John Steven Arias

John S. Arias December 19, 1949 - March 1, 2021

John passed away March 1, 2021 in Bakersfield, Ca surrounded by his family. John was the 9th of 12 children born to Cornelio and Petra Arias. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Chavela Alvarado, Josephine, Junior, Bobby, Tony, Mike and Arthur (Gordo) Arias.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Babe Arias, and children Eloise (husband) Wes and Johnny-Boy (wife) Teresa. Seven Grandchildren: Vanessa, Kristin, Jay, Jordan, Karissa, Miah and Josh. Four Great grandchildren: Taylor, Phoebe, Ryan and John. Siblings: Lola Juarez, Lupe Miranda, Margaret Cabrera, Henry Arias and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

John was a known figure of Old Town Kern on Baker St. He began working at Joe's National Market in the late 60s. John remained in the area and started his career at Sequoia Paint Co. in the early 90s. He made numerous friends that he considered family. John was an inspiration to many as he continued to work while battling cancer.

John was a regular at many local food spots and businesses in the area that included Arizona Cafe, Wool Growers, Super Taco, Luigi's, Clerou Tires and many more. He loved good food and especially being able cook for his family and friends. You could never visit John without him making sure you left with a full belly. Big John's Barbeque Seasoning was his unique blend of spices that he perfected and became known for through the years. It was a rare sight not to see him in front of the barbeque grill on the weekends. That was his happy place. Although John loved cooking, watching all 4 of his great grandchildren run around together brought him the most joy these past few months.

The Arias family would like to thank Hoffman Hospice, Dr. Vinh Nguyen & staff and the Kern County Cancer Foundation for all of their support.

All services will be held at Basham Funeral Home (3312 Niles St Bakersfield, CA 93306). Viewing: March 25, 2021 (closed casket) 5-8pm, Rosary begins at 6pm. Ceremony: March 26, 2021 at 10:30am followed by burial services at Union Cemetery.





Two things stand out in Big John's legacy.

John Arias knew how to mix paint. You could bring him a splinter from a 100-year-old piece of siding on your house that, like the lyrics from "Willin'" stated, "had been warped by the rain, driven by the snow kicked by the wind, robbed by the sleet and baked by the sun," and he'd be able to match the once white, maybe cream, or they probably don't make it any more color.

John, who died March 1 at age 71, worked at Sequoia Paint Co. forever and saved my bacon many times. I'm thinking he did the same for other people, too.

If you come home with the wrong color, brush it on a window frame or roll it on a wall, things can get awkward. People could get testy. Women-people, wife-people, people "who know your weaknesses better than they should" people.

John Arias was willin' and he'd give you that "I understand your dilemma" look.

John also made a lot of friends with Big John's BBQ Seasoning. He made a sensational dry rub, and there are a lot of them, but John's was as good as they get.

John used to put the dry rub in quart-sized paint cans before he turned fancy and started bottling them in plastic jars.

I gave a can to Jack Phillips, a friend in San Diego who knows his way around a barbecue, and he started ordering Big John's by the case. Jack is a lawyer and used to give the rub to friends, and I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't get the nod on a few cases because of Big John's Seasoning. At least you had to hear him out.

John sold the dry rub at the store but if you bought enough paint or if he liked you, he'd give you a can or a jar. Big John, we are going to miss you to say nothing of your eye for paint and dry rub.