Raymond Jara, Sr. was born in Shafter to Pedro and Lucy Jara, on November 5, 1935. He married Mary Sabedra on June 27, 1959, and they shared 40 happily married years together; until her death in 1999. Raymond was employed by Belridge Farms for 10 years, and eventually retired from Paramount Farms after 25 years of employment. Raymond truly loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed joking around and sharing laughter. Raymond was an avid Raider fan. Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; father, Pedro; brother, Sonny; daughters, Betty and Sandy. He is survived by his mother, Lucy; sons, Raymond, Jr. and Patrick Jara; daughter, Sonia Jara all of Shafter; brothers, David of Bakersfield, and Pete Jara of Oakhurst; sisters, Rosie Ward of Mission Hills, Nina Richard of Los Angeles, Delfina Quevedo of Wasco, Irma Hart and Mary DeLuna both of Shafter; 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Recitation of the Holy Rosary was held at Peters Funeral Home on Sunday, January 6, 2008, at 6pm, for Raymond Jara, Sr, age 72, of Shafter, who passed away January 2, 2008, in Bakersfield. A graveside service was held at Shafter Memorial Park on Monday, January 7, 2007. Pastor Arthur Plaza of High Vision Ministries officiated the service. A visitation was held at Peters Funeral Home on Sunday, January 6, 2007, from 2pm to 8pm. Please sign Raymond's guest book at www.goldenvalleymemorialcare.com.