John C. Barrons

BARRONS, JOHN C. Capt. John C. Barrons, Ed.D., of Coronado, CA, passed away on December 26, 2007 of Parkinson Disease complications. He was born September 5, 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA to Mr. and Mrs. Demin Barrons of Marmara Canada. He was 79. He was committed to education, management excellence, mentoring the next generation and serving his country and community. Dr. Barrons earned his B.A in Education from Pennsylvania State University in 1952, M.A. in 1955 and Ed.D. in 1967 in Education Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles. He spent his career in education with the Grossmont Union High School District in San Diego County. He taught at El Cajon Valley High School and was a counselor and Vice Principal at El Capitan High School. He served the district as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and as Deputy Superintendent for Business Operations. He was instrumental in the development of vocational educational programs in the district, in the state of California and internationally. He was instrumental in the founding of a local educational reform company, EDmin.com. He also taught accounting and management courses at San Diego State University, National University and the University of Redlands. Dr. Barrons held management positions with Bell Helicopter, Dallas, TX and General Dynamics Convair Division, San Diego, CA. He brought to these positions a firm unyielding devotion to the highest standards of ethics, nondiscrimination and fairness in the work place. He believed if you respected, encouraged and supported people they would deliver outstanding results. His management style was based on building teams, leading by example, creating a "can do" supportive work environment and expecting excellence. His approach and the success of his department resulted in numerous awards and recognitions for them and for him. More importantly, many of his former students and employees have gone on to be outstanding business and community leaders. Capt. Barrons faithfully served in the United States Navy for 38 years. He began his career as an enlisted man. He rose through the ranks and held commands at sea and on shore. His final command was as Group Commander in San Diego. His inspirational leadership and followership as an officer marked him as an extraordinary Naval leader afloat and ashore. In addition to numerous other medals and awards, he was awarded two Meritorious Service Medals. Dr. Barrons was also very active in the community. He was a past chairman of the Private Industry Council of San Diego, a director emeritus of the California Taxpayer's Association, served on the Board of Directors of Lakeside Gardens, an 80 unit reduced income retirement community. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, serving on local Sessions and at the Presbytery of San Diego. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and was a member of the Lakeside Lodge and a 33 Mason. Dr. Barrons is survived by his wife, Jane of Coronado, CA and his three children, Ross Barrons of Santa Clara, CA, David Barrons of Burleson, TX and Laurie Barrons of San Diego, CA. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 11, 2008, at 11:00 at Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in his name to either the Endowment Fund at Graham Memorial Presbyterian 975 C Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 or Parkinson Disease Association of San Diego, 8555 Aero Drive Suite 307, San Diego, CA 92123-1746. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com