Jon Spence Wilson, 80, died peacefully on Sunday, June 21 at his home in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was born to William Murray Wilson Jr. and Virginia Parsons Wilson on May 20, 1940 in Ogden, Utah. Jon was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He attended Ogden High School, then served 3 years in the United States Army. Following his military service he served a mission in Austria for the church. Jon then attended Weber State University, graduating with a degree in European History with a minor in German. Following graduation, he accepted a position with the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C. in 1967. Jon is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alice Sarantis Wilson of Williamsburg, Virginia; his daughter, Vikki Wilson of San Francisco, California; and his son, William Sean Wilson of Williamsburg, Virginia. Jon has a sister Nancy (Wilson) West, brother-in-law Robert West of Roosevelt, Utah and brother William Murray Wilson lll of North Ogden, Utah. In addition, he is survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Jon's parents preceded him in death. Jon and his family enjoyed many years together as they traveled through his employment, living in North Carolina, Colorado, Utah, Germany, and Virginia. His love of others endeared Jon to his coworkers and business associates, extended family and friends. He loved his work, retiring in September 1993 and continuing working as an instructor until this year. Jon was a great storyteller with a memory for details that most had forgotten years before or maybe were hearing for the first time. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, strong will, courage, faith, hard work and love through the many trials he faced in his 80 years of life. Jon loved to play golf, board games with family, crossword puzzles, wordsmithing, cooking and eating out. In addition, he was an accomplished steel guitar player, winning many awards including first place in the 1958 National Music Association Festival in Long Beach, California. His love for sharing with those he worked with, family and friends were part of his character, although he never sought the limelight. Jon could always be trusted to put his best effort in every situation. Jon's services will be handled by the Cremation Society of Virginia. The family would like to thank the staff at Kindred Hospice for their care. Due to the COVID-19 virus and its limitations, a family only service will be held. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice in Jon's honor.

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Published by Virginia Gazette on Jun. 24, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Jon Wilson

Sponsored by Cremation Society of Virginia.

11 Entries

Col Thomas C Fosnacht, US Army, Retired

June 18, 2023

A true "comrade" in the original military sense of the word. It was an honor and pleasure to serve with him in the "divided city" during those heady days of the Cold War. Rest in Peace, Jon, ole buddy

Tom Fosnacht

October 30, 2020

I just recently learned of Jon's passing via the retiree organization and it came as somewhat of a shock. We were brothers-in-arms in Berlin during the heyday of the Cold War. Besides being an outstanding ops officer, he was a reliable comrade who personified teamwork in a very competitive profession. I will always remember his radiant smile, happy personality and Austrian accent deep in the heart of Prussia. Jon was a true "Mensch" and a great asset to the Agency. May you rest in peace, alter Freund und Kamerad.

marvin francis

Planted Trees

Pat and James Griggs

June 26, 2020

Jon was a good story teller and he always had a kin word for everyone. He was a dear friend and we miss him greatly. He made a positive difference in the many lives he touched.

Margaret Washington

June 26, 2020

To the family of the Jon Wilson my name is Margaret Washington you have my sincerest sympathy in the passing of your loved one. I worked with Jon for 23 years as a housekeeper. Jon was well loved and he held a special place in my heart. Jon was a very comical man and one thing for sure he never failed to greet me with a smile every morning along with every Christmas he would remember me and make sure that he saw me and gave me a card with a love offering before he left for Christmas break. Jon will be missed because he held a special place in my heart. Praying for youll during this difficult time. May God rest his soul

Larry Sanford

June 25, 2020

Alice
Marilyn and I extend our sympathies to you and your family. Jon was a great roommate during our CT training and you were the beautiful bride at the wedding we attended.

William Epps

Sent Flowers

Mac Epps

June 25, 2020

Jon was a combination of big brother, mentor and best friend throughout my life. I first met Jon and Alice in Raleigh, NC in the early 1970's. We stayed in touch through the decades and I had the chance to live with Jon and his children in West Berlin in 1981 while Alice was finishing her college degree back in the States. Jon was instrumental in selecting and guiding my career path as well as instilling in me a love for the game of golf and revealing the intricacies of the game of chess. I will be eternally grateful for his friendship and I treasure the relationship I developed over the years with he and his beautiful family. Thank You Jon for everything! Your family will remain in our prayers.

Rachel (Wilson) Morehead

June 24, 2020

Love you Uncle JonnyYou will be missed. Til we meet again...

Malissa Wilson

June 24, 2020

Uncle Jon you will be missed by so many! Thank you for all the wonderful memories! Love you!

Barry Royden

June 24, 2020

Jon was a wonderful human being and a strong CIA officer. I served with Jon in Berlin in the early 1980's and came to depend upon his judgment and advice. By good fortune I was able to reconnect with Jon over the past several weeks via email exchanges. I learned more about him and came to even better understand his personal depth and his commitment to his work and country. He and his family will always remain in our prayers.

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