John Wiley
After being diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer, John Wiley passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
John was born on September 27, 1960 in Santa Barbara, CA to Jim and Carol Wiley. He attended Adams Elementary School, La Cumbre Junior High School, and San Marcos High School.
John spent most of his career as an electrician, working in high-end residential and commercial properties before concluding his career at UC Santa Barbara. Throughout his career, he found deep fulfillment in mentoring the next generation of electricians.
John met his loving wife of 41 years, Stephanie, the summer of 1978. The two were married on June 1, 1985 and built a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting commitment to each other. Stephanie and John raised two children together, Jason and Brianna, who were John’s greatest sense of pride. As a family, they traveled the country supporting Jason and Brianna’s BMX racing pursuits. What began as weeknights at Elings Park grew into years of adventures, friendships, and memories. Through long drives to the middle of nowhere and weekends in the dirt, John created memories his family will carry with them forever.
John was the most incredible father to Jason and Brianna and considered them his pride and joy, but becoming Grandpa was his greatest honor. Whether he was teaching Weston (4yrs) car parts, shagging baseballs for Colton (2yrs), or snuggling with Hudson (4mo), John cherished every moment he spent with his grandsons. He loved watching them learn and grow and never missed an opportunity to make them laugh. He especially loved sharing his passion for his Meyers Manx Dune Buggy, Los Angeles sports teams, and Friday family dinners. Although their time with him was far too brief, the love he gave each of them will remain a part of who they are for the rest of their lives.
John had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. Whether you had known him for years or had just met him, he greeted you with a warm hug, a genuine interest in your life, and a kindness that immediately put people at ease. His home was always open, his conversations were sincere, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was truly “a friend of the friendless,” offering friendship freely and making lasting connections wherever he went.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Stephanie, his son, Jason (Olivia), his daughter, Brianna (Rachel), and his three grandsons, Weston, Colton, and Hudson.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Carol Wiley and Jim Wiley.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 1:00pm at Kiwanis Meadows (Tuckers Grove). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation for the John Wiley Memorial Scholarship.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that John’s love will remain with us always. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
