C J Cloniger

To know C J was to know his friends, for C J never met a stranger. He had the magical gift of gab, and could talk to anyone. I’m certain that he had been to Ireland and kissed the Blarney Stone many times! C J was often thought of as a trailblazer for many. He joined the US Army and ended up in Vietnam working as an agent for the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). He had been a police cadet for the San Diego Police Department even before finishing high school, and was hired as an officer on April 12, 1973. He maintained his active status until suffering a severe injury in a brawl at an apartment complex in the South Bay area, medically retiring on March 19, 1977. CJ has always been there for his friends, especially Alan and Jerry. Alan had the pleasure of conducting the wedding ceremony for he and his wife Vickee. There was always a contentment in his eyes, a settling into a life together with Vickee, a satisfaction of being exactly where he wanted to be in his life. There was never a look of boredom or despair or desperation qualities that can destroy relationships. CJ loved dearly and deeply. C J was a genuinely kind person, never looking to do harm to anyone, and always looking to do something for someone else. Trustworthy, true to his word, determined, responsible, unpretentious, a man of simplicity and compassion. If you look in the dictionary for the definition of “salt of the earth,” there would be a picture of C J Cloniger. Love of family; love of friends; love of country. No one had a better handle on this than C J. We all think of you often, and I know you are here with us for this celebration of your life. We know that you wanted this to be a celebration, not a mourning, and that’s what we are all here for. Everyone will have a chance to share their thoughts and memories, after the service, so please be thinking about that. Rest easy, C J - Loved Always Never Forgotten CJ will be privately interred at the Miramar National Cemetery.