John Dale Jones

John D. Jones, 66, of Willamina, Oregon, was swept up by angels to Heaven on May 13, 2026. He left this world surrounded by the love of the family and friends who will carry his memory in their hearts forever.

John was born on March 10, 1960, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Maurice Alan Jones and Helen Louise Amerson Roinestad. From the very beginning, he carried the strength, warmth, and big-hearted spirit that would come to define his life.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his father, Maurice Alan Jones; his mother, Helen Louise (Amerson) Roinestad; his sister, Mary Allison Jones Madison; his nephews, Derek Shane Jones, Sean Alan Jones, Wade Jacob Madison Jr., and Gregory Travis Jones; his niece, Amber Lynn Madison; and his great-grandson, Elijah Meyers.

John is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Sonja C. Jones; his daughters, Mandy J. Jones, Tessa R. Jones, and Jennifer L. Jones; and his son, Mitchell A. Jones. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one more great-grandchild on the way. He is also lovingly remembered by his brother, Maurice A. Jones, Debra Jones, and family; and by his sister, Jill Wheeler, Rick Wheeler, and family. John was a deeply loved and truly blessed man.

John spent parts of his early years growing up on the island of Trinidad, as well as in California and Florida. He met the love of his life, Sonja, in San Diego, California, as he was being discharged from the Navy. John proudly served from 1979 to 1981 and received an honorable discharge. After that, he lived life fully, fearlessly, and on his own terms. He built a life around the people he loved and the things that brought him joy: family, hard work, hunting, golfing, playing softball, surfing, fishing, crabbing, hosting the best barbecues in Oregon, and telling the kind of jokes that stayed with you long after the laughter. He was the kind of man who would help anyone, whether friend or stranger. Their daughter Jennifer described him best when she called him a pineapple: tough on the outside, but sweet in the middle. That was John exactly. Beneath his strong exterior was a tender, generous heart that touched so many lives.

A memorial service will be announced soon.