Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery
The creation of San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery is the sixth in the state and 114th in the National Cemetery Administration.
The Romero Ranch Company donated the land for the cemetery to the Department of Veterans Affairs on February 3, 1989. Construction of the 105-acre first phase began July 15, 1990. The water-pumping station on the California Aqueduct, the last element of construction, was completed in May 1992. The first phase yielded about 15,000 gravesites and 8,000 in-ground cremation sites.
Monuments and Memorials The California Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated August 1, 1998. The memorial is a composition of 16 individual granite five-foot monoliths arranged to form a circle. These 16 granite monoliths combined contain the total names of the 2,495 Californians who gave their lives fighting in the Korean War. The memorial was sponsored by a number of veteran service organizations, individuals and corporations.
The 11th Airborne Memorial is a granite and bronze monument that was dedicated on May 11, 2002, in honor of all airborne soldiers. The sculptor was William Porteus, a member of the 511th unit.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients.
» Medal of Honor recipients interred or memorialized here:
Seaman William Troy (1871 Korean Campaign).
He received the Medal of Honor while serving in the U.S. Navy for actions on board the USS Colorado during the capture of the Korean forts, June 11, 1871. Troy died in 1907 and is memorialized in Section M-1, Site 53.
Eligibility for burial at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
Request eligibility status for:
Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
From San Jose Airport, drive south on 101 then East on State Route 152 (toward Los Banos). As you drive over Pacheco Pass go left on State Highway 33. Drive about three and a half miles on Highway 33 then turn left on McCabe Road. Travel four miles. The cemetery will be at the end of the road.
Floral and grounds policy
Fresh and artificial floral displays may be placed on the graves at any time. Floral containers are available throughout the cemetery.
Floral displays will be removed when they become faded and unsightly or as necessary to facilitate cemetery operations. All items will be removed on the first and third Wednesday of every month. The pick up schedule is posted at the traffic circle at the end of Tres Cerritos Boulevard. (NO FLORAL PICKUPS IN DECEMBER.)
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery — Seaside, CA (59 mi · open)
- Golden Gate National Cemetery — San Bruno, CA (83 mi · closed)
- Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery — Benicia, CA (85 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service is a premier funeral home located at 286 West Main in Turlock, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, reception room, and celebration of life center. General services start at $1,695. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,695, while direct cremation is available from $1,695.
Franklin & Downs Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2561 5th St. in Ceres, CA. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,880. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 9 reviews.
Franklin & Downs Funeral Homes is a premier funeral home located at 1050 Mchenry Avenue in Modesto, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and memorialization options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,880. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,775, while direct cremation is available from $2,880. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 182 reviews.
P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 290 North Union Road in Manteca, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including memorial room, peaceful environment, and welcoming environment. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and memorialization options, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. Traditional burial arrangements are offered from $2,250. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically All faiths (as stated on their website) and Christian (Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, Nazarene, Seventh-Day Adventist, Assembly of God, Church of Christ).
Palm Memorial - Worden Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 140 South 6Th Street in Chowchilla, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including flexible event space, chapel, and piano. Professional offerings include pre-planning, grief support, and celebration of life, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,495. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,895. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Asian Traditions, Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Christian (Protestant), and Black Funeral Traditions.
Sacred Space Memorial Funerals is a premier funeral home located at 175 Bernal Rd. in San Jose, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including arrangement room, flatscreen tv's, and bilingual. Professional offerings include personalized end-of-life planning, customizable memorial services, and funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,695. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,495, while direct cremation is available from $1,695. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Sikh and Christian denominations (e.g., Church of the Nazarene, Non-Denominational Christian).
Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel is a premier funeral home located at 710 Willow Street in San Jose, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel, cremation options, and flexible event space. Professional offerings include arrangements by phone or email, basic services of funeral director and staff, and bathing, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,880, while direct cremation is available from $1,515. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Protestant, and Christian. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.8-star Google rating across 69 reviews.
Healey Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 405 North Sanborn Road in Salinas, CA. The property features well-appointed spaces including multiple chapels, reception room, and audio visual equipment. Professional offerings include cremation services, funeral & memorial services, and funeral preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,080. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,795, while direct cremation is available from $1,080. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Iglesia Ni Cristo and General Christian (for ritual washing, multicultural funerals).