John Sargent
John Sargent, 68, of Weston, passed away peacefully at a hospice home in Wayland, after a brave struggle with a brief illness.
John was known and respected by many for his vast knowledge and love of jazz and classic films. Many local and well-known jazz artists were astounded by John‘s innate passion and understanding of this art form. Inspired by his mother, Madeleine, John enjoyed a lifetime of observing and listening to great music and was a huge supporter of the local music scene. John and his mother passed their love and passion on to younger brother, Gray, who fashioned a wonderful career as a jazz guitarist, in large part from the inspiration of John and their mother.
John was well known to anyone who frequented “Zounds”, a unique, used record store, where he worked as a young man and shared his wealth of musical knowledge. However, John was most proud of the wonderful and tender care he took of his beloved parents throughout their later years. He was the quintessential caregiver.
Many friends and family fondly recall John being the source of gales of laughter at most gatherings, as he possessed exceptional wit, he would always happily share.
John is survived by his beloved brother and sister-in-law, Gray and Pam Sargent, of Hull, several adoring cousins, many good friends, and his beloved girlfriend and constant companion of the last four years, Margaret Johnson, of Bedford, with whom he enjoyed each day and many adventures, along with their close circle of friends. His family is ever grateful that John and Margaret enjoyed this loving experience before the end of his journey here.
Family and friends would also like to thank Miriam Boyd Parlin Hospice Home in Wayland, for the wonderful and loving care they provided to our beloved John, during the last week of his life. We are also overwhelmed by the outpouring of heartfelt sympathy and beautiful memories and stories of friends, family and acquaintances whom John touched so deeply.
The celebration of John‘s life will continue at a later date, as soon as friends and family can safely assemble.
John will be dearly missed and certainly gone much too soon. “Until that time… Until that time”
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My deepest sympathy to the Sargent family & Margaret Johnson. John’s love of music & film knew no bounds. He always had a smile on his face & a pleasant word to everyone; may he Rest In Peace.
Rest easy, John. Much love, Gary and Jane.
Rest easy John, much love, love Dan,Alyssa and Khloe.
John was a great friend.
I want to offer my deepest sympathies to Gray, Pam, Margaret, and their extended family on John’s passing. We have all lost a dear presence in our lives. I really enjoyed our bar chats about jazz and music history over the past few years
. John was a knowledgeable student of the art and a very personable companion. I’ll certainly miss him.
Rest easy, Buddy.
I, had the honor of knowing the Sargent family for many years s the backyard cookouts, the music and film sessions downstairs,some of the fondest memories are walking in the great meadows sanctuary with John, Gray, and other friends his encyclopedic knowledge of jazz and film an all around solid gentleman,your soul will fly over the meadows like a hawk.
I,m so grateful that he met Margaret Johnsonand share four beautiful years with her Rest in peace my brother
To be in the audience of any jazz performance was always made even more pleasant in the company of John and his encyclopedic knowledge. His wit and stories in social times will be sorely missed. Gray, you and Pam have my deepest sympathies. Margaret, I’m truly sorry for your loss of this true gentleman’s companionship.
With sadness and gratitude I write in praise and farewell to the quiet, genteel John Sargent. The jazz world, mine especially, have been richer by his presence. I have always treasured the friendship of the Sargent family, all they stand for in music and living life among the graceful and creative! Rest in peace, friend.
John, you touched our hearts and now you hold a place in them. That sparkle in your eyes and your smile will never be forgotten. We are so grateful for all the precious time we shared. No words were left unsaid. Rest easy, dear friend!! Our heartfelt condolences to you Gray and to you, Pammy. We love you deeply! Margaret, you were his love which was always evident. We are so very sorry for this great loss! All our love, Debby and Jeff
Although I didn’t know John well, my brief encounters included John graciously escorting me safely to the airport, during my travels to visit Gray and Pammy…….the consummate gentleman! I do know how much he was loved and treasured by Gray and Pammy, Pammy sharing many stories of how John and she laughed until their sides ached! Rest In Peace now John, Gray and Pammy my deepest sympathy for your tremendous loss.
While I never had the opportunity to meet John, I feel as if his character is as vivid as ever, thanks to Pam Sargent’s very vivid stories, all filled with laughter and such heartfelt love. I’m thinking of you Gray and Pam and I’m quite sure that John’s unique spirit will live on with you forever. What a beautiful soul and how wonderful that all of you shared such a powerful love and connection. This is as good as it gets. Sending love and healing light to both of you and to everyone whose lives that John so deeply touched.
Teri Sica
While I never had the opportunity to meet John, I feel as if his character is as vivid as ever, thanks to Pam Sargent’s very vivid stories, all filled with laughter and such heartfelt love. I’m thinking of you Gray and Pam and I’m quite sure that John’s unique spirit will live on with you forever. What a beautiful soul and how wonderful that all of you shared such a powerful love and connection. This is as good as it gets. Sending love and healing light to both of you and to everyone whose lives that John so deeply touched.
There was no one like John, our beloved cousin. So many sweet, sweet memories of our youth together. At the age of two he could give you any detail you wanted about any car or license plate. And I remember him playing the strong man in a tiny play I put together in the loft of our huge barn in Weare, N.H. There he is in the photo, looking exactly as he did throughout his entire life, same face, but his tiny 7 year old muscles lifting a log as a strong man in a circus. John harkened back to the days of the fine and true.His take on life was unique, and his devotion to his family and its history a driving force in the amazement he shared for all things music and history, all things of the heart. John embodied so much of what makes a family high quality. And he was. What a loss for us. But I take solace knowing he and Margaret had their love. Thank you Gray and Pam and Margaret. And John.
I always learned something when i was with John.His knowledge about music,art and movies was astonishing..who was on this record date,what year it was recorded,a total historian about the art form.I will miss him and his soothing voice!My deepest condolences go out to Pam and Gray and thank you to Margaret..
Rest in Peace John..
Thinking so much of my dear sweet cousin, John and missing his presence with us here. He was my cousin but also a delightful friend and great companion as a little boy. We played endlessly as children and later, as our lives and interests diverged, we still maintained a strong feeling of family and connection that could could never be broken. John was always kind, yes, but amazingly patient and thoughtful of others. I don’t think I ever saw him angry or really upset. And he would be the first to volunteer his time or help, if needed. His earthly interests, other than his passion for music, were his family and people. And his care of my aunt and uncle until the end of their lives amazed us all. I will miss you John and yes, wish there was more time. With love and prayers to Pam and Gray and to Margaret, and always for John
I will miss John dearly. His knowledge of music and classic films was so inspiring and entertaining. His uncanny sense of humor will be missed greatly. A regular at the famous “WunderBar” in Concord Ma with dear friend Margaret were always memorable times. Ruth Schwab and I were very fond of him because of his genuinely auspicious nature, sense of humor and knowledge of music. Rest In Peace John!
Met John for the first time at a dinner at Naomi’s in Cambridge…what a wonderful conversationalist…A great way to spend an afternoon it was. Sincere condolences to Gray and the rest of the clan for this tragic loss of such a sweet Kat..
Gray and Pam,
So sorry for the loss of your beloved brother John.
You are in our prayers
Steve Taddeo
Dear Gray, Pam and Margaret, This is a belated message as I only found out recently about John. What a gentle person was he and so very knowledgeable about Jazz and the music life that we all share. God Bless him.
Hi Gray and Pam- So sorry to hear of John’s death. Gray you’ll recall we had some fun times in our teens, and that John was at Cushing where he and I met. I’m sorry for your loss, and have good memories of times with John. Take care. Chris Kilham
John was my roommate and friend at Cushing Academy, where he introduced me to jazz, WC Fields, George Carlin, classic movies, and more. I’ll never forget the times we went to Lenny’s on Turnpike to see the Buddy Rich big band, which absolutely blew away a kid who only been listening to rock and roll. Dear Gray and Pam, I also came to know you through John, and deeply enjoyed the many times John and I attended jazz shows featuring Gray and local Boston luminaries, including Marshall wood, Donna Byrne, and many others. ( Gray’s trio played at my wedding in 1984, and we couldn’t have wished for better music!) Regret having lost touch with John after moving to Western Massachusetts, and I hope you will rest in peace, roommate.
John was my roommate and friend at Cushing Academy, where he introduced me to jazz, WC Fields, George Carlin, classic movies, and more. I’ll never forget the times we went to Lenny’s on Turnpike to see the Buddy Rich big band, which absolutely blew away a kid who only been listening to rock and roll. Dear Gray and Pam, I also came to know you through John, and deeply enjoyed the many times John and I attended jazz shows featuring Gray and local Boston luminaries, including Marshall wood, Donna Byrne, and many others. ( Gray’s trio played at my wedding in 1984, and we couldn’t have wished for Rest in peace, roommate.
John was a dear friend and great supporter of my music.
We always had great times talking music and movies.
John knew so much about jazz,big bands,singers and dates and places.
He was an amazing film buff and could even name all the “Hal Roach” music from Laurel & Hardy and Our Gang.
He will be missed by many musicians and friends.
I’ll be playing “9:20 Special” for you,my friend.
My deepest sympathy to the Sargent family and all of John’s friends and his partner. John knew more about music than 100 people put together. I always enjoyed our conversations when he frequented my place of employment in Weston. It was wonderful learning from John about many recordings. He was a true live music ambassador and we need more people like that in the world. A true gentleman with a smile and sense of humor. Prayers, blessings and peace
I have many recordings in my collection because of John’s recommendations! He was always a joy to talk to and I loved seeing him in the audience at Bullfinch’s and other places I’ve played. Condolences but congratulations on a life well lived!
Sorry to see this! I worked w John at Zounds, WAY back when, and have remembered and told many stories of exploits, over the years! r.i.p. old friend!
Gray – I extend to you and your family my condolences. A Google search for you and Marshall led me to John and this page. Though I hadn’t had any contact with John for many years, I’ve always had fond memories of him and our times at Cushing Academy and our many times seeing The Buddy Rich Big Band and other artists at Lenny’s or just sitting around spinning vinyl and talking music. He had a great sense of humor and he was always a kind person. I’m sure he’s in a good place slapping his thighs drumming away to the music he loved.
Sending prayers and love and deepest condolences.