John Calvin “JC” Modica
John Calvin “JC” Modica, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, December 18, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and respected businessman.
Born and raised in Beaumont, Texas on August 21, 1943, JC built his life on faith, devotion to family, and a deep commitment to service. He graduated from South Park High School in 1961 and continued his education at Lamar University, where he excelled as an athlete. From 1961 to 1964, he competed on the men’s high hurdles track team, earning three individual conference championships. In 1963, he helped lead the Lamar Cardinals to a Lone Star Conference Team Championship. His legacy as a standout athlete was honored decades later with an induction into Lamar University’s Hall of Honor in 2020.
Upon graduation and serving in the Army Reserves, JC co-founded Modica Brothers’ Tire & Wheel with his brothers in 1970, building a successful business in the automotive industry throughout Southeast Texas. He was known for his work ethic, his loyalty and his steady commitment to the people around him — employees, customers, and friends alike.
Above all, JC loved the Lord. His devout Catholic faith guided him and sustained him.
He is survived by his wife, Sandie Modica; daughters Angela (Modica) Schwab and husband, Kenneth; and Christina Modica-Salinas and husband, Richard; sisters, Jolena Raimer and Mary Modica; and stepchildren, Anthony Russell and wife Tandi; Trevor Baima and wife, Natalie; Blake Moore and wife, Lydia; and Kylie Moore; grandchildren, Michael and wife, Faith, Ava and Sarah Schwab, and Sophia Salinas; along with step-grandchildren, Logan, Charli and Ruby Russell, and Waylon Harrington. His spirit is carried on by all who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Tommie Modica, Sr. and Lucille Modica; his first wife, Geraldine Modica; and his brothers, Tommy Modica, Jr. and Sammy Modica, Sr.
A gathering of Mr. Modica’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with his Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 26, 2025, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2025, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- December 26, 2025
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- December 26, 2025
- 6:00 pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Anne Catholic Church
- 2715, Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77702,
- December 27, 2025
- 10:00 am
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
Sandie, so sorry to hear of J.C. passing, may he rest in peace.
Rest in paradise Mr Modica
JC was a good man who was always willing to help those in need. He was so excited for me to join LU football team and I have always regretted leaving campus early instead of sticking with the program. He was truly a genuine man who shot it straight with those around him. I will never forget Inka or driving his mule around his property or busting my butt on his dirt bike bc i dropped the clutch in first and wheelied my back into his driveway. I always had fun at his property and enjoyed spending time with him listening to his stories and learning from him while observing how he carried himself in public and in private. My prayers and thoughts are with him and his close family/friends. I am a better man thanks in no small part to JC Modica and what he embodied as a good man in everything he did.
So grateful we were able to meet J.C. and his lovely wife Sandie at Faith & Mike’s wedding this past July. God is so good, and J.C. so determined, that he was able to be a part of the family celebration. We imagine he is celebrating (and maybe running a victory lap) with Jesus this Christmas. Thank you Angela for sharing this tribute with us. May God wrap you all in His loving arms with the comfort and peace He alone brings.
JC was truly bigger than life.His business instincts and a sixth sense about people we’re truly amazing.He use to invite me to his parents house on Sundays back in 1974 for Italian lunches and gradually we became weight lifting partners and really close friends.In 1979 he asked me to become the Godfather of his second daughter Christina.Even though he was dying he and I still maintained contact via the telephone.I will miss him.
J C was a life long friend. #31 on the SouthPark 1961 football team I believe, a dear team mate. Was blessed to have spent time with J C over the years at his office on Washington St. We would meet for lunch at times, and often review past events and current times, some in light of scripture. J C was a help to a number of familes. See you soon my friend.
J C was a longtime friend. Because of Jesus I
hope to see him again.
J.C. joined us at St. Anne school in 6th grade. He was popular and a good football player. But what we remember most was his gentleness. We would shop with him at his shop and visit after church too. May he rest in peace.
Gerald and Mary Beth Adrian Cloninger
So sorry for the entire Modica family. Though we weren’t super close, I feel like I knew J.C. quite well. Everytime I would go into Modica Brothers for some type of service, J.C. would take time out of his schedule, come and sit down beside me, and catch up with each other for a minimum of half an hour. Several years back, I used to see him regularly at St. Anne’s morning Mass when I was in a position to attend. J.C. was a first class individual and I am proud to say that I knew him. God has never put a finer person upon this Earth. I look forward to seeing him again one day in Heaven.
I was so saddened by this news. The one thing I remembered about J.C. was “second” was not good enough.I was lucky to re- connect with J.C. at Glenn Tomlin’s memorial service. I am so glad I did. I will see you later “ICEMAN” Reagan
To the family of J.C.Modica : thank you God & Family for J.C. .I first met J.C. in 1964 my dad Shadrick Loville leased a gas station State gas & Oil at 11th & west Euclid St. We sold gas & fixed flat tires.at 12 yrs.old he inspired me to be a successful Entrepreneurial while working on his own dreams of a tire store .for a lifetime God has allowed J.C. to Bless those around him & Granted a seat in Heaven..Thank you God & family. Larry.
JC, you are now looking at the face of Jesus. Many in distress were blessed by your loving acts of kindness. May you run, my friend, like the champion you were among us with Jesus in your heavenly home.
I’ve known JC since I was 10. He was truly a kind and just person, fair in all his actions. He was a brother to me and I will greatly miss him. May he rest in peace.
J. C., you will be welcomed in Heaven by your friend, SP Greenie teammate, & classmate, Brooks. Our world was a better place with you boys in it but go rest high on that mountain for a job well done. We shall surely miss your caring smile yet recall what a reliable friend you always were to us all. RIP
He was a good man and was my parishioner when I was pastor in Silsbee. Rest in Peace!
Fr. Steve Leger
JC was a very good man, a man that cares for others. I would always see him on Sundays at St.Anns church. The world would be a better place if there were more people like him. He will be greatly missed..
J.C. was my best friend for over 50 years! A fellow tire store owner friend who made me a part of this life, willing to give me whatever I asked, expecting nothing but friendship in return. I was blessed to have known J.C. Modica and his loving family.
Our prayers to all of the Modica family. J. C. will be missed by so many, as he endured himself to countless persons, through his business, personal and social life. It was my pleasure to meet J. C. several years ago, as he was a SPHS classmate with my wife, Judy Mayberry Bryant. May he rest in peace, as he enters the Kingdom of GOD, in Heaven. May GOD grant him salvation and a eternal life as a member of the family of GOD.
RIP J.C., you will be missed by so many that cared for you.
Eileen Tindall
May he rest in peace. A good and kind person.
God speed my friend ! May you find
Everlasting life . Thank you for being a good friend. I’ll miss seeing you at the shop and Lubys. Prayers and Hugs to your family .
Chris Squez
JC was a friend and classmate at SPHS and Lamar. I last saw JC about a year ago at a small gathering of friends from SPHS. We had a long conversation reminiscing friends and family. So glad I got to see him then. My condolences to the family.
You will always loved and missed by us a true friend. Reed
I was fortunate to work for J.C. for the better part of my life. I thought of him more as a brother than an employer. My family and I knew him as part of the family. We loved him and will miss him.
1961 S.P.H.S classmate and longtime friend. J.C. was a good friend and good man. J.C. Will be missed by me and many who were lucky to know him. Condolences to the family.🙏