John Chris Steinborn Jr., 1935-2024
Heaven has a new Master Gardener

John Chris Steinborn Jr., age 89, of Clovis, California, passed away on April 28, 2024. Just one week earlier, he was elbow-deep in his garden – his favorite pastime.

John was born on March 3, 1935, in Redlands, California. He was a beloved husband of 62 years to Gracie Steinborn, a loving father to daughters Carrie and Kym (Jason Geil), and a cherished Papa to grandchildren Shelby, Bennett, Noah, and Olivia.

John was a man of many talents and passions. After graduating from Anaheim High School and Fresno State, he dedicated his life to teaching, coaching, and serving his community as an ambassador for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John was a dedicated teacher of mechanical drawing, physical education, math, and driver's education. He also had a successful career as a football coach at various schools including Roosevelt, Lodi, Central, Fresno State, and Clovis High.

John coached basketball at Roosevelt and soccer and baseball at Clovis High. His love for sports extended to refereeing football, basketball, and volleyball for elementary to high school ages until 2014. He also served as administrator of all athletic officials in the Central Unified and Sanger Unified School Districts.

Most people who know John consider him first a man of faith. John was led to the Lord by a youth pastor at a Baptist church right out of high school. His college roommates nicknamed him "Deacon" for his willingness to share his faith with whoever would listen. After college, he joined the Navigators and lived with other young believers led by dear friends, the Straders. There he met the love of his life and future wife Gracie.

He served as a camp counselor at Mount Hermon, a Christian camp and conference center, and taught the college group at Northwest Church. He and Gracie led and hosted many Bible studies in their home over the years. He also started Bible study with Clovis High athletes. John first worshiped at Northwest Church and then at People's Church when it moved to this location in 1977 until his passing.

John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. John and Gracie spent many glorious summers exploring the country in their RV, visiting 35 states and even the World Expo in Vancouver, Canada. They loved visiting national monuments and enjoying the beauty of our incredible country – especially Shaver Lake and Pismo Beach. John also had a passion for board games, puzzles, gardening, and watching sports.

He knew how to live life to the fullest, always known for his positive outlook. He was a shining example of a godly husband, father, and friend to all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. His love for people combined with his passion for Christ prodded a man who seized every moment and situation with a zeal for life. John always saw the opportunity, not the setbacks.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."  2nd Timothy 4: 7-8

John Chris Steinborn will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a friend to everyone he met and an ambassador for Christ by sharing the "Good News" of how Jesus changed his life and how Jesus loved him everywhere he went.

A celebration of life to honor and remember John will be held on Friday, June 14th, at 11 am at GL Johnson Chapel, People's Church, 7172 N Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93720. Funeral arrangements are by Yost and Webb of Fresno, California.

"The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'"  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭ 23‬