Jon Austin Roach

ROACH, Jon Austin, age 86, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 19, 2021. Born in Greensboro, N.C., he spent his growing up years in Richmond, Va., where he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1952. He was a proud graduate of Virginia Military Institute Class of 1956 and served in the U.S. Army, being discharged as a Captain.

Over the years, he was a member of quite a few different churches, where he served as a deacon and elder, the most recent one being Spring Run Presbyterian Church in Midlothian, Va.

Jon was predeceased by his parents, Leo A. and Willie P. Roach; his sister, Ellen R. Price; and brother, Leo A. Roach Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane Crawford Roach; and his cherished children, Jon A. "Jay" Roach Jr. (Christy), Jeffrey L. Roach (Mary Ann) and Julie R. Washenko (Greg); his sister, Constance R. Waggy; and his cousin, Judy R. Jackson (Bill).

He also leaves behind the blessings of 11 grandchildren, Jon, Nathan, Shannon, Madison, Matthew and Caleb Roach, Drew, Hilary and Sarah Roach, and Garrett and Emma Washenko; three great-grandchildren, Samuel, Audrey and Gracelyn Roach (and an eagerly awaited new one in June!); and many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as a host of treasured friends and colleagues.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Magnolias of Chesterfield Memory Care and Heartland Hospice (especially Allie Harris) for their compassionate care during this difficult time.

Because of restrictions related to the Corona virus, a celebration of his "graduation" into heaven will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in his memory to Virginia Military Institute Foundation Class of 1956 Fund, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, Va. 24450, or Spring Run Presbyterian Church, 6601 Woodlake Village Parkway, Midlothian, Va. 23112.