On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Gordon Jones passed away at the age of 98.
Gordon was born on September 9, 1927 in Berkeley, California. Family lore indicates that he was a "surprise!" He was 10 years younger than his sister, Eirwen and the first of his family to be born in the United States. His parents, David John "Gwynfi" Jones and Rachel Griffiths emigrated from Wales. Gordon grew up in a Welsh family and community in Berkeley.
Gordon went to Cal Berkeley and then, from 1946 - 1947 and spent a year in the military as WWII wound down.
A member and deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward, Gordon had a strong faith in God. His daughter recalls him tucking her into bed and saying the Lord's prayer each night.
Gordon met his future wife, Alma in a bible study group and romance blossomed as she introduced him to the world of elementary school teaching. They married on August 19, 1960 in Berkeley, California and were married for 58 years. They made a home in San Leandro, California. Gordon taught at East Avenue Elementary School in Hayward, CA for 40 years, primarily teaching the 5th and 6th grade classes, and, occasionally, that terrifying proposition of the "split class".
Music was a central point and part of Gordon's life. A member of the award-winning Barbershop Quartet, "The Baytown Four" and a longtime member of SPEBSQSA (which stands for Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America), Gordon had a magnificent baritone voice.
In addition to being able to sing beautifully, Gordon was known as "The Whistler" and could frequently be heard before he was seen. His son recalls knowing when his father was home from work when he could hear him whistling while watering the plants in the backyard.
Gordon and Alma traveled the United States widely in retirement. Prior to that, family vacations were a must, going to Disneyland, Hawaii, Oregon and beyond. Gordon loved a beautiful garden and "may have" insisted on spending an entire day on vacation at some of his favorites.
What is life without food? Well, Gordon would say, "what is life without breakfast?"! His favorite meal of the day remained a highlight all the way through his 98th year.
An extremely kind, respectful, polite, and thoughtful man, Gordon will be remembered by all who knew him as a one-of-a-kind gentleman.
Gordon moved first to Carmichael in 2012 and then to East Sacramento in 2023 to be closer to family. He is survived by his daughter, Janice Jones Barrilleaux and husband Steve and son, Nevin Jones and wife Ruth Brown Jones.
He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
Gordon was born on September 9, 1927 in Berkeley, California. Family lore indicates that he was a "surprise!" He was 10 years younger than his sister, Eirwen and the first of his family to be born in the United States. His parents, David John "Gwynfi" Jones and Rachel Griffiths emigrated from Wales. Gordon grew up in a Welsh family and community in Berkeley.
Gordon went to Cal Berkeley and then, from 1946 - 1947 and spent a year in the military as WWII wound down.
A member and deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward, Gordon had a strong faith in God. His daughter recalls him tucking her into bed and saying the Lord's prayer each night.
Gordon met his future wife, Alma in a bible study group and romance blossomed as she introduced him to the world of elementary school teaching. They married on August 19, 1960 in Berkeley, California and were married for 58 years. They made a home in San Leandro, California. Gordon taught at East Avenue Elementary School in Hayward, CA for 40 years, primarily teaching the 5th and 6th grade classes, and, occasionally, that terrifying proposition of the "split class".
Music was a central point and part of Gordon's life. A member of the award-winning Barbershop Quartet, "The Baytown Four" and a longtime member of SPEBSQSA (which stands for Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America), Gordon had a magnificent baritone voice.
In addition to being able to sing beautifully, Gordon was known as "The Whistler" and could frequently be heard before he was seen. His son recalls knowing when his father was home from work when he could hear him whistling while watering the plants in the backyard.
Gordon and Alma traveled the United States widely in retirement. Prior to that, family vacations were a must, going to Disneyland, Hawaii, Oregon and beyond. Gordon loved a beautiful garden and "may have" insisted on spending an entire day on vacation at some of his favorites.
What is life without food? Well, Gordon would say, "what is life without breakfast?"! His favorite meal of the day remained a highlight all the way through his 98th year.
An extremely kind, respectful, polite, and thoughtful man, Gordon will be remembered by all who knew him as a one-of-a-kind gentleman.
Gordon moved first to Carmichael in 2012 and then to East Sacramento in 2023 to be closer to family. He is survived by his daughter, Janice Jones Barrilleaux and husband Steve and son, Nevin Jones and wife Ruth Brown Jones.
He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
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