John Telles, Jr.

John Telles, Jr was the son of Rachel (Garcia) and John Telles, Sr, born and raised in East Los Angeles. At Roosevelt High School, John joined the Naval Air Reserve at age 17. In 1960, he married Cecilia (Coria), whom he'd known since childhood.

As a Marine, he learned parachuting, jungle survival, marksmanship, and attended flight school for jets and helicopters. Vietnam began and John flew close air support missions in two combat tours, flying the F8E Crusader jet and the AH-1 Cobra helicopter gunship. He earned 63 Air Medals and 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses for combat duty. Following the war, John flew the VH-3 "Marine One" helicopter as Presidential Command Pilot for presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. 

John held a bachelor's degree in industrial management, a master's degree in systems management, and was a graduate of the US Naval War College. His family accompanied tours to Honolulu, Pensacola, Quantico, Newport, and Camp Pendleton. In 1984, then a colonel, John retired after serving his country for 28 years. Always a Marine, but now retired, John had another 39 years to fill!

John briefly worked for an air safety government contractor before training others at a software company. He became an aviation consultant and educator, serving on executive committees for military air shows in San Diego and AIAA aerospace technical society. He inspired STEM in elementary schools to college classrooms and joked he was born too soon because he wanted to be an astronaut. John consistently forwarded aerospace discoveries.

Music was a constant in John’s life. An avid musician, he primarily played the saxophone, but also clarinet, flute and percussion, from junior high through Vietnam and eventually many years with big bands and jazz bands. He was always humming chord progressions and would follow musicians, old and new. For years, he taught music appreciation at St. Joseph Academy in Escondido and directed choir at St. Francis Parish in Vista.

Another constant in his life was art. John used pencil sketches and acrylic paintings to reenact naval aviation scenes and illustrate still life. In the final years, he traded that time for all things associated with his grandchildren. He was keenly aware of creating a legacy of appreciation. Genealogy fascinated him and he constantly shared stories. At his funeral, hearing all of the accomplishments of Grandpa, his grandchildren said, “He had a whole life before us! We thought he was just our grandpa!”

John is preceded in death by his parents, and brother Leonard. He is survived by his sister Cissy (Ernie) Villanueva, wife Cecilia, son John (Kelly) Telles, Me, his daughter Lisa (Chris) Ledyard, daughter Catherine (Richard) Bagwell, and daughter Diana Telles. He has 21 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

You are not gone. By faith, we believe there is only a thin veil between us. We feel and hear you all the time. We thank you for your service to God, family, and country. Semper Fidelis.