Jon William Austin

Jon William Austin, 77, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2023, in Gilbert Arizona.

Jon was proceeded in death by his parents, Glen C. Austin and May Conder Austin, as well as his sister Glenda Makin.

Those who remain to miss him are wife Kathie Jones Austin, their five children; Lori (Tom) Buss, Tiffany (John) Bateman, Wyatt (Bonnie) Austin, Jared (Heather) Austin, Ryan (Kristel) Austin, 21 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his brother Allen (Louise) Austin.

Born and raised in American Fork, Utah, made Jon a proud “Caveman”. As a teen he often went on Jeep Patrol search and rescue missions with his dad, he loved riding shotgun and being part of the rescue team. He was a vibrant young man that excelled in many things; football, skiing, rock climbing, acting, and science. He played in a band – the Tremolos – that was legendary…if only in his own mind.

He married his sweetheart Kathie Jones, on September 16, 1966, in Lehi, Utah. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They were blessed to spend 57 years together.

In 1969, Jon moved his young family to Arizona for a new adventure that would advance his career. He spent 30 years as a certified clinical perfusionist, running the heart lung machine during open heart surgery. Jon was a pioneer in the field of perfusion; he held several patented inventions, became a published author, and was part of the team that implanted the first artificial heart in Arizona (Phoenix Heart). He traveled the world teaching and training other perfusionists. With his amazing entrepreneurial spirit, Jon owned several successful businesses, the first being a cafe at a golf course while in high school.

After retiring from the operating room, he was the director of the cardiovascular science program at Midwestern University, where he spent 13 years. During this time he also earned a master’s degree in education.

Jon loved and collected fossils, and after retirement volunteered at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. One of his favorite people was his dog Charlie, often referred to as his sixth child. He loved Diet Dr Pepper, apple fritters, and Thai food.

Jon was a patriot! He served our country in the Army National Guard and was a green beret with paratrooper and medic training. He had a love of the Civil War and collected memorabilia. He enjoyed spending time shooting and was an excellent marksman. Some of his favorite times were outings with the boys, shooting and firing his favorite possession, a half-scale Napoleon cannon.

Jon spent his professional life working to improve other people’s hearts and lived with all his heart. He loved his family deeply and always sacrificed to make sure they had good lives.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the Gilbert Gateway Latter Day Saint church building located at 2233 S. Wade Drive, Gilbert, Arizona 85295, with a visitation that morning from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. For more information, please visit www.gilbertmemorialpark.com

To view service, please click on the Link:  https://zoom.us/j/95742198077?pwd=WTZ4YzMvT0hjby9memg4MnZLdjFkdz09#success