John Clayton Van Ornum

his home in Bass Lake on July 6, 2024, at the age of 84.

John was born on October 20, 1939, in Pasadena to Barbara Fry Van Ornum, originally from

Chicago, and John Clayton Van Ornum from Pasadena. He grew up in Pasadena and attended

Arcadia High School. He later graduated from CSUF. His passion was baseball, and he knew as a

young child that he wanted it to be a big part of his life.

John spent most of his life as a professional baseball player, manager, coach, and scout primarily

for the San Francisco Giants franchise. He was a catcher during his six-year minor league playing

career (1959-1964) as a member of both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels

organizations. John was the catcher on the 1959-1960 television series Home Run Derby, which

was filmed at Los Angeles' Wrigley Field.

After playing professionally, John managed in the Giants' farm system from 1973 to 1978. He

was a coach for the San Francisco Giants from 1980 to 1984, and, after coaching, an Advance

Scout until he retired in 2004.

During his retirement years at Bass Lake, John enjoyed playing tennis, cycling, cooking, and

traveling. He and Joyce traveled the world with friends and family, and mostly by bike. He also

enjoyed spending time with family and friends but most importantly, mentoring kids, especially

his grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife, Joyce, of 60 years and children, daughter, Heather Littlefield (Scott),

son, John Van Ornum (Michele), son, Mark Van Ornum and grandchildren, Tyler Littlefield, Erika

Littlefield, and Trevor Van Ornum.

Services will be held at Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church in Oakhurst, CA on August 10, 2024, at

10 a.m