Local Music Legend, JD Moffat, 75, died on October 4 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 27, 1942 to Daniel and Agnes Moffat. He and his sister, Marty, spent their childhood splitting time between SLC and Alta, where their Grandfather, George Watson, was the honorary Mayor. His Grandmother, Agnes Watson, was the musical influence in his life, introducing him to the guitar at age 7.
JD attended Menlo School for Boys in California in his junior high and high school years where he excelled in baseball and basketball. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in political science and from Wharton School of Business with a master's degree. He was proud of his affiliation with the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.
JD's lifelong passion was music. He loved sharing that passion and inspiring others. He had a rich and full career performing with such notable artists as Lou Rawls, John Lee Hooker, and Ray Charles; playing for many years locally, nationally, and internationally. In recent years, his fans will remember that he played regularly at the Bayou. In addition to his music career, he taught in Salt Lake City high schools and The University of Utah, touching the lives of countless students.
On the 4th of July 1991, he married the love of his life, Alison Bradshaw, reconnecting after a childhood romance at the age of 12. They spent their married years in Holladay, celebrating many happy times with family. Within the family, JD was fondly known as Pop, Popster and Popperoni. He loved his grandkids. One of the favorite parts of birthday parties was when it was time to sing "Happy Birthday". JD started off in full voice, much to the delight of partygoers, and anybody in earshot. He always enjoyed family time, but wasn't afraid to let us know when he was "done."
For many years, he was a member of the Sports Mall in Murray, nurturing a healthy lifestyle and lots of friendships. He was a lifelong Episcopalian, a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in recent years.
JD always made a grand entrance wherever he went: tall, handsome, and forever entertaining. He will be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Alison Moffat; stepchildren, Matthew (Cindy) Bradshaw, Jane (Tyler) Bushnell, Jonathan (Jessica) Bradshaw; grandchildren, Parker and Connor Bushnell, Christopher and Paulina Bradshaw, and Trinity and Orange-Guy Bradshaw.
Friends may call Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 10:00 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 1710 Foothill Drive, SLC, Utah; followed by services at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation, in JD's name, to your favorite music organization or to the Wounded Warrior Project woundedwarriorproject.org
