John and I left North Dakota in January 1959. A beater car with two babies, $150 in our pockets and half of a frozen pork in the trunk. We ended up in Madras, where John got a job for $7 and hour. In March, we came to Coos Bay to work for Bob Angell, and later for Sixes River. They gave John a backhoe and asked him to work for them until it was paid off. He did. They kept their word. Thus, John's Backhoe Service was started.

Many years later, it became JBS Construction Inc. They employed 100 or more employees over the last 40 years. Many employees said he gave them a headache as he ruled with an iron hand, but the job got done right. He was known to be one of the most honest contractors in the Bay Area. His daughter, Shelly, started working for him more than 20 years ago. Eventually becoming president. John still went in every day as habits are hard to break.

Then came the slow economy, retirement and the end of an era. In the last few weeks many friends and neighbors have stopped by wishing him well. He spends his time making wagons and playing with his great-grandkids. He is very proud to have a grandson deployed to Iraq.

Together, John and I have walked in the shadow of many rainbows. He is still the wind beneath my wings, but please John, never make me drive around with frozen pork in the back of my car again.



Alyce Dubisar

North Bend