Jon was a 1960 graduate of Deshler High School where he was a standout performer in athletics and the classroom. He was quarterback of the Tiger football team, president of the Student Council and a member of the National Honor Society. Following high school he received a scholar ship to Vanderbilt University where he earned two varsity letters at quarterback. He was named "best field general" among Vandy QB's during his career by Fred Russell, legendary Sports Editor of the Nashville Banner. As a sophomore he took the Commodores 65 yards in four passing plays in the last 35 seconds of the game, scoring a touchdown against UCLA in the Los Angeles Coliseum. Those 35 seconds were the only time he played in the game. He led Vandy against the 1961 Alabama National Championships team and competed opposite Joe Namath twice. Jon is now on the staff of Perimeter Church in Duluth, Georgia, following a call from the church to serve as Area Director of Discipleship Ministry.