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Jay Bennett Obituary

Bennett, Jay Walter 45, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, May 24, 2009, where he was currently residing in his favorite "small town USA," Urbana, with his loving partner, Kate, and their feline friend, Jimmy. Private burial will be held at a later date. Later this summer, Jay's multi-talented friends will be hosting a Memorial Concert in Urbana. Jay was born November 15, 1963, in Arlington Heights, a beloved son of John W. and Janis M. (Olson) Bennett. Survivors include his parents, of Green Valley, AZ, a brother, Jeff (Ellen), and nieces and nephews, Hope, Blair, Luke, and Owen, all of Solon, OH. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Jay was a talented multi-instrumentalist and a fixture in the local music scene in both Chicago and Champaign-Urbana for many years. In addition to his solo work, Jay recorded and produced music for other artists and performed with several popular bands, most notably spending seven years and recording five albums with Wilco, earning multiple gold records and two Grammy nominations. Jay participated in the mentoring program at Chicago's Columbia College. He was a member of the musicians' union and published works through ASCAP. He was a member of the Methodist faith. Contributions may be made to Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation in Jay's memory (www.mhopus.org). Founded in 1996, The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation donates new and refurbished musical instruments to underserved schools, community music programs and individual students nationwide, in an effort to give youngsters the many benefits of music education, help them to be better students and inspire creativity and expression through playing music. Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign, is assisting the Bennett family. Condolences may be offered at www.heathandvaughn.com. Jay's family requests that in lieu of flowers, "Tell someone special in your life that you love them, because that's what Jay did."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 31, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Bennett

Not sure what to say?





Matt

February 18, 2023

This is many years later, but I would just like to thank Jay for his creation of music that I´ve enjoyed so much and for so many years. Truly creating things that make others happy. What a gift.

Harry Simpson

May 24, 2016

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

April 3, 2010

For Jay...a former member of the band Wilco, has died at age 45. You left
us far too early dear friend

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

chuck owens

November 8, 2009

Jay Bennett truly changed the scope and sound of the American music scene, his contributions to Wilco and solo work showed a visionary artist who will be greatly missed

Becki Hartshorn

June 8, 2009

Dear John, Jan, Jeff and family,
I, too, wanted to offer you my deepest condolences on the very sad loss of Jay. Dan and I just learned of it yesterday. I share Dan's fond memories of spending time with you all at your house on Martin Lane when we were children. I am incredibly sad to learn of Jay's untimely passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.

Dan Hartshorn

June 7, 2009

John, Jan and Jeff,
My deepest condolences to you for the loss of Jay. I can't imagine how difficult it must be. I see that you live in Green Valley. I live in the Phoenix area with my wife Lori and two kids Emma (4) and Luke(2).

Throughout my life I have often thought of the many times I spent at your house as a boy. Baking banana bread with Jan. Hanging out with Jeff. I remember Jay's room walls were covered in heavy metal band posters and he was always playing music. I'm glad to see that he continued to follow that dream.

Take care of yourselves. May the peace of our Lord rest upon you in this dark time.

Jerry Eichhorst

June 3, 2009

I did not know Jay but was a fan of his music. My deepest sympathy to Jay's family and friends. We will all miss you Jay.

Theresa

June 2, 2009

I didn't know Jay personally, but saw him perform many times over the years, first with Wilco and later with Edward Burch and other musical playmates. Every time, I was left with the particular joy that comes from watching someone do something that he loves and that he's good at. Jay's music holds a world of happy memories for me, and we are all so lucky that he shared his gifts with us. He will be missed.

May all Jay's family, loved ones, friends, and fans find peace and comfort now and in the weeks to come.

Shan & Nancy Martin

June 2, 2009

Dear John and Jan, We are with you in spirit during this sad time. We have lovely Rolling Meadows memories.
Peace to Jay's memory.

Julius Colangelo

June 1, 2009

To the Bennett Family,

In high school, I played in a garage band with Jay and spent many a night practicing at your house. I was a bad drummer, but Jay was a great guitarist. We hung out and drove to Cuba Road and I spent a lot of my formative years with Jay. I'm saddened that we drifted away and never got back in touch. I'm sure he touched a lot of lives. He will be missed. My condolences to you all.

May 31, 2009

Dear Bennett Family,

I am so sorry to read of the death of your loved one. May you find comfort in the Bible's promise at Isaiah 26:19, and John 5:28-29.

When these scriptural promises take placed the enemy death will never caused any family grief again
(1 Corinthians 15:26)
Sincerely
Ms. Blake

Cathy Sauer McQuillan

May 31, 2009

Dear John and family,
My heart goes out to you! It is so very hard to lose a treasured loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

( John, you might remember me - I was a teacher in Dist. 25 at Olive)

Rita Lloyd

May 31, 2009

I never knew Jay. I replied to his post regarding his forthcoming hip replacement, having had my first about 14 weeks ago, and having my second 19th June coming. My two eldest boys are on the stage so I understand the pride his family have in him. My timing seems so ironic? Please accept my deepest sympathy. Do not be 'brave' and try to hide your grief. Scream if you want. Then, when you have healed some what, be positive and only retain all the good memories and funny events. Never stop talking about him. Talk and talk 'til it does not hurt.

Rita Lloyd. North Wales UK

Dwayne Beaver

May 30, 2009

Been listening to Jay's solo material all week. I was introduced to his music through Wilco and stayed a fan when he went solo. I have been affected by this passing which is a testament to his talent. There is a feeling of loss. I hope his family knows how many fans of Jay Bennett there are and how saddened we all are.

Henryk Zaleski

May 30, 2009

Rest in peace, the music stopped.

Don Gerard

May 29, 2009

I extend my most sincere condolences to Jay's family and many friends. He lived five lifetimes in the span of 45 years. As he made his music he lived his life - with an immense dynamic more adventurous than most would ever dare. He earned more advanced degrees, won more Grammy Awards, fixed more guitar amps, repaired more cars and raised more turtles and had more dear friends than most of us will ever...his all-too-short life was certainly well-lived. Godspeed, my friend.

Ray

May 29, 2009

I only knew Jay through his music. He was an amazing talented musician and someone I admired. My sincere condolences to his family and his friends in UC. I too am very sad about this.

Annie

May 29, 2009

It's difficult when we lose someone we love to death. Even Jesus gave way to tears at the loss of his friend Lazarus. May The God of all comfort help you to cope during this difficult time.

Yeny Traverso

May 29, 2009

The music world has lost a great talent. May his friends and family take comfort in the promise offered to our loved ones in John 5:28,29.

taquee saunders

May 28, 2009

taquee aka boo boo mommy love you and will miss you it hurts me so bad that you left me but i know you were suffering and god took you home i have to find a way to understand that i cry every day because my baby left mommy but i know that you are in a better place no more pain no more suffering i love you baby

Chele

May 28, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Shirley Griffin

May 28, 2009

Bennett Family:

I am sorry for your loss of Jay,I know your family is saddened by this unexpected loss and the music world as well.May the God of all comfort and tender mercies be with you in your time of grief. 2corinthians 1:3,4

Jimmy Plank

May 28, 2009

Jay--
Thank you for listening to my rock noise and your incredible advice. I miss you, dude...

Jimmy

Joy

May 28, 2009

May you and your family have comfort in knowing that God promise he will wipe out every tear from our eyes,and death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.The former things have passed away.

Stesha B

May 27, 2009

Dear Family and Friends of Jay Bennett,

The pain, the grief, and the feelings of losing a loved one can be unbearable. At these times, we need comforting words to uplift us. My two favorite scriptures are Ecclesiastes 9:11 which states, "time and unforeseen occurrences befall us all." My second favorite scriptures is Isaiah 25: 8&9,"He will swallow up death forever..." I hope these two scriptures will bring you comfort just like they brought me comfort.

Agape' love

Linda Ray

May 27, 2009

My heart goes out to all Jay's family and friends.

Terry DeFrange

May 26, 2009

I only knew Jay through his brother Jeff in Cleveland. I was Jeff's barber. I remember Jeff telling me about his brother and his musical ventures in Chicago and being nominated for a
Grammy and the family going to the celebration. Sorry for the
sadness his family is feeling. Jeff was so proud of his brother.

Marshall Vick

May 26, 2009

I only knew Jay for about a year. We became fast friends though and I am thankful for the time I got to know him. He was a great friend and mentor. I miss him dearly.

Joe Diliberto

May 26, 2009

Thanks for the music and the spirit brother! You will be greatly missed and never forgotten!

Scott

May 26, 2009

May the God of all comfort help you through this difficult time.

Revelation 21:4

Robert Cooper

May 26, 2009

Such a sad story...Jay was an amazing talent and is missed

Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results

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