Jonathan Rayford Pearce, 87, of Escalon, passed away peacefully in his home on October 18, 2025.
Born August 10, 1938 in Waveland, Arkansas to the late Vernon and Lillian Pearce, Jon spent his youth in central Arkansas. In 1959, he married the former Evelyn Joyce Terry. They started their family while he served in the Navy, stationed in San Diego.
Jon completed his college education at the University of Central Arkansas, settled in Escalon and began his 38+ year career as an educator at the former Burwood School and continued it at El Portal Middle School where he spent 31 years as a math teacher.
In addition to his teaching duties, Jon was a passionate and proud Escalon High School coach, assisting JV and varsity football, women’s basketball and track for the majority of his career.
During his summers off, Jon worked for many years at the cannery in Escalon and loved to travel back to Arkansas to spend time with their extended family.
Jon was an active member for many years at the First Baptist Church of Escalon and later at Orangeburg Avenue Baptist in Modesto. After retirement he continued to be a regular supporter of Escalon High Cougar football. He enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He was a proud and beloved “papa” to 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Jon was preceded in death by his brother Dale Pearce, his wife Joyce and his daughters Deborah Hawkins (Larry) and Crystal Wendland (Dennis).
He is survived by his sister Sally Roberts (Larry) of Arkansas; son Greg Pearce (Michelle) of North Carolina, daughter Teresa Kennedy of Escalon and son Jeffrey Pearce (Hillary) of Escalon; grandchildren Taylor Hawkins, Garrett Hawkins (Alicia), Madison Perez (James), Maureen Costa, Sam Pearce, Laura Wells (Micah), Brian Pearce, Judd Wendland (Allison), Sydney Wendland, Amanda Yates (Kyle), Arianna Kennedy, Vaughn Kennedy, Olivia Atherton (John), Grant Pearce and McKenna Pearce, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Above all, Jon would want to be remembered for his strong faith in Jesus Christ and the assurance of salvation for all who place their faith in Him. This promise, that one day we will be reunited with him is of comfort for all of us saddened at his passing.
The family would like to thank Marissa Perey for the love and care she provided to both Joyce and Jon during the past year.
A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Heritage Church, 1155 Escalon Ave, Escalon, CA with a luncheon to follow. He will be laid to rest at Burwood Cemetery.
Donations in Jon’s name can be made to: Escalon High School Sports Boosters, PO Box 251, Escalon, CA 95320, Tax ID# 77-0525366.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Nov. 5, 2025
