David “Dave” Lee Jones of Santa Barbara passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on March 1, 2026.

Dave was born on Jan. 24, 1948 in Missouri (his mother’s birthplace) to David Leroy Jones and Flora (Tompkins) Jones.

He spent the first four years of his life in his father’s birthplace in Minnesota, until his parents separated and his mother moved with their three children to reside with her oldest sister Eunice Tompkins in Los Angeles.

Dave is survived by his wife of 43 years, Paula (Gregoire) Gregoire-Jones; daughter Rosemary Jones; older sister Linda (Jones) Thompson and her sons, Richard (Shannon), Timothy and Derek (Chrissie), as well as their children and other nieces, nephews and cousins. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Jeffrey Jones.

Dave moved to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles in his 20s to attend UCSB after completing an AA degree in English, but after a short time went to work at Applied Magnetics and later Delco Electronics.

While working full time at Delco, Dave completed his college degree and graduated from Golden Gate University extension with a BS in business. After he attained his degree he worked as a quality engineer, and retired after a 27-year career with the closure of Delco’s Goleta plant.

Dave was most proud of two things, his daughter Rosemary, and the three fantasy novels he published. He self-published a second edition of his first novel “Unicorn Highway” as an e-book (available on Amazon) after he retired from Delco.

Dave also had numerous of his “witticisms” published in the Pluggers comic strip over the years, some of which were published several times. Examples include: “In Pluggerville only the birds twitter and tweet” and “Pluggers Lifetime Achievement Award: Grandkids.”

Dave loved animals of all kinds, but was especially fond of our last dog Ziggy, who despite all odds bonded deeply with him.

Ziggy, a husky mix, was a very sweet and timid rescue who had had a such traumatic start in life that the volunteers at DAWG thought he would never fully recover or act like a normal dog. But after a couple of years with us he began to play with Dave, he learned how to bark, beg for treats, wag his tail, and would get excited and run laps as his dinner was prepared each night.

Approximately five years ago, Dave developed a mild cognitive impairment which affected his ability to communicate. This was especially sad as Dave had a quick wit, loved to write, and often started conversations with strangers. Once we almost missed a flight because Dave had made a new friend at an airport and we couldn’t find him.

Dave was a member of the Santa Barbara Friendship Force (a chapter of an international cultural exchange organization dedicated to peace) since 2010 and their treasurer for nearly six years, until he was unable to continue.

He and his wife enjoyed traveling with the group to numerous countries, including South Africa, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia, staying with host families who were members of the local Friendship Force clubs.

Dave’s interest in spiritual practice led him to Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) in the ’70s while at UCSB. RSSB is a religious organization promoting the spiritual essence found at the heart of most religions, under the mentorship of a living teacher. With this guidance he maintained a daily meditation practice and followed a vegetarian diet in line with their teachings for the rest of his life.

After he retired from Delco, Dave served for 16 years as the secretary/convener of the Santa Barbara members of RSSB. His good friend and fellow member, Leonora, writes:

“Dave was kind, considerate, soft-spoken and helpful in quiet, non-self-aggrandizing ways. He was a very good listener, without judging or giving unwanted advice. He tried to encourage members who were discouraged on the path by pointing out their strengths and their good qualities. He did whatever he could to help until his health failed him and he was no longer able and had to step down. He has been and will continue to be greatly missed by many.”

In keeping with Dave’s wishes, there will be no formal services for him.

Please consider a donation in Dave’s memory to an animal shelter of your choice, the Food Bank of Santa Barbara or another charitable organization that benefits the needy.