John Henry Rivers

Dr. John Henry Rivers, Sr., of Oroville, California, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, at the age of 85. John was born in Louisiana on December 31, 1940, and came to Oroville in 1949, where he attended Bird Street and Central Schools before graduating from Oroville High School (OHS) in 1960. John lettered in football, basketball, and track during his four years at OHS and was an undefeated boxer. He was Associated Student Body President as a senior, as well as President of the Future Teachers of America Club. He was inducted into OHS Hall of Fame in 2011. Following graduation from OHS, John attended Chico State College (CSC), where he founded the Black Student League, was a pound All-American boxer in 1961 and 1962, and was on the junior varsity football team. He led his class as President in both his freshman and sophomore years. John's collegiate career was put on hold when he proudly served two years in the United States Army. While in the Army, he was an All Army champion boxer. He achieved the rank of private first class and received his honorable discharge. John then returned to CSC and earned his Bachelor's degree in sociology. He continued to pursue academic degrees during his illustrious career, earning a Master's degree in psychology from Sonoma State College and a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) at Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Rivers had an impactful career in higher education that spanned decades and helped shape, for the better, the lives and academic journeys of a countless number of students. He started his career in education teaching Black history at Butte College. He was then the Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at CSC. John was subsequently hired at Monterey Peninsula College and served as Director of Special Services, Associate Dean of Student Personnel and Special Services, and Affirmative Action Officer. Next, he became Dean of Students at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo and later took a position as Associate Vice President for Student Services at California State University, Hayward (CSUH), rising to Vice President, Division of Student Affairs, at CSUH. Finally, John stayed active in his "retirement," continuing his journey in higher education by teaching psychology at both Yuba and Butte Community Colleges. John's success in higher administration not only included the lifelong positive effect he had on students, it also involved the creation and management of diversity programs and the securing of federal and foundation grants to provide educational access and equity for all students-an undertaking that he was passionate about. Community and the support, care, and uplifting of others were extremely important to John, and throughout his life he was active in his community, serving on numerous boards, including the California Children's Home Society, the Butte Community Black Caucus, President of the Monterey Peninsula YMCA, President of the Board of Directors of the Monterey Cultural Arts Council, and the Oroville Salvation Army Board of Advisors. In addition, he was an active speaker in the Butte County community on African American history and current matters affecting the African American community. John valued service, connection, collaboration with others, and friendship, and was a member of the local Moose Fraternal Organization, the Elks, the Eagles and a Freemason.

John was also the founder of the South Oroville African American Historical Society, where he worked passionately to preserve and elevate the history and accomplishments of the Southside community of Oroville. His vision included the establishment of a community center, a neighborhood park, and an in house museum to celebrate African American contributions and provide educational and recreational opportunities for future generations. Throughout his life, in his "down time," John was truly a Renaissance man. He was a writer, a poet, and started a pig farm in Watsonville, California, that grew over time and led to him having the Grand Champion Boar at the California State Fair. In addition, John was a passionate sports fan. His love and support of the Oakland Raiders was something to behold, and he made sure to pass it down to his family. Watching the joy in his face, tailgating in the parking lot of the Oakland Alameda Coliseum and in the stands with his family and friends over the years, including at the 2002 AFC Championship Game that sent the Raiders to the Super Bowl, and Charles Woodson's last game in the Colosseum on Christmas Eve in 2015, are moments that we will never forget. His family was at John's core and was the essence of his heart. His grandchildren brought him tremendous pride, overwhelming happiness, love, and joy. He often said of them that they had already exceeded his every expectation. Whether storytelling, working in his orchard, or playing Uno, airhockey or Monopoly with them, he kept them enthralled with his gentle, loving wisdom, his quick wit and humor, and a twinkle in his eye reserved just for them. He was both thrilled and proud to watch his grandsons play football and baseball and was an exuberant fan in the stands, while enjoying the game day snacks and keenly observing the action on the field. "Papa," as he was called by his grandchildren, always had words of affirmation and loving guidance after each performance. His laugh is something that his grandchildren will always remember. They described it as filling up a room and being one of their favorite sounds. They said it was warm, comforting, contagious, and genuine – something that radiated joy when they heard it and would always make them smile. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; his daughter, Stephanie Robinson; her sons, Zachary Hunter and Joshua Hunter; and her husband, Aaron Robinson; and his son, John Rivers, Jr.; John Jr.'s wife, Celina; along with their children, John Christopher and Violet; and his sister, Emma Ruth Johnson (Malone) and many loving nieces and nephews. His family will forever carry the love, stories, guidance, laughter, and joy that he brought into their lives. Though he will be deeply missed, the impact he made on those around him will continue to live in their hearts and endure for generations. His service will be followed by a burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oroville. Family and friends are then invited to continue honoring his life at a Celebration of Life gathering at the Oroville Moose Lodge. In place of flowers, friends and family are welcome to donate to the South Orovile African American Historical Society (SOAAHS), which John founded and served as long-time president, to encourage the continuation of his legacy's work. You can find a link to donate on their webpage: soaah.org