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1960 - 2026

BORN

1960

DIED

2026

JOHN KIMBRIEL Obituary

JOHN WILLIAM

KIMBRIEL

Apr. 22, 1960 - Jan. 28, 2026

John Kimbriel, age 65, passed away on January 28, 2026.

John was born in San Jose, California, and spent much of his life in El Centro, which he came to call home. He worked in construction for most of his life and took pride in building and fixing things with his hands. Hard work came naturally to him, and he found purpose in staying busy and getting things done.

John loved music and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed being outside, exploring, and working with the world around him rather than sitting still. Earlier in life, he was known for his curiosity, independence, and practical skills.

When he was able, John helped others using the skills he had fixing things, lending a hand, or sharing what he knew. That willingness to help was part of who he was, even during complicated times.

He is survived by his mother, Kay Aaron, his daughters, Shelly Kimbriel, Melissa Kimbriel, Alexandria Perez; his grandsons, John Lewis Jr. and Noah Perez; his granddaughters, Sunny and Rainy Kimbriel; his brother, Buck Kimbriel; his sisters, Joni Gilbert, Diane Klauber, and Lisa Kimbriel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John's life included both meaningful and difficult times. He will be remembered for his work ethic, his love of music and the outdoors, and the ways he showed up for others when he could. His life was more than its hardest and darkest chapters, and he will be missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Imperial Valley Press Online on Feb. 5, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN KIMBRIEL

17 Entries

Paula Criman

February 13, 2026

I´m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John. We were friends in high school. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Shelly, Randy & John Jr.

Planted Trees

Connie Ramirez

February 11, 2026

RIP John I will miss u dearly. I will keep u in my heart always. Luv u forever....

Velia R. Nolasco

February 11, 2026

RIP John

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J M Martel

February 7, 2026

RIP my friend. Mack.

Vanessa Holder aka Topknot

February 6, 2026

I will always hold you close to my heart! I miss you everyday and can't believe I'll never see you again. I love you so much! You were fun and smart and knew how to put me in my place when no one in the world could! Save a place for me up there!

David P Brown

February 5, 2026

You will be missed brother

Jeff and Candy Morgan

Planted Trees

Jeff Morgan

February 5, 2026

John has been my best friend ever since highschools.I worked with John off and on for many years I will truly miss him. Love you.

Jeff G Morgan

February 5, 2026

He was my best friend

ROBERT DEAN KADRY

February 5, 2026

IIT ME DEF JAM LET HIM GO HOME IN HEAVEN. JOHN TEACH ME ABOUT WHITE GET STONE ROCKS

Norma Villarreal

February 4, 2026

We met when we were seventeen. John was my first love-not my first crush, not my first romance, my first love. The kind that imprints itself so deeply it never really leaves, even when life goes on and people move in different directions. In fact, John was such a part of my being that when he died, for no reason that makes sense, I knew he had passed.

John was very funny, not loud or performative, but quietly, brilliantly funny. His intelligence lived inside his humor. You had to be paying attention to catch it, but once you did, you never forgot it.

One of the moments that still makes me laugh happened at dinner once. I was passionately talking about politics, something I cared deeply about and something John had no interest in. At all. Rather than trying to change the subject, while I was droning on about President Carter probably, John was quietly chewing ice. Suddenly, a piece of ice dribbled out of the corner of mouth and hit the table. He didn´t smile. He didn´t laugh. I assumed it was an accident and kept talking. He did it again. I paused, continued, and this time the one-at-a-time dribble became a steady stream of ice hitting the table until I finally burst out laughing and realized he was gently, wordlessly telling me he was done with the conversation. That was his humor; subtle, patient, and perfectly timed.

John was a championship wrestler in high school, and he worked hard for it. I tried to make every match because I was so proud of him of his discipline, his strength, and the quiet pride he took in his effort.

He wrote beautiful letters, noticed details, and remembered things that mattered.

John gave me butterflies every time I saw him for as long as we saw each other. He loved music and remembered every song we loved as teens when we spoke later as adults. John was a man who loved his family, adored his Mama, his kids, grandkids, his brother, and his sisters.

John may have faced challenges in his life, but he was, at his core, the same gentle, loving, funny, kind, and smart guy he always was.

I´m devastated that I won't see John again in this lifetime but I am glad that he came to see me, in my dreams, one more time, as a man, before joining his beloved Dad and sister in heaven.

Vannessa Rodriguez

February 4, 2026

I am so sorry for John's passing. My deepest and most sincere condolences to his family. He was such a great friend, always willing to help out and do it with a smile on his face. I have nothing but good memories of John. Great life to lose much sadness left behind with his passing, amazing memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.