Randy Janes

1951 - 2012

On December 15, 2012, our father and friend, Randy Janes, entered into eternal rest.

Randy was born on February 12, 1951, in Ventura to Earl and Jennie Janes. Shortly thereafter, he moved with his family to Lompoc where he lived until graduating from Lompoc High School in 1969. Initially, Randy dreamed of joining the military and was accepted in the Merchant Marine Military Academy.

It quickly became apparent to Randy that this was not the lifestyle for him and he resigned and returned to Santa Barbara where he was hired as a Police Officer with the Santa Barbara Police Department. Shortly after graduating from the police academy, Randy decided that he wanted to earn his college degree. On March 22, 1980, Randy graduated with honors from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in Law and Society. Up to the time of his passing, Randy would return to UCSB to watch his beloved Gauchos compete in basketball and soccer.

Shortly thereafter, Randy and his first wife, Lynne, relocated to Placerville. Randy was hired as a Police Officer by the Placerville Police Department and he was quickly promoted to the rank of Sergeant. More importantly, Randy and Lynne welcome their two children, Brandon and Crystal, into their lives. Together, the family enjoyed the warm summer nights and cool winter days on their five acre ranch in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Soon however, the family relocated to Ventura to be closer to family and Randy was hired as a Police Officer by the Ventura Police Department. Randy moved quickly through the ranks and found his calling at the rank of Sergeant. In 2001, he was recognized by the Ventura Police Department as the Supervisor of the Year.

On July 9, 2001, Randy retired from the Ventura Police Department. At the end of his final shift, Randy pulled into the police station for the final time just as a routine burglary call came out. In true Randy form, he decided that he wasn't ready to retire and let dispatch know that he was going to respond to the call. Unbeknownst to him, a surprise party had been planned in his honor and there were close to fifty family members and friends waiting for him inside the police department. His son, who was working as a police cadet at the time, had to run downstairs to the parking lot and convince Randy that he needed to talk to him in the station which gave the dispatcher just enough time to find another officer to handle the call.

Randy reluctantly put his patrol car in park for the final time but was elated to see the love and support that the department showed him for his years of service. Retirement did not suit Randy well and he was hired as an Investigator by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office where he remained until shortly before his passing.

During his off-duty time, Randy enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, running, kayaking, spending time with his grandkids, and serving the Lord.

Randy is survived by his son, Brandon (Tara); daughter, Crystal (Troy); grandchildren, Parker, Taylor, Corbin, and Bryson; sister, Valerie Janes-Morales (Daniel), of Lancaster; brother, Larry Janes of Lompoc; his children's mother, Lynne Davis-Herrod (Ronald); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service celebrating Randy's life is planned for Saturday, December 22, 2012, at Reality Church (1954 Goodyear Avenue, Ventura, Ca 93003). The service will start at 11 a.m. and all are welcome to attend.