Jon N. Austin 1959 - 2020
Springfield, IL—SPRINGFIELD – Jon Nicholas Austin, age 61, of Jacksonville, IL died on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 8:18 P.M. within Memorial Medical Center of Springfield, IL. Jon was born to parents Harold H. and Marjorie E. (Johnson) Austin on August 12, 1959. His parents preceded him in death, as well as his brother, Steven Lee Austin.
Surviving Jon are his nephew, Stephen (Amanda Martin) Austin of Peoria, IL; his niece, Stephanie Austin Mabee of Peoria, IL; and his sister-in-law, Jan Austin, also of Peoria, IL.
Jon last worked as a Project Specialist for CCPRS. He graduated from New York University with a Master's Degree in Museum Science. He was a kind and intelligent man who loved his family and had a passion for history. Jon was involved in the Illinois State Historical Society, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, portrayed Dr. Benjamin Franklin Lyford, a Civil War embalmer in Civil War Reenactments and Living History presentations, and many other projects and organizations.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Dax Foundation, P.O. Box 506, Washington, IL 61571 or to the Illinois State Historical Society, Attention: Hannah Kline, Strawbridge-Shepherd House, 5255 Shepherd Road, Springfield, IL 62703.
Cremation rites have been accorded. The Wilton Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Jon Austin

Sponsored by The Wilton Mortuary.

13 Entries

Kent & Kathy Zimmerman

November 30, 2022

Jon was a wonderful, talented and kind man. He was always very popular at our Lincoln Days Civil War Reenactment. We cherished his friendship and will remember him fondly.Kent & Kathy Zimmerman

Pamela Bannos

February 17, 2021

I'm very sorry to see this sad news of Jon's passing. I interviewed Jon for my Hidden Truths project. You can hear our conversation here: https://hiddentruths.northwestern.edu/audio/austin.html

Amy Chambers

December 4, 2020

My dear client n friend Jon Austin I’m so heartbroken to see this. That weekend of Thanksgiving I kept saying to myself out loud even...I got to call n check on Jon Austin. We have shared so much thru our 26 year friendship and our treasured hair appointments. You are missed already. Jan, Steve, Stephanie I’m so so sorry I feel this pain wit you. He loved you guys so much. He’s with his big brother that he treasured and missed so deeply. Keeping you in my thoughts. I will talk about my Jon Austin forever!

Cindy Boehlke

December 2, 2020

What an amazing man. He will be missed.

C.C.

December 1, 2020

I had the pleasure of meeting Jon when I was a volunteer at the Museum of Funeral Customs.
He was patient , kind, and a wealth of knowledge.
we certainly never struggled to find a topic to chat about.
Such fond memories. He will be dearly missed.

Shirley Eck

December 1, 2020

Jon's passing is so sad for our city and history bluffs. When he was the curator at the Museum of Funeral Customs, he delicately did tour for leery groups. Some tour companies listed the visit to this fascinating, unique museum as part of their "mystery tours." It was a tough sell at times. Jon would leave the visitors with a new appreciation of Mr. Lincoln's time of mourning. He put together a sensitive display of military burial rites when our city hosted the Vietnam Veterans of America. Those men were so appreciative. Jon was a kind, historical intellectual. My sincere sympathies to his friends and family members.

Amy L. Barger

December 1, 2020

Gary Lane

December 1, 2020

I worked with Jon on building the Museum for Funeral Customs. We was in the single group at First United Methodist Church. He was a great guy. May he Rest In Peace!

Gary Edward Grubbs

December 1, 2020

Jon was a great individual. He worked for my company; most recently providing FEMA assistance to the folks of Puerto Rica after their devastating hurricane. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Gary Grubbs

Tripp OCONNOR

November 30, 2020

I grew up in west Peoria a few blocks from Jon, he was a year behind me at Calvin Coolidge and Manual, sorry to see his passing at such a young age, he was a nice intelligent student.
God bless your family.

Faith Volturno-Alt

November 30, 2020

I have known Jon since we were very young, but solidifed our friendship in high school and spent great times together as history majors at Bradley. After college, we got together whenever possible. He was a wealth of historical information and I was fortunate to have visited him at several of his jobs in Springfield. I treasure the times we spent together and was happy to call him my friend. HIs time on this earth was much too short, but he accomplished a lot in that time. I will miss his kind ways, intelligence, and his smile! My heart goes out to Jan and his neice and nephew. He loved you all so very much! God Bless you and watch over you. Faith

Kathy Zimmerman

November 29, 2020

Jon was a wonderful gentleman in every sense of the word. We have been friends of Jon for over 20 years and always enjoyed the times we were together, especially at our Lincoln Days Civil War Reenactment. We will miss him greatly.

Ray Coons

November 27, 2020

You will be deeply missed. Your knowledge benefitted so many. RIP my friend.

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