Jon Plaisted was born in New York in 1953. He was married in Texas to Amy Levanway, from Troy, NY. He was serving as Crew Commander in the 390th Strategic Missile Wing at the time, at Sheppard Air Force Base. Upon separation from duty, Jon and his bride, Amy, moved to Monterey, CA., where he worked as Regional Sales Manager for American Tobacco Company. All before the age of 26.