John "Johnny" James Bakos Jr.

John “Johnny” James Bakos Jr. went to heaven far too early on May 21, 2023 at the age of 49. He was born and raised in Chicago and surrounding areas and was a nomad through Illinois, Utah and Nevada, eventually landing in Arizona.

Johnny worked in the car business most of his adult life and told people “he played cars and trucks” for a living. He worked at countless dealerships across those years because car guys change dealerships like they change outfits. You all know who you are. His confidence never wavered and he usually wasn’t afraid to tell you he was great at his job. He used to quote himself saying “I’m kind of a big deal.”

Johnny worked hard but he played harder. He was truly at home on the water and hit every lake, river and ocean his time would allow. Fishing, boating, hunting and any off-road adventure filled his cup. There’s no way to actually catalog his hobbies because there were so many. His wife, Jess, just tried to keep up.

Johnny married Jess in 2007 and they have two daughters, Andie (12) and Kellie (8). The girls were Johnny’s whole world and his love of ‘all things camouflage’ and ‘all things animal’ have been handed down. He really lived while being a Dad.

He is preceded in death by two strong men he’s surely having dinner with now. His father, John James Bakos and his step-father, Ira Kristel. Maybe they are betting on horse races right now.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Jessica (Brown) Bakos; daughters Andie and Kellie; mother MaryAnne Kristel; siblings along with nieces and nephews, but the list is long. Please keep his best dogs, Euro and Cora in your thoughts as they lost their best friend too.

Family and friends will be invited to celebrate Johnny and his life next month and details will be provided when it’s all planned.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to anything game and fish/animal related or just get yourself outside enjoying nature like he always did. Turn on The Red Hot Chili Peppers or listen to The Rolling Stones and pour yourself something cold.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com for the Bakos family.