Jon Scott Halstead

1942 - 2022

HALSTEAD, Jon Scott, died on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, from liver failure brought on by COPD.

Jon was born in Indianapolis, in July 1942, to the late Frank Prevo and Faith Allison Halstead. He is survived by Linda, his wife of 38 years; sons, Brent and Bryan (Stephanie Anderson and Isabelle and Simon); and his adored grandson, Mason, 14. He was predeceased by his only brother, Jay. He is also survived by his first wife, M. Gail Halstead; and his niece, Carolyn Williams; and nephews, Rob (Michele) and Scott Halstead in Indiana.

He graduated from Depauw University with a B.S. and from Purdue with a Ph.D., both in psychology. As a graduate student, he was an Associate Professor at Purdue for four years and, much later, was an adjunct at VCU for three. He retired from a 30-year career with Richmond Public Schools, serving as federal program evaluator, grant writer, system analyst and school psychologist. He served on the city-wide board to monitor RPS's quality of care and funding for foster care services.

He and Linda lived in the Fan on Hanover Avenue for 28 years. He was extremely proud of all the renovations he did on the home himself – building a deck, creating an oasis in the teeny back yard and converting a hard-to-access garage into a western bar which was twice featured on the Fan Garden Tour. Since 2011, they have lived in CrossRidge, where he served on the HOA board. They travelled widely, over 20 mid-winter cruises to escape the winter and trips to Europe, England and Scotland for sightseeing. He was always the perfect host as they loved to entertain.

Most importantly, when asked his profession, Jon would say "musician." He played in jazz, blue grass and rock bands from high school until 2019. His college band reunited for its 45th class reunion and regularly kept in touch. His last band "Altered Takes" played rock in Richmond smaller clubs. Playing stand-up, classical and electric bass defined his life. He and Linda frequently went to concerts such as Springstein, Elton John, Pat Benetar, to the folk festival, to Innsbrook and to jazz performances downtown. Liverpool was a destination spot on one trip abroad. He was a past board member of the Richmond Jazz Society.

Jon was a very caring man. He had an amazing ability to draw people to him, to make them feel special. He saw the good in everybody. He was very bright, thoughtful, kind and loving, valued for his opinions. He was a great story-teller, philosopher and wit. Such good company.

Entering hospice at St. Mary's last Sunday was not sad – he was surrounded by family and heard from many others who related how significant he was in their lives. It was a gift that he experienced such love and peace at the end.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for later this summer. Please check to virginiacremate.com (Richmond - in our care) for specific details as they develop. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Richmond Jazz Society.