At age 6, Jon used to sneak into his dad's closet whilst he was at work, and get his "King Super-120 Harry James 1952 Model" trumpet out. He would practice trying to play it, until his dad came home (much to the dismay of howling dogs and neighbors), then try to put it back as carefully as he took it out. Dad would then say playfully but woefully, "someone has had my trumpet out today." When Jon reached Junior High School level, he took up band playing the trumpet, and still plays today in the Ozark Mountains British Brass Band, based in Northwest Arkansas. After his dad passed away in 2012, his Mom awarded his Dad's trumpet to Jon, which remains one of his most prized possessions. Jon has had the one of a kind instrument fully restored, and still plays it today. Jon says, "It;s a spectacular JAZZ instrument, with short stem and very responsive valve action, and a beautiful dark tone. "It's nice not having to sneak it out of dad's closet, but I sure miss him. He was an Epic trumpeter and wonderful father."