John Dawn Jenott

John Jenott grew up in our Scott Valley and lived here happily most of his life. His was a happy, productive and remarkable life. He passed away at Madrone Hospice on February 19, 2026. He had been there only two days after a week's hospitalization at Fairchild Medical Center. His passing was peaceful. He was ninety-eight years old.

John spent two years in the Merchant Marines in World War II then time in the US Army Air Force. Through the wonderful benefits of the GI Bill, he studied art at the Oregon Technical Institute and the Academy of Art in San Francisco. He then worked for several advertising agencies before teaching art, printing, and photography as part of the US Forest Service's Job Corps. For ten years, he was head of the Graphic Arts Branch of the California Region of the USDA Forest Service in San Francisco then two years as designer/illustrator for the USDA Forest Service in Portland.

After his federal service, he spent twenty years as a freelance illustrator for various government and private clients. He designed Pasadena Rose Parade Floats. He illustrated, authored, and published Scott Valley Sketchbook, Mt Shasta Sketchbook, Once Over Lightly, and Math At Your Fingertips. He created many fine art paintings and portraits as well as humorous sketches and cartoons.

Many people know him through his beautiful works of art and his published books. He actively supported his wife Irene's teaching at Quartz Valley School and Fort Jones Elementary School. He was dedicated to the joy and well-being of everyone he knew. He will be profoundly missed by his many friends and family.

To honor him, our family will be informally gathering in batches and groups to share food and memories. We will be doing that for months to come. While we are not planning any public gatherings, notes and emails would be appreciated. The family thanks Madrone Hospice for their extraordinary care; donations may be made to them in John's name.