Obituaries

John Jones, retired correctional sergeant

John Jones, a retired correctional sergeant from California Institution for Men (CIM), passed away Feb. 17, 2025. He was 61 years old.

After graduating high school, Jones answered the call to serve, joining the United States Marine Corps in 1982. He served in several deployments and missions, including the Persian Gulf War from 1990 to 1991.

John Jones, retired sergeant, as a young Marine and later in life.
John Jones

After retiring from the military, Jones continued to serve, beginning his correctional career as a cadet in July 1997. He reported to Centinela State Prison in September 1997 after graduating the Basic Correctional Officer Academy.

He promoted to sergeant at CIM in March 2005. Jones then promoted to headquarters in July 2010. A year later, he returned to CIM, where he remained as a sergeant until he retired in 2013. Jones had 16 years of service when he retired.

“John will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and working side by side with him. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,” according to a statement issued by CIM.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 5, at Evans-Brown Perris Chapel, 385 W. Fourth St., Perris.


Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Related content

San Quentin mourns passing of Officer Michelle Jones‑Harris

Michelle Jones-Harris, a correctional officer at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away July 21, 2026. Jones-Harris began her career at…

Remembering CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, one year later.

Watch: Agent Byrd memorialized at training center, CMF

Two CDCR memorial ceremonies honored fallen Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, marking one year since his passing. At California Medical Facility…

Ismael Martinez, retired correctional lieutenant

Ismael Martinez, a retired correctional lieutenant from Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, passed away July 14, 2026. He worked…

CMF mourns loss of Melissa Boos, management services tech

Melissa Boos, a management service technician at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville, passed away July 21, 2026. She worked…

CSP‑Solano mourns loss of Kevin Thomas, health records tech

Kevin Thomas, a health records technician at California State Prison-Solano, passed away June 22, 2026. Thomas began his career as…

San Quentin mourns passing of Jonathan Castillo, office tech

Jonathan Castillo, an office technician at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away Feb. 1, 2026. Castillo began his career at…