John “Bill” was raised in Riverbank. He had a distinguished career in the Navy serving on a number of submarines, including the nuclear-powered USS Ethan Allen, which carried nuclear missiles. Bill was a sonar operator and finished his career as an instructor at the Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare School in San Diego. He then worked at the Hershey plant in Oakdale as the electrical supervisor for 21 years and retired at age 59.

Bill had two beautiful children from his first marriage, Stacy and Johnny. Bill served in the Pacific initially but was then transferred to the Groton, Connecticut submarine base. He transferred back to San Diego in 1964 and met Janyce Julius of Modesto while visiting back home. Janyce had four children; Vicki, Thad, Ross, and Ellen.

They married in 1966. Bill and Janyce were married almost 60 years. Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Riverbank. He had a wide variety of interests, including model railroads, remote controlled planes and boats, and making innovative home improvements. His garage was a fully equipped marvel that could fabricate anything of wood or metal. His signature achievement was building a ride-on coal-burning locomotive. Bill and Jan enjoyed their home life with close neighbors, relatives, and high school friends.

Bill is survived by his wife, Janyce Roscoe, his children Stacy and Johnny, stepchildren Vicki, Thad, Ross, Ellen and grandchildren Jennifer, Marsha, Erica, Tyler and Clara.

A memorial service will be held at Lakewood Cemetery on March 25 at 11 a.m., followed by a reception.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

March 18, 2026