John Wesley Jones

John James Livestream Memorial Service

John Wesley Jones was born on April 13, 1935, in Tyler, Texas, to Sylvia and Roosevelt Jones. At a young age, John moved to Salinas, California, where he thrived, and began building his life. He graduated from Salinas High School, in 1954, and soon after, he enlisted in the US Air Force.

While stationed in England he met Pauline Powell, who had arrived from Kingston, Jamaica. The two married, and returned to Salinas, California, where they raised their family. He worked for Nestlé chocolate factory for more than 33 years, and later for Lugo’s Towing. He made lifelong friendships that became his extended family. After Pauline’s passing, he was blessed to find love again with Marina Williams.

It was not uncommon for John to lend a hand to a neighbor, or a complete stranger. He greeted you with a smile that could brighten an entire room and would immediately offer you something to drink. His infectious laugh had a way of making people feel at home, and he could turn any memory into a story filled with music, laughter, and a little mischief.

Music was one of John’s greatest loves. In his high school marching band, he played the trombone. He also played the piano. He loved the Blues, but no one could touch James Brown. John also enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He was a wonderful cook and loved to bake cakes, especially yellow cake with chocolate frosting.

John was preceded in death by his sons, Wayne and Christopher.

John is survived by his children, Howard, Marlon, Earl, and Rochelle, ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

John leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by the years he lived, but by the people he touched.