Jakov “Jack" Dujmovich, of Los Banos, CA, passed away peacefully into the arms of our loving Lord, on Saturday, August 26, 2017, at Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center in Merced, CA. He was 87.
He was born on May 5, 1930 in Hvar, an Island off the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia), to Jakov and Jakica Dujmovic. He grew up in an extended family of 22. They were a very close–knit family and a very respected family as well. They made a good living from fishing and wine making.
Jack attended the Merchant Marine Academy in Dubrovnik, studying Nautical Science. He did very well but was unable to contain his disgust with the communist government after his father and 3 uncles were imprisoned. He also refused to denounce his Catholic faith. He was removed from the academy, one term before graduation.
He escaped his country in 1954 with a family friend. The two Jakovs travelled 85 miles at night, across the Adriatic Sea to Termolli, Italy, in a 20’ fishing boat with a one-cylinder engine. He remained in Italy for almost 2 years in a refugee camp.
Jack was able to get a job as a Seaman aboard a Liberian tanker headed to New York. Once there, he left the ship. He settled in San Pedro, CA, where he made a good living as a commercial fisherman and felt comfortable in a large Yugoslav Community. He relocated to San Jose, CA, eventually marrying Marlene Aldridge, and being blessed with 4 children. He remained in San Jose for over 40 years.
Jack was a passionate and excellent fisherman. He often took his 4 children to San Luis Reservoir, where fishing, swimming and a fresh BBQ fish picnic were enjoyed. His house was often filled with large and loud family and friend gatherings. He worked hard as a skilled union hod-carrier and brick layer to provide for his family. He used his skills to build his family a beautiful playhouse, stone BBQ, vegetable garden, aggregate patio with benches and various other projects in and out the house.
His family was blessed to take many trips to including Disneyland, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Pajaro Dunes Resort, countless trips to San Luis Reservoir, and the ultimate trip for a month to then Yugoslavia.
Jack will be remembered as an intelligent, independent, hardworking man, who had strength of conviction and lived life fully, so many adventures! How blessed we were to have you as our father and grandfather to our kids. You are greatly loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Jack is survived by his son, Nicholas Dujmovic, wife Cathy and grandsons Nicholas and John of Vienna, VA; daughter Deltta Anderson and granddaughter Gabriella of West Linn, OR; Daughter Marie McAlister and husband Bruce of Lake Oswego, OR, and daughter Natalie Wellsfry and grandchildren Matthew and Sarah of Beaverton, OR. Natalie’s beloved husband Greg, so loved by Jack passed away in 2016. Jack also leaves behind his younger brother Pero and sister Perina. His older brother Nikola previously passed. Please join us in honoring Jack Dujmovich.
A visitation will begin Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 5 pm at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel of Los Banos, 1840 S. Center Ave., Los Banos, CA 93635. The Rosary will be recited at 7pm. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1621 Center Ave., Los Banos, CA 93635. Burial will be in the Los Banos Cemetery District in Los Banos, CA. Services are entrusted to Whitehurst Funeral Chapel-Los Banos.