Jon McClellan Powell

Jon McClellan Powell

Dec. 5, 1955 - Oct. 6, 2023

WINDSOR - Jon McClellan Powell passed away peacefully in Modesto, CA, on October 6, 2023, surrounded by family, joining his beloved mother, Nancy, and grandmother, Marie.

Jon was a lifelong Californian, born on December 5, 1955 to Mac and Nancy Powell in Los Angeles, CA. Jon, the oldest of six children, was raised in Modesto, CA. He was both a standout football player and student at Central Catholic High School. After high school Jon attended College of the Sequoias followed by Fresno State, making an impact on both college football programs. Following in the footsteps of his father, Jon was to become a 2nd generation member of the wine industry, starting his long career with an education in Enology & Food Science at Fresno State.

Jon began his career with the E & J Gallo Wine organization in 1978, for nine years, becoming the youngest Production Superintendent in the company's history at the time. He continued his passion for the wine business in California's Central Valley with the Seagram Wine Company and went on to expand his executive duties with the Anheuser-Busch Beverage Group. From there, Jon was happy to move his family to the Napa Valley for the opportunity to work with the Trinchero Family at the Sutter Home Winery. Next, he became an industry executive for Golden State Vintners. From there, he transitioned into a partner position with The Wine Group and then the C.O.O role with the ATP Group. He became well known throughout the industry for his high energy, dynamic, results driven work.

He lived for the excitement of the grape harvest and crush and made many lifelong friends over the course of his four decade career. One of Jon's greatest joys was his sincere ability for team building and mentoring; oftentimes introducing and bringing individuals into the industry he loved.

In his personal life, Jon was passionate about entertaining family and friends. He was happiest in the kitchen or at the grill with a glass of wine in hand. He had a gift for dreaming up recipes and bringing them to life for his loved ones to enjoy. Jon had an extremely generous heart and was known for hosting big gatherings to share in great food, wine and laughter.

He cared deeply for his five siblings and spent many trips to Maui and weekends in the valley together. His kids and siblings experienced his generous heart and knew there was always room for friends at the dinner table. Jon thoroughly enjoyed following and supporting his children in all of their sports spanning from grade school into college. He was always happy to head up fundraising efforts for their school and sports teams. Jon helped host the first crab feed for St. Apollinaris where his children attended grade school; a fundraiser that is still running today.

By far, Jon's greatest love in life was that for his five children and more recently, his five grandchildren. He spent many weekends traveling to visit his kids and spoke to each of them throughout the week over the phone. His kids frequently came to him for life advice, grilling tips, business guidance, a shoulder to cry on, to have a laugh or plan Thanksgiving, which was Jon's favorite holiday.

His kids will deeply miss him and his dedication to being a loving father and grandfather. Jon's zest for life, his ability to make friends everywhere he went, and his larger than life spirit will live on through his family for years to come.

Jon is survived by his father, Mac Powell; siblings: Timothy Powell (Cheryle, Andrew, Ben, Brianna, Anneka), Michael Powell (Justin), Thomas Powell (Mary Beth, Grace, Brenden), Kathleen Acker (A.J., Isabella, Ava), Suzanne Roos (Tim, Matthew, Gianna). Jon is also survived by his children: Nikolaus Powell (Andrea, Weston, Calixtro, Catalina), Matthew Powell (Desirae, Mila) Jacquelene Phillips (Carter), Juliana Franklin (Brandon, Quinn) and Dominique Powell.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jon's honor may be sent to the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) scholarship program.

A celebration of life will be held after the first of the year; details will be sent out by his family.