Obituary

Jack R Barnes, 83, of Mission Viejo, CA, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 5, 2023, due to unforeseen complications following an otherwise successful battle with lung cancer for several years prior. Jack was fortunate enough to reside in and around the Mission Viejo/Trabuco Canyon area since 1976.

Jack had two sisters, Beverly, and Pamela, and one little brother, William. He was born on February 11, 1940, to his mother Dorothy and father Earl Barnes of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The family relocated to sunny San Diego, California, where they lived a full and prosperous life. After graduating from Grossmont High School in 1953 and having been voted “Most likely to Succeed” by his peers, Jack joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served and was Honorable Discharged. Shortly after, Jack met Mary Susan McDonald. They were married and moved to Orange County, California, where they welcomed the birth of two sons, Troy, and Bradley.

On September 1, 1967, Jack went to work as Assistant Cashier in the Accounts Receivable Department at Bank of America. He thoroughly enjoyed banking and excelled quickly. Because of his accolades and outstanding leadership, Jack accepted a position as Branch Manager at Barclays Bank in Anaheim, California. It was Barclays Bank’s first Orange County location. Jack earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and accounting from California State University, Fullerton, during this time.

He thoroughly enjoyed the “Lending” aspect of banking and soon combined forces with other like-minded individuals to start Newport Home Loans, Inc. Around this same time, Jack was invited to invest and become a board member of Mission Viejo National Bank, where he used his wealth of knowledge to grow and open a second branch successfully. Over the years, Jack made excellent financial decisions and built his real estate portfolio. He even developed a 25-acre ranch compound in Trabuco Canyon with a Spanish-style main house and a two-story barn for various ranch animals. In addition, the boys enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding dirt bikes, and overall country life.

After the boys were grown, Jack moved to Mission Viejo Lake in the Majorca’s before finally purchasing a lakefront piece of property with its own private dock. He always loved an excuse to have a party and entertain his close friends and family at his residence. Especially Christmas, when his house was known throughout the town for having a giant lighted Christmas tree on the chimney yearly that is seen at night from across the lake.

Jack also enjoyed boating, camping, and off-roading in the desert with his friends and family. He actively participated in such activities until he was about 80 years old. He never missed an opportunity to have a fantastic time and always made it possible for those he loved to join the fun.

For eternity, Jack’s legacy and spirit will live on through his loving children and grandchildren. Funeral services for Jack will take place at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, CA, on April 28, followed by final resting burial services at Riverside National Cemetery the same afternoon