Jon James Hall

Jon James Hall was born on February 27, 1953, in Los Angeles, CA. He passed away on January 14, 2026 in Leavenworth KS, at the age of 72. Jon was preceded in death by his father, George Hall; his mother, Betty Jean Hall; his brother, George Edward; and his sister, Judy Norwood. Jon is survived by his wife, Toni Hall; his former wife, Joann “Josie” Buldoc (with whom he shared his children); his daughters, Suzann “Suzie” Esparza (Jerry Thomas), Jessica Caggiano (Jerry Caggiano), and Rachel Tiedemann (Alex Tiedemann); his step-son, Paul Holst (Shawnasea Holst); and his grandchildren, Brittiney Witt, Katherine “Katie” Caggiano, Sierra Esparza, Joseph Caggiano, Charlie Holst, and Harper Holst. He was also great-grandfather to Arianna, Ryan, and Emmalynn Witt. He is further survived by his sister, Sandy Richards, along with many nieces, nephews, and other beloved family members and friends.

Jon was a complicated man with a big heart, and there was nothing more important to him than his family. If you knew him, you knew he was stubborn, sarcastic, smart, silly, and a gentle giant who, at his core, was a man who loved life and his time on this planet more than he knew how to show. Every day, he wanted nothing more than to make those around him feel supported, loved, and happy. He also found daily joy and comfort in the companionship of his dogs, who were part of his family. He worked hard his entire life, and for many years he remained a steady foundation that others looked to for answers. Even as everyone grew older and life became more challenging, people knew they could still call him for help. Whether you called him husband, dad, step-dad, grandpa, father-in-law, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, or simply Jon, he offered what he could without question. Jon lived with struggles that were not always visible, and while life was not always easy for him, he tried in the ways he knew how. As a result of a motorcycle accident in the late 1980s, he suffered from ongoing chronic pain that grew more aggressive over the years. Living with this pain every day was not easy for him or for the family who loved him, but he fought hard to keep finding the silver lining and lived with laughter, joy, and happiness.

For the majority of his life, Jon lived in San Diego, California, calling Imperial Beach his home. He graduated from Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach and later attended Southwestern College in Chula Vista. Although his favorite job was “Dad,” he did have a career as both a Mechanical Engineer and an adjunct teacher. He spent the last 25 years of his life on early retirement and disability but still kept active as he could. He enjoyed staying active in his community, both in Imperial Beach and in Leavenworth, and loved meeting and conversing with new people. Jon spent his final years in Leavenworth, Kansas. His oldest daughter, Suzie, moved there in 2024 and served as both a loving daughter and caretaker during the 17 months preceding his passing. His daughter Jessica and her family, as well as his step-son Paul and his family, also reside in Kansas, and having his family close meant everything to him. His daughter Rachel remained in San Diego, California, but visited Kansas many times after his move in 2016 and will help lay him to rest in Imperial Beach by spreading some of his ashes on his beloved beach. Jon’s passing leaves a profound hole in the lives of all who knew and loved him. With sincere appreciation, the family thanks everyone for their condolences, support, and love during this time of grief, and offers that same love and support to all who are mourning the loss of Jon James Hall. He was loved, he mattered, and he will be remembered with tenderness, love, and understanding.

There will be no services per Jon's request.

Please no gifts or flowers, etc.

If you are looking for a way honor his memory, below are a few things he enjoyed. 

Favorite places to visit & spend time:
Imperial Beach, California (the town itself, but mostly the ocean & beach). 
The San Diego Zoo (especially the Gorillas). 
Enjoying a concert with loved ones (Humphreys by the Bay was a favorite venue). 
Riding on his Harley Davidson motorcycle (with his personalized plate “IB HAWG”). 
Listening to wind chimes, they reminded him of his Mom & family. 
Watching his favorite movie, The American President.
Listening to "oldies" from the 50's and 60's. 

Favorite foods and drinks:
A nice cup of hot black coffee.
A big cup of unsweetened iced tea (his favorite cup was a giant one that had a trout jumping with the saying “I fish, therefore I am.” It faded beyond recognition from daily use). Eating a homecooked meal (one of his favorites was chicken fried steak).
Pizza! (He enjoyed San Diego restaurant “Filippis Pizza Grotto”)
Goldfish crackers (make it a “salad” by mixing with Bob’s Blue Cheese dressing)
Seafood of all kinds (he loved fresh fish and fried calamari)

Favorite ways to spend time:
Fishing, or spending time on a boat (ocean preferred).
Playing a card or board game with family and friends. Feeling useful by helping people.
Watching professional wrestling.
Bowling (In his 30’s, he used to go bowling weekly at Brunswick in Chula Vista with close friends).
Simply spending time with his family and friends.

If you have any memories of Jon, please don’t hesitate to share them in the comments.