John Gary Pipkin was born in Modesto, CA, and was raised in the Fresno area. He moved to Morgan Hill in early 1962. John started a career as a carpenter until opening his own business, “Morgan Hill Motorcycle Salvage Shop”. This was the first salvage shop for motorcycles in California, and was boasted as a “House of a Million Parts”. John’s shop was easily noticed, as it was painted bright orange & purple, and had a landmark three wheel chopper, located at the front of the store. This store front became an icon for the City of Morgan Hill.
John, or “JP”, as most knew him, became a well known fixture of Morgan Hill. He raced motorcycles, and received his Pro Am license in his first year of racing. It was not uncommon for him to take young men in under his wing, providing housing & work at his salvage shop as he helped them to learn a trade. After a heavy equipment accident which left him with one leg, he continued on with his racing dreams, transitioning to race cars. JP raced midgets, stockcars and sportsmen cars. Later in life he spent much of his time at the track mentoring his two sons and eventually his grandsons as well.
Mid way through JP’s life he made a career change, going back to his roots. He began ranching out at the Hall Ranch on Uvas Road, where for the next 20 years, he managed the JP Ranch, raising cattle, sheep, goats and pigs as well running as a boarding stable.
JP led a very adventurous life. Each day of his life was lived to the fullest and he did it the way he wanted, always looking for new experiences. While learning to sail, JP developed a passion for the ocean waters. He eventually put his skills to the test by sailing a 32′ boat to Mexico with a friend. He also restored many different ocean vessels while living in Moss landing on his Cristcraft .Ultimately, he built his home in La Paz, Mexico and bounced back and forth between the two homes for many years.
In his later life, JP reconnected with his ancestry and devoted much of his latter years learning about his Native American culture. He was a registered California Indian of the Yokut Indian tribe of the San Joaquin Valley. His home was adorned with many Indian artifacts that he had collected over the years.
Throughout his life, JP was a very kind and generous person making new friends at every turn of the road.
John is survived by his children, Rocky Pipkin of Visalia, CA, Rowdy Pipkin and John Pipkin of Gilroy, CA, and Johnna Hepner of Hollister, CA, as well as his nine grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held 3:30 P.M. Friday, December 8th, at the Morgan Hill Masonic Lodge, 380 W. Dunne Ave., Morgan Hill, 408-779-5544.
