John "Bubba" Feliz Jr.

Chairman John “Bubba” Feliz, Jr., of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians passed away on January 8, 2024. He was 45 years old. John is preceded in death by his loving mother Catherine Cortez, Paternal Grandparents Getrude & Necho Feliz and Maternal Grandparents Leo & Rose Dulay. He is survived by his loving Father John Feliz, Sr., sister Jennifer Feliz, nephews & nieces, Jacob De Los Santos (Renee Beck), Jasmine Mora, Alec Mora, Jasper Ford, Jada Ford, great-nephews, Daniel Munoz, Lucca De Los Santos, Julian Beck and the newest addition, a great niece. Along with many cousins and extended relatives.

John was born and raised in Redwood Valley, Ca. and lived on the Coyote Valley Reservation where he dedicated his life of service to the Tribe and his community. He was a caring & passionate leader starting his many years of tenure at the age of 12. He became the President of the Pacific Region for the United National Indian Tribal Youth in high school and went on to fill many rolls and capacities within his Tribe and surrounding community. In 2004 he was elected Tribal Chairman for the Coyote Valley Tribal Council at the age of 25, becoming one of the youngest Tribal Chairmans in the Nation. He served this role for two consecutive terms with honor and integrity. As the Tribe’s leader he played a vital role in stabilizing the Tribal Government during a transitional time. He secured the Tribal Rolls and amendments to the Tribal Constitution. He successfully renegotiated the State Gaming Compact to be favorable to the Tribe and the Tribe’s members. Along with many other honorable accolades too long to list. John was then elected to fill the role as the Tribal Chief in 2017 in which he served two consecutive terms. He served many years on the Executive Board for the Consolidated Tribal Health Project, Inc. as well as a delegate to many other organizations throughout the years on the National Congress of American Indians, National Indian Gaming Association, & the Native American Finance Officers Association. Most recently he was then again elected as the Tribal Chairman, he was sworn in on December 14, 2023.

He was a proponent to maintaining Tribal Sovereignty and cherished his heritage and Pomo cultural. He was a proud Pomo singer and Rock Man as a child well into an adult and traveled far and wide with his cousins to showcase the Pomo culture to the outside world. He dedicated his life to his family whom he loved dearly. He was always willing to lend a hand and a smile to anyone in need. He enjoyed tutoring at Mendocino College. A long-time fan of Big Brother, lover of his Diet Pepsi, many DIY projects, staying up to date on current events throughout the world and showing off his Christmas tree décor every year. He enjoyed continuous learning, receiving his degrees in Accounting and Business Management maintaining a 4.0 GPA and was a student until the very end.

Our relative, our beloved Bubba, so full of life, charm, kindness, and humor, maintained a positive outlook on life under any circumstance. He was a proud son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend. With a busy and fulfilled life. Our families & community will miss him greatly. But his legacy will live forever. The impact of his leadership will continue.

Family & friends are invited to a Viewing, Dancing & Singing, Open Mic & Potluck on Sunday January 14, 2024 at 5:00 pm to be held at the Coyote Valley Gymnasium. Followed with a Service and Dinner on Monday January 15, 2024 at 12:00 pm. Flowers may be sent to:

John Feliz, Sr. & Jennifer Feliz

C/O Coyote Valley Gymnasium                                             

415 Coyote Valley Blvd., Redwood Valley, Ca. 95470

There will not be graveside services.