Jeffrey Schuch Obituary

I think about Jeff a lot, especially around this time of the year. He was a great friend, a wonderful listener. Sometimes I feel like I can still just call him up and say "hey". I´ll always miss him and will never forget him.

Happy Birthday Jeff. "How I wish, how I wish you were here..."

I lost a friend this week, another talented person gone much too soon. It got me thinking about Jeff and giving the American Dream CD a play. We still miss you Jeff.

Ramon and Angie,

I just read your fairly recent additions to Jeff's memory page. I was looking up some videos of his days with Hi Fi and The Roadburners today. It was great to see your recent comments and know that Jeff is not forgotten. Thank you and we know that Jeff is still Rockin up there with Hi Fi and looking down upon us at peace.

Wes

For some reason Jeff popped into my head today. I had such a hard time with remembering it all and I think it's because I wanted to forget it all. I started going through music and found CDs he had given me years ago of his bands. I open one up to find a piece of paper where he had written down his phone number and email address. 15 years ago. He was always a friendly and happy man... Terrific smile and always pleasant to be around. He was a great friend. Now I have to miss him again. Jeff, know that I miss you and you were a wonderful person. Say hi to Erik for me.

It's coming up to your birthday again. I miss you my friend. We still talk about you. We still wish you were here with us. I know you are at peace, that is my comfort. Going to toast you tonite. Getting together with Jerry, Ted, Dave, Jesse. Your wings will be twitching, your ears will be ringing. Miss you buddy...

I just recently viewed Jeff's guestbook after not doing so for quite some time. I enjoyed reading the messages from Hi-Fi and the Roadburners and from Tony and Brian. I remember the road trips and talking to Jeff about the adventures he was encountering. It was a financial difficulty for him but something he relished and enjoyed tremendously. I can't even imagine how it was on the road with the band and the experiences that were gained.
I had hung out a few times at the bands studio space in Wicker Park and had some great times down there. The band members were so welcoming and fun for me and at times my wife, Alexis. It was a short distance from the Double Door and we saw a couple of amazing shows there! The energy of the band and seeing Jeff play his guitar was electrifying! I grew up sharing a bedroom with Jeff and watched him learn how to play his guitar. He learned so much by jst playing a cassette, playing some of the song, rewinding, playing again, rewinding, and playing again, and again, and again..... We had our moments during these sessions bvecause at the time it drove me crazy; I was a little kid and this heavy metal and rock was too much at times! Over time and now looking back on things, I realize I learned a lot about music and some great songs while listening to Jeff "learn" his instrument. I think his way of learning his trade and songs helped him be able to play just about any song I requested. He could play anything. At my wedding he joined the wedding band and sang "Pride and Joy" by Stevie Ray Vaughan and "Sweet Home Chicago". The band initially thought he was another semi-drunken family member wanting to play with the band. When he was finished they looked dumb-founded and had the look like the guitar he was playing was smoking and on fire! It was an amazing performance!
During one Hi-Fi tour the band showed up in Savannah, Georgia. I lived in Savannah at the time while in the army and had a house in the historic district. What an awesome and amazing coincidence! The guys showed up and they stayed at my place for a couple of days. We had sucha great time! I wonder if the band members remember that visit?
Anyway, I miss Jeff and wanted to share these thoughts. I'd love to hear any comments or remarks about this remeberance. Miss you Brother! Wes Schuch

"Jeff was a great friend and a talented and much missed band mate. When we first meet Jeff, Hi Fi and the Roadburners were in a bind, needing a new guitar player to go on the road for a tour to the west coast. We were scheduled to depart Chicago in a week and a half to the west coast and had no lead guitar player. We meet Jeff at a show at Cubby Bear all decked out in his Romon's leather jacket and witty and good natured banter. We knew then if he could play, he would be the perfect fit for this band...Two rehearsals later he was beyond and above are expectations,both on and off the stage. Throughout the years that followed ,Jeff's musical talents always drove the direction Hi Fi needed to go....A true team player and powerful and memorable stage presence...Jeff’s dedication was unparalleled...Playing gigs on the road sick as a dog, but still whipping out killer solo breaks and driving rhythms......Not only was Jeff one of the most creative minds musically and socially that we have ever encountered, he defined what a true friend was to everyone he met and especially Hi Fi and the Roadburners...He will always be dearly missed by us and all of his fans throughout the world. “
Erik, Hans, Denis, Dan, Mic, Jason, Brian, Tony, Aaron and all his friends at the “space”
Hi Fi and the Roadburners, Chicago

Jeff, It was truly an adventure touring the country with you. Something I'll never forget. You are greatly missed.

So very sorry... Jeff was amazing! What a caring heart! Miss and love you Jeff. Ed A.

I met Jeff when I was 19 years old, after joining his long time band, HiFi & the Roadburners. The months we spent on the road, driving from coast to coast, watching the country roll by, playing shows in dives to a crowd of two people, to theatres in front of a thousand; they were some of the best times of my life. The boredom, the sitting around, the hurrying up and waiting, the every meal at Denny's, the frustrations, the no money shows, the five guys sharing one Motel 6 room, the exhaustion; it was all a wildy entertaining trip with Jeff. Never taking it seriously, his offbeat humor and absurd comments never left him, no matter what ridiculous frustration confronted us. The jokes, always followed by his unique, infectous laugh. The thrift store treasures he would dig up. The Honeymooners quotes. Driving straight from New Orleans to Chicago, Jeff sleeping, waking up only when we pulled onto North Avenue, "That wasn't so bad a drive, was it?" says he. Teaching me how to mask and paint houses-giving me a job and a skill. Teaching me how to live life on the road. Giving me a nickname that people still call out: 'The Face". You left us far too soon Jeff; I deeply miss you.

I just found out yesterday.
Jeff was a great friend. He was talented, hilarious, and genuine. My thoughts go to his family.

I loved Jeff. He was my brother Ramon's best friend and was loved by my whole family. My nieces and nephews called him Uncle Jeff. I am so terribly heart broken at the thought of never seeing him again. He will forever be part of my youth and no one could replace him as my secret crush!

Jeff frist began guitar lessons in the third grade, his teacher asked if there was something he would like to do that his other brothers were not doing, we said,he would like to take guitar lessons; she thought it would bring his school grades up, they did and the rest is history.
We didn't hear him play or sing the way he did until Wes's wedding,Jeff was great!!! Now I'm hearing from his friends how his smile,laughter,kidding around and his music meant to you. In our hearts and minds Jeff will ALWAYS BE 'JEFF'. A son, husband, father and a good friend... Love Mom XOXOXO

all my memories of jeff were great ones he was a very talented guitarist he made me laugh all the time.he was one of a kind.there's a thin veil between us and heaven we can't see him but he will always be there.my prayers for the schuch family. terri carroll

Jeff we only new you for a short time but going to miss you alot. What a kind and friendly neighbor to everyone. R.I.P.

Jeff's warmth and sincerity could fill a room. His talent and playing style brought happiness to many people. His friendship helped me through an awkward period in my youth. For Jeff and for most of us, a full life, with its many joys and responsibilities, meant that we didn't cross paths much anymore. I'm sorry we let the time slip by.

Jeff was a good friend to my brother....but also a brother to me. Growing up he was always at our house. Breakfast, lunch and dinner...Jeff was there. Birthdays, holidays and cookouts. I would sit on the basement stairs and just watch Jeff and my brother Cris have "jam sessions". I will miss his loud laugh and his friendship. Love you brother! My sympathy to the entire Schuch family.

Dear Dan,although there's little one can say and little one can do to bring comfort to you and your family in the time of the great loss.In this difficult time you are in our hearts,thoughts and prayers.What your heart has once cherished you will never lose.May God bless you .With deepest sympathy-Mike and Goldie Ivezic.

My favorite Jeff story involves our large and rather unfriendly Amazon parrot, who can be pretty intimidating. Most visitors get a growl and a lunge with that big sharp beak. Jeff and Dan kind of look alike though, and for a while had the same Roadburner hair and leather jacket. When Jeff would come by our house this bird would climb right up his arm and sit on his shoulder. Whether she somehow knew Jeff liked animals, or maybe just thought he was Dan, we were never sure, but it made us laugh to see her do that.

Our deepest sympathies for your loss - Brother Wes & family. Brother Jeff will never be forgotten & remain an eternal musical inspiration on this side of the pond.

- The Serama Family

It was so sad to say goodbye to you today, but you'll always be in our hearts. We had many good times together and will never forget your infectious laugh and smile. Your passion for music will always be remembered. God Bless the Schuch Family.

Rob & Sue Castaneda

What a true loss indeed. Jeff was never anything but a welcome presence. Though we have lost touch over the years, he will forever be in our mind.

I"m soooo sorry i lost touch with Jeff. AFter being best friends for so long and he lived on the 2nd floor of my house.....just miss him.

Love to you all.
barb

Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow, Wes you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers

Joleen - My husband and I did not know Jeff well but the things we have heard over the past few days have been nothing but wonderful, especially when it came to his music. We are very sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family just have you have shown us very recently.

My deepest sympathies for your loss.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

You were so talented. The world has just become less symphonic...

You were such a talented man! -Georgie

I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies are with you and your loved ones in this time of grief.

What a shock. So many memories of Jeff while growing up. Rich, Dan, Wes and the entire Schuch family my heart goes out to all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeff, we spent a long time playing together in The Aldermen. You were a top notch guy to play with an a top notch guy period. I miss all that.

My condolences to the whole family.
Darrel / 'Arch'

Jeff touched many lives with his music and genuine humanity. He was a great musician and a great friend. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and children.

I will always remember what a great show you put on at the Mermaid Lounge in the warehouse district, one for the ages.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Wes and your dear family. See you back at work soon.

Your friend and co-worker,
Cheryl

You were a great bandmate a fun to be with. You will be missed. DT