John Richard Abas passed away from heart failure on March 7th, 2025, at the age of 84.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, March 23rd, at the Grass Valley Elks Lodge. The tribute will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a potluck reception.

John was born in Grass Valley at the WC Jones Memorial Hospital (currently the Swan Levine House on Church Street) on December 7th, 1940. He was the sixth of seven siblings born to Sefe and Mercedes (Leon) Abas. He was predeceased by sisters Dorothy Manich, Annie Temme, Virginia Hedges, and brother Robert Abas. He is survived by two sisters, Josephine Perry and Rosalie McCrory.

John was raised in Nevada County, attended local schools, and graduated in 1959 from Nevada Union Senior High School. He was an excellent athlete, playing multiple sports, including record-breaking performances in track and field. He went on to play football at Sierra College. John found his way to the sheet metal trade, eventually opening his own business, JA Heating and Sheet Metal. John’s home was well known for his sheet metal shop, which also housed a full butcher shop used by many local hunters. This same home has been famous for its large celebrations on the Fourth of July. Over the years, his love of preparing meat and cooking for others became his way to give back to his community – for decades; he was a steadfast volunteer, preparing bar-b-que, tacos, and many other favorites for organizations such as Grass Valley and Nevada City Elks Lodges, Veterans Stand Down, Nevada County Sportsmen and the American Legion. He was a member of the Abundant Life Church in Grass Valley.

An original mountain man, John spent his lifetime dedicated to hunting and fishing. For over twenty years he mentored the next generation of hunters participating in an annual trip through the Colorado Rocky Mountains (where he has requested his ashes be placed). He became the chief of cooking for Cow Camp. One of his favorite hunts was in Argentina. He also had a special love for birds, and you could always find him looking through a pair of binoculars, watching out for his local favorites. An avid gardener and canner, he delivered holiday trays of pickled veggies and meats throughout town.

John is survived by his first wife, Rosalie Tappero, daughters, Wendy (Matthew) Willoughby and Tina (David) Hookom; granddaughters Olivia and Simone Willoughby and Madeline and Juliette Hookom. As well as, Dorothy Wetzel (Abas) step-son, Kevin Elorza and step-daughter, Piper Wagner and step-grandchildren Madisen Teresa Elorza and Shianne and Bodey Wagner.

A man known for his big heart and generosity, he touched many lives in Nevada County with his desire to lend a helping hand and give back to the community he loved so dearly. He will be deeply missed by many.

Arrangements are under the care of Hooper and Weaver Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Women’s League Veterans Stand Down.