Julian Cuchia “J.C.” Giglio, 92, was a first generation American born August 14, 1921, in Beaumont, Texas, to Antoinette and Charles S. Giglio. He attended St. Anthony Elementary School and was a graduate of St. Anthony High School. J.C. was a champion of education, particularly Catholic education, all of his life. He was married to Theresa Maceo Giglio for sixty-six years and together they had four children.
J.C. is survived by his brother, Dr. Frank Giglio and his wife, Marcia; sister, Catherine Morrison; son, Charles Jude Giglio and his wife, Kim; and daughters, JoBeth Jenkins and her husband, Mike; and Gerri Christopher, all of Beaumont; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Daleo and her husband, Bernie; Julian Rayzor and his wife, Ally; Will Jenkins and his wife, Gillian; Kristen Whisenant and her husband, Preston; Michael Jenkins and his wife, Betsy; Gina LaBarba and her husband, Carl; and Julian Charles Giglio; fifteen great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews and Godchildren. J.C. also leaves behind his family at Giglio Distributing who came to view him as a father figure and will miss his presence at work, which he never missed until the last few weeks of his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Antoinette and Charles Giglio; brother, Sam Giglio; sister, Sister Julian Giglio, O.P.; and newborn son, Rosario Julian Giglio.
A lifelong resident of Beaumont, J.C. left the area only once to serve his country during World War II in December of 1942. He was the company clerk for Company A 333rd Regiment of the 84th Infantry. J.C. achieved the rank of Corporal while serving and was promoted to Staff Sergeant upon discharge. After completing his service, J.C. returned to work with his former employer, The Stedman Company, a wholesale grocery, produce, and paper goods distributor.
J.C. was the founder of Giglio Distributing Company, Inc. The idea to distribute Miller High Life was appropriately conceived over a couple of beers one March afternoon in 1955. He contacted Miller Brewing Company and on April 15, 1955, and received a letter granting him permission to become the distributor for their brands. The business began with one truck and one employee. With persistence, commitment, prayer, and a mighty work ethic, it has grown to 225 employees servicing over forty counties across the state of Texas.
J.C.’s success in business afforded him the opportunity to serve his family, friends, and community. He supported many local charities and special events with a grateful and humble heart. J.C. was especially dedicated to the Catholic Church, Catholic education, and Lamar University.
He was recognized as Distinguished Alumni for Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School in 1989 and received the Sales and Marketing Executive of the Year Award in 1998. J.C. was awarded the prestigious Miller Legends Award in 2005 which acknowledges individuals with at least thirty years of service as a Miller distributor who consistently achieve sales over the national average. He was also chosen by the American Heart Association for the J.C. Crager award in 2012.
A Christian Vigil for Mr. Giglio will be held at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 1, 2014, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, with entombment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont. J.C.’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
The family would like to express their thanks to Jovie Manuel, Carolyn DeRouen, Dr. Alfred Brady, Dr. Jeremy Huff, and Professional Home Health and Hospice, specifically Wendy Terry and Craig Brinkley for their dedication and compassionate care. J.C. would have been unable to continue his afternoon route without the services of his personal driver Gary Pigg. He was especially grateful to his Giglio Distributing family, their dedication and devotion to him both professionally and personally made everyday feel like "Miller Time."
Those wishing to send memorial gifts are asked to consider St. Anne Catholic School, 375 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702 or The J. C. and Theresa Giglio Scholarship Fund at Lamar University, Lamar University Advancement, P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710.
