Jonathan “Paul” Dillon, age 65 of Cave Junction, passed away on February 6th, 2026, after a courageous and inspiring battle with cancer.
Born on January 27th, 1961, in Inglewood, California, Paul was the youngest of his ten siblings. In 1967, his parents bought the Seats Ranch in Cave Junction, on Highway 199 just north of the airport, when he was six years old. Growing up, Paul helped his father raise cattle on the ranch. Paul raised steers for 4H, where he won reserve grand champion on several occasions at the Josephine County Fair.
In 1985, Paul re-met Shannon, a childhood friend. They married and stood side by side for forty years in marriage, business, faith, and family. While together, they owned and operated Dillon’s Nursery and Garden Center in Cave Junction and Hope Mountain Nurseries out of Takilma. Paul’s work ethic was evident in all he did – from horse logging and mill work in his early years to later landscaping and building a successful nursery business.
A lifelong drummer who played in multiple bands and church worship teams, Paul inspired others to take up musical instruments as a hobby. Anyone who met Paul knew of his deep love and passion for music. Paul was also an avid outdoorsman who greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing. Fishing alongside his family was one of his favorite pastimes.
Above all, Paul devoutly followed Christ and always did his best to preach the love of Jesus to anyone he met. He entered the Lord’s kingdom peacefully and surrounded by family. His wife Shannon was directly beside him and holding his hand.
He is survived by his wife, three sons, and seven grandchildren. His legacy of music, hard work, and love of Jesus lives on in all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to attend Paul’s celebration of life at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at Community Bible Church, located at 113 S Caves Avenue in Cave Junction.