September 20, 1948 – March 28, 2026

Long time Jacksonville, Oregon, resident John Ubhaus passed away suddenly, but peacefully, on March 28, 2026, at the age of 77. Born in Mill Valley, California, on September 20, 1948, John lived large from beginning to end. His sudden passing leaves an enormous void in the many family members and friends who loved him deeply.

John grew up in the close-knit community of Mill Valley, surrounded by a loving family that remained forever at the center of his life. He shared a special bond with his sister, Gayle, and brother, Frank, and he treasured his five nieces, along with his many great-nieces and great-nephews—who absolutely adored their “Uncle John.” Family gatherings were always brighter, louder, and far more fun when Uncle John was there.

Friendship was one of John’s greatest gifts. He maintained lifelong friendships dating back to childhood, and his warmth, spirit of fun, and sense of humor made him someone people naturally gravitated toward. He loved good food and drink, good laughs, and creating memorable moments with the people around him. And John ALWAYS had people around him.

John spent his entire career in the hospitality industry; a field perfectly suited to his outgoing personality and generous spirit. He began as an 18-year-old teenager, cooking at the Ancient Mariner Restaurant in California, where his lifelong love of hospitality took root. John learned all aspects of running a restaurant with this chain, and there wasn’t a job he didn’t do over the years. He later worked in the Sandpiper Restaurant chain, in Idaho, and opened the Sandpiper in Medford, Oregon, in 1978. Ask anyone who worked for John during those years, and they will tell you he was “the fun boss.”

During a few years working for Sebastiani Winery in Sonoma, California, John returned to his roots in the Bay Area, but he kept his “Jacksonville cabin” on the creek, that he had purchased in the late ’70’s. After returning to Oregon, John became co-owner of the Bella Union Restaurant in Jacksonville. Following this, he worked for Gold River Distributing. In 1995, John left Gold River to create Ubhill One Concessions with partner Larry Hillis. John eventually became sole proprietor when Larry retired in 1998.

Ubhill One had John seasonally traveling to the Oregon Fair Circuit. He had a loyal team of workers—which included many friends—that returned year after year. Once again, John was “The Fun Boss.” After his retirement, John passed his business on to his longtime friend and employee, Tim Heffner.

John was on the board of directors for the Jackson County Expo for many years and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Friends of the Fair Foundation in 2023. John was an avid reader, consummate entertainer, fierce Risk and cards competitor, and most importantly, a devoted brother, uncle and friend. His greatest joy was providing a welcoming space for others. With his sharp wit, keen sense of humor and inexhaustible curiosity, John reminded us all to live life to the fullest.

John loved to travel, often with his sister, Gayle, or to meet up in England with his brother, Frank and sister-in-law, Lynn. John visited over 28 countries, spanning 6 continents, always returning to his Jacksonville “cabin.” Perhaps nowhere was John’s spirit more evident than at his beloved home in Jacksonville. What began as a small cabin on the creek evolved into a beautiful retreat filled with laughter, family visits, celebrations, and lifelong friendships. There was always room for one more person at John’s table, and everyone that visited felt the warmth of John’s welcome.

John lived his life with gusto. He was generous, funny, and deeply devoted to the people he loved. His memory lives on in the countless memories shared by family and friends, and in the stories that will continue to be told around dinner tables for years to come, and in the enduring love of all who were fortunate enough to know him. John will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Please join family and friends for a Celebration of Life on Sunday August 9, 2026, 3-5:00pm, Mace Building, Jackson County Expo, Central Point.

Donations in honor of John Ubhaus can be sent to 4H or Friends of the Fair.