlete to entrepreneur, but his favorite role was being a Daddy. His legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have known him. Junior’s goofiness, integrity, and devotion to his friends, family, and community will be forever cherished.

He is survived by his wife, Emily; his children, Ava, Jose, and Camila; his parents, Joe and Jamie; his sister, Adri; and his Grandpas, Grandmas, Tias, Tios, cousins, nieces and best friends.

Graveside funeral service will be held at Upper Lake Cemetery on Saturday, July 27, at 10 a.m.

A celebration of life will follow at June and Emily’s property, 9878 Elliot St. in Upper Lake.

To help his family, contributions can be made to a Go Fund Me account.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.