Jeff Jones

Jeffrey Banks Jones died on May 9, 2024 at his home in Brea, California at the age of 63. He was born on August 22,1960 and spent his early childhood living in Woodland Hills, with his parents Donald Banks Jones and Ann (Santoro) Jones. Jeff was always mechanically inclined and by the time his family relocated to Orange County he was spending most weekends dragging his parents to car shows and tinkering with dirt bikes- all before he was old enough to drive.

At Whittier Christian High School, where he graduated in 1978, he met Cynthia Taylor and they married in 1981. Together they owned and operated an auto body shop in the 1980s and had two children. In the 1990s, Jeff changed careers and entered the apprenticeship program at Chevron’s El Segundo oil refinery where he progressed from Journeyman to Master Machinist. From the 2010s on he continued to hone his craft at the Irvine Ranch Water District where he enjoyed mentoring younger colleagues and was honored to serve as a Union Steward for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #47 up until his retirement earlier this month.

Jeff was proud to have followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a Master Mason and he did his best to adhere to Masonic teachings & principles throughout his life. He was a lifelong marksman and outdoorsman who enjoyed researching and collecting historical firearms and exploring the oceans, mountains, and deserts of California. As such, he instilled a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors in both his children. Jeff spent much of his free time restoring and maintaining a variety of motorcycles and classic cars, as well as pool equipment, garbage disposals and really anything with moving parts. His son, William “Billy” Banks Jones takes after him in this regard. They often worked on projects together, and Billy is currently employed at the refinery where Jeff began his career as a machinist.

Jeff is survived by his wife Cindy Jones, daughter Stephanie “Annie” Jones, son and daughter-in-law Billy and April (Thompson) Jones, and their son, Jeff’s grandson and greatest joy, Robert “Robby” Banks Jones. 

A public graveside service will be held in Jeff’s honor on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Loma Vista Memorial Park at 701 E. Bastanchury Rd, in Fullerton.