Here are free resources about the California San Jose Mission:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
*Other Mission Pages: California LDS Missions.
California San Jose Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the California San Jose Mission. We try to keep this info up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
California San Jose Mission
1336 Cherry Ave
San Jose, California 95125
Phone Number: 1-408-578-9794
Mission President: President M. Truman Hunt
California San Jose Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the California San Jose Mission (LDS). To access the official LDS.org map for the mission:
California San Jose Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the California San Jose Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
California San Jose Mission Groups
Here are California San Jose Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the San Jose Mission.
- You served in San Jose California if.. Group (802 members)
- California, San Jose Mission (LDS) Facebook Group (422 members)
- San Jose Mission 1999-02 W. Kent Fitzgerald Group (68 members)
- San Jose Mission – President Douglas Group (37 members)
- California San Jose Mission Moms Facebook Group (27 members)
- California San Jose Mission Facebook Group (27 members)
- California San Jose Mission Facebook Group (6 members)
- San Jose Mission Moms and Friends (LDS) Group (5 members)
- , San Jose Mission, President Ball Group (1 member)
- San Jose Mission – President Moyes Group (1 member)
California San Jose Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the California San Jose Mission!
Shirt designs include California San Jose Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.
*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: California San Jose missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse San Jose Mission gifts
California San Jose Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the San Jose LDS Mission.
- 2017-2020, M. Truman Hunt
- 2014-2017, Glen David Mella
- 2011-2014, Weston Lincoln Watkins
- 2008-2011, Eric M. Jackson
- 2005-2008, Oscar W. McConkie III
- 2002-2005, E. Reed Heywood
- 1999-2002, W. Kent Fitzgerald
- 1996-1999, Franklin Lyngby Child
- 1993-1996, Roger H. Ball
- 1990-1993, Kieth H. Hoopes
- 1987-1990, Leo Douglas
- 1984-1987, Karl T. Homer
- 1981-1984, Blythe Moyes
- 1978-1981, Lysle R. Cahoon
California LDS Statistics (2016)
- Church Membership: 773,762
- Missions: 20
- Temples: 7
- Congregations: 1,357
- Family History Centers: 222
Helpful Articles about California
California San Jose Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from California San Jose RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
When did you serve?
- 2012-2014 (Irving)
- 2001-2003 (Nathan)
- 1995-1997 (Nuku)
- 2013-2015 (Quinn)
- 2014-2016 (Noah)
- 1997-1999 (Jason)
- 1988-1990 (Shane)
- 1979-1981 (Bret)
- 1987-1989 (Fabio)
- 1996-1998 (Brandon)
What areas did you serve in?
- Los Altos, Santa Clara, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Newark, East San Jose, Santa Cruz. (Nathan)
- Redwood City, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Fremont, Hollister, South San Jose. (Nuku)
- San Jose. (Quinn)
- Monterey, Newark. (Noah)
- Santa Cruz, San Jose Central, Morgan Hill, Fremont, Milpitas, Santa Clara. (Jason)
- San Jose, Hollister and San Francisco. (Shane)
- Redwood City, South San Jose, Foster City, Gilroy. (Bret)
- San Francisco, Watsonville, San Jose, Greenfield. (Fabio)
What were some favorite foods?
- Mexican, South American, and Vietnamese. Burritos as big as a newborn, Pupusas that bring the Spirit, and Pho on rainy days. (Irving)
- Joao’s. (Nathan)
- Bean Burritos from Taco Bell. Cause they were cheap! (Nuku)
- Lu sipi. (Quinn)
- All the vegetarian food. (Noah)
- In N Out, Carl’s Jr, Applebee’s, Hungry Hunter, Tri-tip Steak. (Jason)
- Pupusas from El Salvador. (Shane)
- Avacado. Sour Dough Bread. Chinese food. (Bret)
- Papusas. (Fabio)
- Mexican food. (Brandon)
What was a funny experience?
- My companion and I had a third companion. We visited with a family that was part Mexican and part Samoan. They invited us to dinner and we happily complied. My companion and I finished our first, second, and third plates to show our gratitude. Our third companion also went big on the plates after we warmly encouraged him. By the time we got to our apartment, our third companion looked like he was halfway through his second trimester. Hilarity ensued. (Irving)
- Elder Hall tried to throw a rock at a barking dog between a couple of fence posts only to miss and knock out the fence panel allowing the dog enough space to escape. The dog didn’t move, but Elder Hall never moved faster. -Lehi’s dream similarities with a local church building. (Nathan)
- Having both feet get stuck in toe clips on a borrowed bike. Then falling sideways feet still stuck in the middle of a busy four way intersection in downtown San Jose. Cars honking their horns, I stand and bow as if I won an award. (Nuku)
- Had to eat raw chicken. (Noah)
- Driving into a parked Ford Mustang on my bike. (Jason)
- Way too many to mention. (Shane)
- Tried to do service with a car wash for free…nobody came. As soon as we charged $5…we got customers. (Bret)
- I just got a new companion and he roasted a rat. (Brandon)
What was a crazy/dangerous experience?
- A companion and I were finishing up for the evening when we saw commotion outside a house on our walk back to the apartment. Police were outside the home, yelling on the bullhorn, and a helicopter was circling above with the brightest spotlight. Along with what seemed the rest of the neighbourhood, we wanted to stay and watch what would follow, but it was close to curfew. Since 100% obedience brings 100% blessings, we complied with the rules of the handbook, and continued home. Just as my companion and I go to cross the street to our complex, shots rang out and echoed through the town. We were definitely being watched over more than normal that evening. (Irving)
- Approaching a large house while tracting, a large dog came charging out of a house barking. It looked like it was going to attack right until it stopped within two steps of me. It evidently had an electric collar and we were just past the boundary. -My companion set a record blood sugar level at the hospital with 1740. (Nathan)
- Serving in East Palo Alto on a bike. (Nuku)
- Watching a gang fight. (Quinn)
- Got beat up by a homeless guy. (Noah)
- 1989 earthquake. (Shane)
- Knocked on the door of a biker gang, Hells Angels. Scary at first but they were nice. One of the gals in her leather biker outfit told us that we should leave. She had a family member who was a member. (Bret)
- Drunk driver chasing us and hit our car. (Brandon)
What was a spiritual experience?
- In my first area we were having a bit of a slow day, and decided to see if we could find some former investigators. We decided to find an elderly woman by the name of Maria. We came up to her house and went around the back to a large and humble backyard, where she was sitting. We called out to her and she immediately knew that we were missionaries. As we were approaching she said; ‘Elder Vazquez. I’ve been waiting for you for twenty years.’ At the time, I was 22 and was surprised this lady could see from such distance while we were approaching her. ‘Well, here I am’ I told her, as I stretched out my hand, but she didn’t stretch hers out. Upon further examination, I found that she was blind, but knew me by name. She was baptized along with the rest of her industrious and humble posterity. It was such a feeling and confirmation knowing that the Lord really does design specific souls for us to gather. (Irving)
- Serving as an English speaking missionary, I was responsible for interviewing a baptismal candidate who only spoke Spanish. At one point during the interview, the translator was not necessary. Although I could not understand the specific words, I knew what was being said when she was asked about her testimony on the Savior. (Nathan)
- Finding myself. My own testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ that wasn’t reliant on my parents. (Nuku)
- Meeting Mark Johnson. (Quinn)
- Baptized my favorite investigator. (Noah)
- Tracting into a lady that said she had a dream that we were going to find her. (Shane)
- Too many to share. (Bret)
- Helping people come unto Christ. (Brandon)
What are some interesting facts about the San Jose Mission?
- The San Felipe building of our mission was designed with the intention of it one day becoming a temple. The Work there is mere moments away from making that a reality- keep that in mind when you are called to serve Heavenly Father’s children here in this sacred valley. (Irving)
- A color change of the street signs might signify you may be out of the mission. -I had two car areas where the car was no longer available because of my companions. (Nathan)
- Sisters worked harder and smarter then I did. (Nuku)
- We don’t react…we started to just serve…we are the best. (Quinn)
- Monterrey used to be the the capital of California. (Noah)
- Largest city in USA that isn’t the hub (San Francisco is). (Jason)
- Gilroy, California garlic capital of the world. Smelled like a pizza every day. (Bret)
- I was there for the big 1989 earthquake. (Fabio)
What was the weather like?
- B-E-A-UTIFUL. I left from Concord, New Hampshire in January, in the middle of a blizzard, to the MTC. From there I got to San Jose the day after Valentine’s Day. In February I learned why they call it ‘Sunny San Jose.’ The winters aren’t as cold, nor do you see snow, but I am a New Englander, after all. Mostly wet and rainy winters for a short while, then back to the perfect weather that encompasses California. It is gorgeous. (Irving)
- Warm, though I did see frost on the grass one morning and have a picture to prove it. (Nathan)
- Cold in the winter! Very hot summers. (Nuku)
- Sunny…it’s California. (Quinn)
- Great all year. It will get HOT in inland areas like Hollister/Morgan Hill Zone. The coldest I remember was 26 degrees, but the wet cold made it bone-chilling. It snowed (a dusting) twice – once during a sacrament meeting so it was hard to focus on church. (Jason)
- Hot in San Jose and Hollister in the summer but very comfortable other times of year.. San Francisco was perfect year round.. Usually on cooler side. (Shane)
- Warm but when it rained it poured. Rode bikes on Christmas. (Bret)
- Beautiful. (Fabio)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- It’s Silicon Valley. People have more money than they do time. We walk among innovators, inventors, and prolific businessmen and athletes who have anything they could ever desire. A strong testimony is always nice to carry, but what will get you into the hearts of the people who claim to have it all, is a firm understanding of the Atonement. That alone will be the strongest of arrows in your quiver. (Irving)
- Even the devil worshippers were nice enough to invite us in and have a nice conversation. They were nicer than many of the Christians we would meet every day. (Nathan)
- This was right before the dot com era of life so people economically were normal for the most part. One thing I still remember was how the really affluent and really poor communities lived right next to each other, (Menlo Park and East Palo Alto). My ward in Menlo Park had the very rich and some of the poorest members. (Nuku)
- The ones that accepted us were humble. (Quinn)
- They were the best. (Noah)
- Loveable. Lots of laid-back people who were real chill about life. (Jason)
- I was Spanish speaking and the people we taught were very receptive to the Gospel. (Shane)
- Interesting people and good experience. San Francisco was fun. (Bret)
- Humble, sweet spirits. (Fabio)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Black, half-calf Nike socks. Don’t waste your time with dress socks, they’ll last you a day. Save the argyle nonsense for meetings and sit-downs. The half-calf socks will last, and provide the necessary cushion and support you’ll need when you’re walking downtown San Jo, trekking from Lockwood back to King City, or when you’re flying on your fixie (bicycle with a fixed gear that allows continuous pedaling). Plus, they come in fat packs that can be included in care packages easily. (Irving)
- Bring a coat. People look at you funny if you aren’t wearing one when in drops below 65 degrees, especially if you have short sleeves. (Nathan)
- Well they split the most northern part of the San Jose mission right before I left so it won’t get as cold. Still dress warm. I had Elders from Idaho and Utah all huddled together next to the heater in the winter (I’m from Hawaii). (Nuku)
- Lots of shirts and garments. (Quinn)
- Be classy and legit. (Noah)
- Have a coat. Good umbrella. (Jason)
- Good Shoes. (Bret)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- ‘What blessings have I not received from serving?’ would be an easier question to answer, and even then I know they are on their way. From my family’s strengthened and even renewed testimonies, to seeing families become eternal, to meeting my current girlfriend and baptizing her? Forget about it, how am I not blessed? Owning a business here and there and having the privilege of living back on my mission grounds? (I love California). Nevermind the two Harley-Davidsons I own, as well. All blessings from above, without a doubt. The biggest blessing would have to be my learning to love my fellow brothers and sisters and seeing them through the eyes of the Lord. (Irving)
- Understanding of how I can incorporate my testimony into my daily life to draw closer to my Savior. (Nathan)
- Serve your mission with all your heart, might, mind and strength. Let the Lord take care of everything else. (Nuku)
- Family was provided for. (Quinn)
- A lot. (Noah)
- Understanding. (Jason)
- Lots. (Bret)
What are some skills you gained?
- Patience. It’s a virtue more than a skill, but it sure was learned. Mind you, the age change came while I was serving. Let me just tell you how grateful I am that I got to serve in the Primary before my mission. That alone prepared me for the kids that arrived in never ending waves. All in all, they are tremendous assets. I hear it’s more smooth now than before. Resilience, kids– please, please, please learn to work hard, and learn to value a job well done. That’s the best advice I can give you as someone who was a fossil (much older) on his mission. (Irving)
- The ability to communicate with people I don’t know. Spinning things on my finger. Snapping my index finger against my middle finger. (Nathan)
- To talk to complete strangers. (Nuku)
- Humility and patience. (Quinn)
- A lot. (Noah)
- People skills. (Jason)
- Leadership. Cultural. (Bret)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- Locked my heart. Dreaded thing was sometimes all 6’s and 7’s, it wasn’t until much later that I tuned that dreaded thing to go in synch with the work I was called to do. The girls can wait, the letters remain, the Sisters are poison when looked at with hungry eyes. Set your heart on those you serve, keep your eyes on the skies and move onward with the work. We hate to hear our truths, but sometimes you have to swallow your pride and thank the Lord for the reproach and instruction you receive. (Irving)
- Missionaries aren’t perfect. (Nathan)
- Take more shoes and one tie! I ended up with over 50 in the end. (Nuku)
- The gospel. (Quinn)
- To be better prepared. (Noah)
- You set your own schedule. People are busy to afford their house. People are busy to work in the technology fields – many put in 14-16 hour days. But there are people waiting for the gospel. (Jason)
- More about the Jewish people. (Bret)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to San Jose?
- This is His work. This is His glory. A mission will be the hardest mountain you’ll climb, but in turn; the view from the top will be the most rewarding. You’ve never seen such a sight until you’ve forgotten yourself in His service. Remember that when times get ‘too’ hard, you’re thinking ‘too’ much about yourself. You are building the foundation for the rest of your life by serving Him and His children. Happen to your mission, don’t let your mission happen to you. Be obedient and the adversary won’t stand a chance against you. (Irving)
- Know why you’re serving a mission. Keep the faith. (Nathan)
- Lose yourself in the work. Buy a reliable bike, never go to the pinnacles twice. (Nuku)
- Have fun but don’t waste time. (Quinn)
- Just be good. (Noah)
- Go because you’re prepared to work and share your testimony, not because you turn 18/19 and its mandatory or the thing to do or to please others. Know how to use the bus and rail system. (Jason)
- Prepare young. (Bret)
What was a funny language mistake?
- English and Spanish are my strongest languages, it was the Vietnamese in my first area that got me. The same word in Vietnamese will hold different meanings depending on the tone in which it is said. So, instead of saying hello and goodbye, I was saying ‘porridge’ for both greetings. Hilarity did not ensue. (Irving)
- Span-ams (Spanish speaking) Elders on splits told me my name in Spanish was Feo (ugly) during a dinner appointment. So I went through the whole dinner appointment introducing myself as Elder Feo. (Nuku)
- In Tongan uli means dirty and uli means black guy. I’ll let you figure out the rest. (Quinn)
- I forgot to say amen in Chinese during a prayer. (Noah)
- Watch out for Vietnamese. Sure sounds like swearing in English sometimes. (Jason)
- A companion (to remain unnamed) performed a baby blessing in Sacrament and blessed it when the time came to marry a fine man in the temple, one problem… It was a baby boy! (Shane)