John Chaves passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, July 9, 2026 in Santa Barbara after a courageous battle with amyloidosis, a disease that affected his heart and lungs.
He was surrounded by the love of his family in the comfort of his home.
John was born on Nov. 4, 1953.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years Diana; three loving daughters Jennifer, Angie and Chelsea; son-in-law Ryan; and his cherished grandchildren Trevor, Tristan and Isla Marie, who brought him immeasurable joy.
In July 2020, he was blessed to receive a life-saving heart transplant that gifted him nearly six treasured additional years — years filled with family, love, laughter, and precious memories for which his family will always be grateful.
John and Diana’s love story began in Solvang when they met in junior high school. Their friendship blossomed into romance while attending Santa Ynez High School, and they were married on June 22, 1974.
Together, they built a beautiful life in Santa Barbara, where they purchased and operated The Mini Mart at the corner of State and Haley streets.
For 43 years, John and Diana became familiar and beloved faces in the downtown community, welcoming customers with kindness, warmth, and genuine care.
Their store was more than a business, it was a gathering place where countless friendships were formed over the decades.
John found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved reading, learning about history, watching the birds in his backyard, and challenging himself with the daily Wordle puzzle.
Above all else, his happiest moments were spent with his family on their cherished vacations to Waikīkī, Oʻahu, a place that brought him peace and where countless treasured memories were made together.
To know John was to know kindness. He did not have a mean bone in his body, and treated everyone he encountered with respect, compassion and a smile. His gentle nature and quiet generosity left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
John’s legacy is one of unwavering love, humility, hard work and kindness. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a loyal friend, and a valued member of the Santa Barbara community.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that John’s kindness, love, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.
A church service at the Santa Barbara Mission will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and all are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in John’s memory to Cedars‑Sinai in honor of the gift of life he received and the hope it gave to him and his family.
Please visit www.cedars-sinai.org/giving and select “Heart Transplant” from the drop down menu to make a donation.