Jean-Claude Bernard Petit, Sr.

Mr. Jean-Claude Bernard Petit, Sr., age 67, of McMinnville, TN passed away at his residence on June 14, 2015. He was born March 3, 1948 in Nogent-Sur-Vernisson, France, and was of the Catholic faith. In France, he served in the French Navy on the mine sweeper, L'Esperance, and was stationed out of Brest, France. He married Judy Bouldin, his childhood and long-time pen pal, on June 12, 1970. They lived in Paris, France until 1973, when they moved to McMinnville for the remainder of his life. He became a United States citizen in 1996. Jean-Claude was perhaps best known as the owner and operator of J's Restaurant for 33 years. Jean-Claude loved to travel, maintain his lawn, tend to his garden, and play with his dogs, Mitzy and Rosie. Jean-Claude was preceded in death by parents, Raymond and Marceline Petit; and his uncle and aunt, Roger and Marcel Millet, who raised him. Jean-Claude is survived by his wife, Judy Petit of McMinnville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jean-Claude, Jr. and Samantha Petit of Morrison, TN, and Jordan and Reena Petit (and soon to be born grandchild) of Sydney, Australia; sister, Mauricette Vardavoir of Nogent-Sur-Vernisson, France; along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2015 in High's Chapel. Services are to be officiated by Bro. Dorris Hughes, Bro. Garland Robinson and Mr. Art Larson. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday and from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at High's. Following the service, his body is to be cremated. In lieu of flowers, the Petit family requests that donations be made in memory of Jean-Claude to Caring Hearts United, a non-profit hospice assistance organization in McMinnville.