Jon Anthony Kerr, age 74, passed away peacefully at 6:10 AM on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Hospice of the Valley in Tempe, Arizona. 

Born on July 15, 1951, in San Diego, California, Jon was the son of the late Alice Basnett and Robert G. Kerr. His early years were shaped by his father’s service as a Navy pilot, which afforded Jon the opportunity to live in diverse locations, including Japan and China Lake, California. He often spoke of how much he loved Japan. 

Jon graduated from Seton Catholic School in Chandler in 1969 and continued his education at Mesa Community College. He later pursued a degree in Mass Communications, specializing in Radio and Television, at Arizona State University. Among his professional experiences, he most cherished his time delivering news on KDKB radio during the 1970s.  Throughout his career, Jon held managerial positions at several local record stores and, following a brain hemorrhage in 1994, demonstrated remarkable resilience by continuing to work at US West for several years.  

Jon first met Sandy in 1988 at a mutual friend’s birthday celebration, sparking a connection that blossomed over several years of companionship. Their bond deepened as they supported each other through life’s challenges, especially after Jon’s brain hemorrhage. They had a mutual love of music and movies. On Oct 21, 1994, they were married in Tucson, Arizona – a day that Jon cherished as the beginning of a new chapter with ‘the love of his life,’ as he affectionately called Sandy. 

A lifelong music enthusiast, Jon curated an extensive collection of more than 7,000 albums, 45s, cassettes, and CDs. Fittingly, he passed away on Elvis Presley’s birthday. Jon’s interests extended to baseball—particularly the Dodgers who won the World Series in 2025 giving him much joy. He also loved basketball, daily newspapers, movies, current events, stock market analysis, and maintaining close connections with friends and family, especially on their birthdays. 

Jon was renowned for his storytelling, recounting memorable encounters such as meeting Richard Nixon during a gubernatorial campaign in California and witnessing President Kennedy during his time at China Lake. He fondly recalled enjoying lunch leftovers from President Kennedy, served on official White House plates. 

Jon is survived by his wife, Sandy; three stepchildren – Christopher (Brandy) Dible, Jeffrey (Stephanie) Dible, and Richelle Buffins; eight grandchildren; his half-sister, Rogene Clark; his brother, Mike; his nephew, Randy (Nichole); and two great-nephews.