Richmond, Virginia
Tuscan Jasper departed this life Tuesday, May 6, 2003. It can be said that teachers touch eternity through students. We have lost a great teacher and tremendous musician in "Jasper"; but his kindness, talent and dedication has forever impacted generations. He had music in his soul. His first gig at the age of 14 began a journey that allowed him to share his gift with many. After completing his music degree at Central State University, he served in the U.S. Army Band then began a teaching career that spanned 48 years in Winchester, Henrico County and Richmond Public Schools. He expected much of his students at Maggie Walker, Marshall-Walker and John Marshall and instilled in them a desire to do their best. "Just one look from Mr. Jasper and you did what you were supposed to do" is a common sentiment among his former students. His expertise in playing and writing music gave him opportunities to play back-up to such greats as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, the Temptations and several others. Jasper was also a favorite you could find at city wide events such as June Jubilee, "the Big Gig," Second Street Festival or concerts at Dogwood Dell. He ended his career as director for the Johnnie Peyton Renaissance Band. He was a devoted husband of 48 years to Edna H. Jasper and a loving father, doting grandfather, caring brother and uncle. He was a family man and a sincere friend who always had a funny story to share. His life began on September 8, 1932 in Mt. Hope, W.Va., as the youngest to Robert and Julia Jasper’s 11 children. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Edna; two sons, Kevin Jasper and Keith and daughter-in-law, Amy Jasper; granddaughters, Ashley Taylor and Taylor Jasper; grandson, Justin Jasper; four sisters, Armetta Collins, Blondzetta Walker, Carey Hamlet and Janette Gardner; sister-in-law, Virginia Jasper; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Julia Jasper; five sisters, Ada Jamison, Izetta Taylor, Vivian Terry, Guenivere Turner and Tyressa Warters; and his hero and big brother, Armstead Jasper. Remains rest at Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St., where the family will receive friends Friday, 7 to 8 p.m., and where funeral services will be held Saturday, 1 p.m. Rev. Marvin Mason officiating. Burial Roselawn Memory Gardens. Guest book online at www.timesdispatch.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
He was one of the greatist teachers and inspired me to study at the Berklee College of Music and our high school and All State Band All city band, Band Union Concert not was unexplainable...Excitement ...I will never forget how humble he was an knowlegable and willimg to help... we will miss you greatly .But your spirit lives on
ProfArlo Allen
April 16, 2020 | Oxen Hill Md, MD | Student
To my uncle Tuscan's family,Karen, Kevin and keith--my cousins. I know this expression of sympathy is long due but from the heart. I also know that some losses are always with us. Your dad was my Grandma Ada's baby brother. I am so sorry for your losses. I have many wonderful memories of you all, back in the day when we had family reunions every year. I am sorry too that we have lost touch. I hope you are well. you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Vaughan Majette
August 09, 2016 | Verona, PA
Mr.Jasper was my band teacher 11 and 12th grade at Marshall-Walker Highschool..He is missed..What a great Band Director.
Mark Parker
July 17, 2016 | Douglasville, GA
IAm so sorry to hear of my buddy & mentor passing, when I was 14 years old I got to play drums in the Dave Williams Quintet , they taught me so much, I remember him telling me about being on the road with Lyold Price, My heart goes out to the Jasper family, I was in high School and he was band director at Maggie Walker, I think Dave was Band director at Armstrong high School, God Bless My gifted and talented educator musician friend, till we all meet again, my dad, the late Clarence D....
Clarence Oliver
June 27, 2016 | Pocono Pines, PA
Ten years later and I am always missing you and Mom, both of you are so close to my heart and thinking of you always. One day I will see you again not just in my dreams.
August 14, 2013
Dear Daddy
You and mom are always on my mind and in my heartalways. I miss you so very much.I will see you again.
Pixie
Karen Taylor
July 02, 2009 | Richmond, VA
I played bass guitar in Mr. Jaspers class at M-W 1979-1983...Best teacher I ever had...Much of what I know today. I learned in his class...greatly missed...Thank you Mr. Jasper...
Algie Gregory
May 31, 2009 | Chester, VA
I MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH. THERE ISNT A DAY THAT GOES BY I THAT I FELL YOU AND MOM WHAT A COMFRONT THAT IS TO ME. BOTH OF YOU WERE TRYLY LOVED MY LIFE DOESNT SEEM THE SAY WITHOUT YOU BUT I DO HAVE COMFRONT IN MY HEART OF ALL HEARTS THAT ONE DAY I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN AND OH WHAT A WONDERFUL WONDERFUL DAY THAT WILL BE.ASHLEY IS DOING GOOD YOU WOULD BE VERY PROUDOF HER.I HAVE FINALLY GROWN UP AND I KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOOKING DOWN ON ME AND SMILING AND KEEPING ME AND ASHLEY SAFE.MOM AND DAD YOU WILL...
taylor karen
March 05, 2005 | Richmond
In reading all that has been said about such a great man, there are no real words of expressions for such a great loss. He was one of my first music teachers in elementary school and later at M-W. Thanks to his guidance and encouragement, many of us learn to appreciate our talents. Thank you to his family for allowing him to nurture and guide so many of his students as if we were actually his children. Our loss is great, but your loss is immeasureable.
Hawkins-Lamb
August 15, 2003 | Richmond, VA
