Anne Benda

Dec 19, 2020

Thomas Smith

I got to know and appreciate Jon through a small men's group at Christ Church. His keen insight on social and religious issues added tremendously to our discussions. I admired his determination and his refusal to feel self-pity in the face of huge physical challenges. Tom Smith

Dec 17, 2020

Thomas Smith

I got to know and appreciate Jon through a small men's group at Christ Church. His keen insight on social and religious issues added tremendously to our discussions. I admired his determination and his refusal to feel self-pity in the face of huge physical challenges. Tom Smith

Dec 17, 2020

Romeo Garcia

I worked with Jon at FHWA for a few years prior to his retirement and often talked about getting together for coffee sometime. We finally made it work and met several times last year for walks along the river. We last met on Dec. 26th and planned and scheduled additional visits earlier this year but plans did not work out mostly due to the pandemic. I greatly admired Jon for his willingness to make time for friends and co-workers. Jon shared many things with me about his life experiences and about his sons and so I came to know Jon in this way. Recognizing his commitment to family, friends and co-workers, I asked Jon for his advise concerning effective working relationships. He advised "ask them how you can help them succeed". I will miss and remember Jon in many ways, but particularly for this very valuable piece of advice. My prayers and thoughts are with Adam and Peter and for the Schans family.

Dec 14, 2020

David Yasenchack

I will miss Jon. We met while students, prior to studying abroad together in West Africa.

Jon’s powers of perception seemed to verge on the superhuman. That and his piercing wit certainly smoothed the journey in Sierra Leone. Later, those qualities made for a friend who was at times challenging, and at others, willing to patiently meet me where I was. Jon helped me to be a better parent. A better partner in marriage. He enriched my experience of music.

I keep revisiting the banner photo of this page, and a similar photo Anne posted on the memorial invitation, of Adam and Peter standing beside Jon. The pictures make me smile, thinking about what Jon and Patricia accomplished together. Something about those 2 young men out in the world seems profoundly good.

Adam, Peter, meeting and befriending your father was one of the most fortunate occurrences of my life.

Dec 13, 2020

Merrill Leger

Jon was a kind and gentle soul. I always enjoyed chatting with him at the various Capitol Hill sporting or social events. Although not in the same grades, our kids attended the same elementary school and we shared many common friends. This community has lost, but will long remember, Jon, a formidable example of someone with a beautiful spirit, determination and resilience.

Dec 13, 2020

MaryBeth Caston

Jon indeed was a special soul. He and I started work at TFHRC as Writer-Editors on the same day in April 1992. People in the building said our office was much more lively after our arrival, and we knew exactly who livened things up. Peter and Adam, I remember the day your dad excitedly told us you were on the way. And I enjoyed all the photos and even meal time at your house watching you grow up! I will never forget my last phone conversation with Jon more than a year ago. We talked and laughed for an hour! See you in heaven Jon, I know I just need to follow the sound of laughter there! -- Mary Beth "Lane" Caston

Photo below of our Halloween office gathering at TFHRC....

Dec 11, 2020

Amanda Rutherford

Last Thanksgiving I had the chance to witness Jon's patience and caring while coaching Peter and Adam on making their turkey and fixings. The laughter in the kitchen was contagious. I will miss my waterfront walks & talks with Jon, and his determination, compassion and his wit.

Dec 11, 2020

Greg Novak

Jon was always great to work with, giving me the inside-the-beltway view of what was going on - and his understanding of the big picture was always on target. His love of sports kept it all in perspective. We are all sad at his passing, but very glad for the time he was with us.

Dec 10, 2020

Audre

I am so glad I got to meet Jon in person last year. We were able to FaceTime with him at our Pop-up wedding before we visited him in DC.

Most recently Jon arranged a family zoom meeting around Thanksgiving and I was impressed by his organizational skills and structured communication. I will always remember that event and I appreciated seeing his personality shine through.

Dec 10, 2020