MSG Jon T Eubanks

MSG Jon T Eubanks, surrounded by family, passed away March 20, 2018, following a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. Jon was born January 22nd, 1947, the third child of Wayne and Mary Eubanks, joining his brother, Jay and sister, Jan.   The family lived in the Nampa area all his life, settling in the home place on Amity. His mother later married Roy Casteel, who Jon considered to be his father. Jon worked his high school years at the Nampa Livestock Auction where Roy was a cattle buyer.

Jon graduated in 1965 from Nampa High School, and worked at the Nampa Sugar Factory until joining the Army in 1969, training at Fort Lewis WA.  During this time in the Army, he married Peggy Helton, and son Jon Ike and daughter Amy Louise were born. He loved his kids! After a short time out of the Army, in 1973 he re-enlisted, and the Army ended up being his career. In 1987 he began work with the Army Air Traffic Inspection Team. Jon moved several times while in the service, from Washington state (twice) to Fort Rucker, (Dothan) Alabama (which he considered a foreign country) to outside the US. He served in Air Traffic Control in Vietnam, Korea, Ecuador, and Germany, and transferred as a supervisor to Alaska where, after 24 years of Army service, he retired as Master Sargent. During his Army career Jon also earned several honor medals, including the prestigious Legion of Merit. He loved and was proud of his Army career. He made many friends, some with whom he continued to be in contact.

Following his retirement and a stint working for UPS in Alaska, Jon moved back to Nampa and took a job at Micron Tech which filled another 20 years, retiring again in 2014. In 1995 he married his best friend, Glenda Jamison, and also gained another daughter and son: Lisa and Craig, and soon a special daughter-in-law Shari (thanks Shari).  Four grandchildren have gained a special place in his heart and a huge part of his life. Jake, (now 6’7”) who fit in Grandpa Jon’s hand when he was born; Hope his dark haired beauty who was a regular at his house when she was small; Alexa his bass playing dolly always with hugs for Grandpa; and Levi, full of smiles and questions and fun.  Jon was the dad and grandpa who could always be called upon for help or advice, supportive but not pushy.  He was a behind the scenes understanding figure, but always with some new idea or purchase of something “needed”. He was so proud of all his four kids and four grandkids and adored them all. Lots of games and concerts and swimming parties and family dinners.

New friends and old became a part of Jon’s life after returning home to Nampa. Monthly pinochle nights became a ritual of crazy conversation and sarcasm. The best of friends. And the Class of 1965 luncheons became part of his schedule and kept reminiscing laughter ongoing.  Retirement allowed time for golf and Shakespeare Festival and for amazing travel opportunities; trips with the Coopers were perfect.

In October of 2016, Jon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He went through major surgery that they hoped was successful, only to have the cancer return. However, instead of the typical short survival for pancreatic cancer patients, he made it through a year and a half. He never gave up until the end. It was a rough fight, but he used the time well. He was blessed to have family and friends near.

Jon is survived by his loving wife, Glenda, his children: Jon Ike (Hope) Eubanks of Washington, Amy Eubanks of Texas, Lisa Boyd of Meridian, and Craig (Shari) Jamison of Caldwell. Grandchildren Jake and Hope Russell and Alexa and Levi Jamison, brother Jay (Rosemary) Eubanks of Utah, and sister Jan Schlerf of Washington, many nieces and nephews, including his niece JJ and family who were so close and so supportive, –his puppy Jammers and cats Nutmeg and Cinnamon. Hugs to his extra kiddo Daryan.  Special friends, Charlie and Teri Hutton, Scott and Dan, added so much happiness to Jon’s last years and let him be one of “the boys”. He was in his element at the car shop. Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful and caring staff at The Boise VA Oncology and to Dr. Lewers, who became extended family, and to Treasure Valley Hospice (especially Karri) who gently helped him through the last days.

At his request, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, for any who wish, Jon asked that donations be made in his name to The Idaho Shakespeare Festival. He never missed a show in 22 years.

To my best friend and the love of my life - sunny skies and warm breezes. Until we meet again. Glenda

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