John Eugene Jones

John Eugene Jones "Big Gramps" was born on October 28, 1947 and passed away on January 22, 2018 in Bakersfield. There will be a Celebration of Lifeon January 31, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.at Valley Bible Fellowship,2300 E. Brundage Lane.John and his brothers were raised in Bakersfield by his grandparents Evelyn and John Wheat. He graduated from East High in 1966.He began working in the window and floor covering industry where he worked for nearly 50 years. He was very successful in the industry because of his loyalty and dedication to his clients.During this last year, he began working part time for his son-in-law at Sunrise Sprayers.John had a passion for fishing, camping and was an avid gardener, growing true organic vegetables. He also enjoyed cooking for the family. His BBQ ribs were the best ever! He spearheaded the family's tamale making tradition for the past 30 plus years and had his own secret recipe. He would joke that "this ole white boy is an honorary Mexican!" But most importantly were his legendary pancakes that he would make special for his grandchildren! John was always willing and able to help anyone with anything from moving friends and family to working on and remodeling family members' homes. John met and married Connie, the love of his life. He loved her with every ounce of his being. Many did not know that he had a beautiful voice and loved to sing but only for his wife. His sense of humor was incomparable to that of anyone else we know. Always making us laugh at any and every situation, even to the very end.He was looking forward to traveling the country during retirement and spending time with his precious grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Evelyn Wheat, mother Patricia Wheat and brother Alan Asbury. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Connie Jones; children Kandess Vandborg (Mike), Sandie Johnson (Brian), Tammy Morin (Mike), Mark Wheeler (Sarah), and Sean Sinclair (Linsey). Grandchildren Gracyn and Mikenlie Vandborg, Devin Wheeler, Michael-John and Alexandra Morin, Ruby Stevens, Zoe and Mia Sinclair.Sisters-in-law Lilly Borrero, Jenny Ainsworth, Sylvia Alejandro and Lupe Alejandro; awesome brother-in-law and friend, Ed Borrero; nephews Alex and Nick Ainsworth; and one brother, Buddy Jones. John had so many special and lifelong friends who were a very important part of his life.He left a lasting impression on everyone he met.He will be missed beyond measure. A special thank you to Dr. Gaddam and Dr. Rustagi at CBCC, and to Joanne, Amy, Jessica and Dr. McMullen from Optimal Hospice for their care and compassion.