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Jackson Wiley Obituary

Jackson Wiley

The noted conductor and cellist Jackson Wiley died peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 1:30 PM at St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis, surrounded by his entire family. Born in Morristown, New Jersey on April 15, 1921, the third of the five children of Joseph Burton Wiley and Katherine Pellet, he is survived by his wife Jane, his older brother, Joseph; his youngest brother, Steven; his daughter, Candida; his three sons, Scott, Hunt and Bradford (Mary); and six his grandchildren Theodore, Nathaniel, Jackson, Elizabeth, Chloe and Audree.

A service will be held from 2 PM to 6 PM on Sunday, September 8 at the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts on the campus of Butler University. From 2 to 4 there will be an open house and from 4 to 5 instrumentalists and singers in the audience are invited to participate in a public reading of symphonic and gospel music. This performance will be followed by a formal service from 5 to 6.

The address of the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts is 610 West 46th Street, Indianapolis Indiana, 46208-3485.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis, 32 Washington Street Symphony Center 46204 suite 900, c/o Robin Andres.

A formal memorial concert in honor of Jackson Wiley is being planned.

Services were entrusted to Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services , Indianapolis, In 46221

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

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Sep. 6, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jackson Wiley

31 Entries

Carol Purdy

September 1, 2024

Dear Jane......It is now Sept. 2024, and I am about to turn 80. I remember Jackson with many thanks,
as I am still performing with the Island Symphony
Orchestra, having just retired from private teaching
this past June. Hope you and the rest of the family are well! Lots of love, Carol Purdy

Linda Senter

September 30, 2022

I am only now (9/29/2022) reading of the passing of Jackson Wiley, the musical giant of my teenage years. I'll never forget my shock at my first rehearsal of the youth orchestra: he's having us play the Brahms Academic Festival Overture?! In performance? By WHEN?! We did. He was truly a visionary who showed many people what they could do with a driving force like himself. His neighbor, I babysat his charming and lovely children, and I love Jane.

Ed Staubach

August 31, 2022

The Wiley Community Orchestra is back in full swing rehearsing every Sunday and taking music to 12-13 retirement villages every year. Trying to share music with all as Jackson did so well.

Ed Staubach

August 31, 2020

The Wiley Community Orchestra is sadly on a "break" because of that blasted virus......a dozen nursing home concerts cancelled! Our 75 members are anxious to resume carrying on the Wiley tradition of sharing music. Let's get a vaccine, please.

Carol Purdy

February 7, 2014

Dear Jane, I just found out about Jackson's passing in a note from a fellow Wittenberg cello student, Liz Longo. if you remember me at all, you may remember that Jackson meant the world to me, and you as well. He was my cello mentor, and you were my "shoulder to cry on" when I thought things weren't going as well as they should. It was also great fun to babysit your lively clan on a Saturday night, and to watch Jackson struggle, trying to explain to the house mother, why I was getting back so late! Thanks to Jackson, I am still enjoying performing with the Island Chamber Symphony, freelancing and teaching privately.
I hope you will be comforted by a lifetime of memories and time spent with your children and grandchildren. Best wishes, Carol Purdy

November 24, 2013

11/24/13. Don't know why but a funny feeling came over me and I googled his name. He was my hero when a student at Butler in the early 80's. He believed in me and his faith made me the musician I am today. I remember Jane with fondness and send her my love.
Julie Callahan Rockhold Butler U '82

Bill Benson

November 13, 2013

I just learned of Jackson's passing today as I read the International Musician. A MAJOR influence on my life. Mr.Wiley I have one of the most youth orchestras ever because of your inspiration. Thank you My tears are streaming!!!!

Sam Melson

September 16, 2013

Hunt, I was a roommate of yours and I wanted to say many condolences to you and your family. Your father accomplished and influenced a lot.

Stephanie Smith

September 12, 2013

Requiescat in pace!

Dorothy Mack

September 11, 2013

Was so surprised to hear of Jack's passing on Sunday. Had just seen him and Candida a couple of weeks ago, outside Unity. They were preparing to perform! I'm glad that he still had a full life so close to his passing. I did not know him well, but have the impression I missed knowing someone great! Condolences to Candida and Audree and all of Jackson's family. And thanks, Jackson, for the Gospel program every February! Missed the memorial Sunday, but hope to be a part of the musical memorial when it happens.

Kathy Cookerly

September 9, 2013

Being part of the Indianapolis Ballet Theatre I had the priviledge of working with Jackson during many a ballet that his dear friend George Verdak would involve Jackson in! He was a dear and knew how to conduct for dancers!!

Sheri Stormes

September 9, 2013

Jane, Sure missed seeing you yesterday but your family represented you and Jackson so well. I'm sure you know that God "broke the mold" after he made Jackson. What a great man, father, musician, and teacher! He was all about his family, the music, and his students. Ha! I'm not sure which order to put those in; I think all three received equal weight with him. That's why we all feel like family and are bound together by music. God bless and comfort you all!
I am forever grateful that you so graciously shared Jackson with all of us!

September 8, 2013

9/8/13
Dear Jane.: We missed seeing you today, but it was so good to be with your children and guests, each one sharing their unique and personal tributes to Jack's memory.
Jack was a great and good man. From Springfield to Indianapolis, we dearly remember Jack and Jane, and all their gifts to music.
Sincerely, Barbara and Dick Osborne

Bill/Cathy Birsfield

September 8, 2013

Jane/The Wiley family, A sunset on earth is a sunrise in Heaven. We join you in feeling the sadness of your loss. We rejoice in Jackson's commitment to music and the lives touched by his compassion, guidance and teaching. Prayers that GOD will comfort you with HIS faithful love. Sorrowfully, Bill and Cathy Birsfield

Liz Longo McKinnon

September 7, 2013

Jane and family: My thoughts and prayers go out to you on the loss of Jack. He was such a remarkable person as well as a fabulous musician who had energy, enthusiasm and vitality that he gave to everyone he met! He will be missed sorely by all!

Ed Staubach

September 7, 2013

Jackson might have spent his entire career touring with the LaSalle Quartet. Fortunately for us Mid-Westerners he and Jane decided to come here to share his genius and inspire generations of musicians with his teaching and his conducting. We will forever be grateful.

Nan Colbert

September 7, 2013

Such a wonderful musician with such great character. So many wonderful memories.

Claudia Shelton

September 7, 2013

Dear Jane,Candida, Scott, Brad, Hunt and all Jackson's family, My heart has been filled with many emotions since hearing of Jackson's sudden passing. My sadness is calmed by the knowledge he was with his dear family and surrounded by your love. As my memories of him are filled with love, joy, inspiration, and admiration, I am sure you are spending this time sharing many heartfelt remembrances as well. My heart is with you in Indiana as my body keeps me here in AL. I know each note of the beautiful music will be played for him, and he will be smiling that charming smile. I wish you peace in the days to come...and always. Love,

September 7, 2013

I remember Jack with fondness. I was his concertmaster in the Springfield, Ohio Symphony for five years, my first professional job. We were also colleagues at Wittenberg University, also my first job in my new profession. He was a mentor and friend. We were members of the faculty trio at Wittenberg, where we spent many hours rehearsing and performing. I will miss him. He was a part of my professional growing up and I will forever be grateful for all the encouragement he gave me. I will miss him.

Jack Scandrett

September 7, 2013

Jackson Wiley was probably the single most infuential force for me becoming an orchestral musician and teacher. I have many, many wonderful memories of working with him. He will be missed by many of us whose lives he touched. My sincere condolences to Jane, who was always a gracious hostess, and to their children who I remember as little kids. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. (Wittenberg, 1965)

Elizabeth Longo McKinnon

September 7, 2013

Dear Jane and family, So very sorry to hear about Jack's passing. He was so dedicated as musician, teacher, cellist, conductor and to his family. Sending my thoughts prayers and condolences to you and the entire family at this sad and difficult time in your lives. Liz Longo McKinnon

Cynthia Gatten

September 7, 2013

I was one of the children who attended the concerts every year. Mr. Wiley captured my attention and imagination with his charming, enthusiastic narratives about the music we were going to hear. He stirred up my love of music and those concerts are some of my fondest memories of growing up in Springfield. My condolences to the family.

Deana (Nelson) Slater

September 7, 2013

I think Glynis Wood-Jamora just said it best. This was exactly how I felt during my years in Youth Symphony, the Butler Orchestra and finally, in the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis. It was a privilege to know him and play for him. Jane, Candida, Hunt, Scott and Brad, you are all in my thoughts and prayers

September 7, 2013

Ms Candida, Candy: I was thinking of you just a week or so ago. As I grow older in years I find myself remembering really good times, experiences. I wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. My memories of you, our great times at your house and of course, the wonderful times we were able to experience your Dad at the Memorial Hall year after year. Sorry to have to meet with you on this type of occasion. Yours, Roxanna Spencer Gootee

Glynis Wood-Jamora

September 6, 2013

Soooo many memories of this man! He scared me, inspired me, and pushed me. There will forever be love and admiration in my heart for Jackson Wiley.

Casey Mattingly

September 6, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Anne Gayley Gabbert

September 6, 2013

What an incredible loss to musicians and students everywhere ... my heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the entire family. I will never forget the years I spent learning from him in the orchestra at Butler. A great man, musician, and teacher. Rest in Peace.

September 6, 2013

Oh I loved him so. HE is the one who taught me to play. He wanted me to play the viola with UMPF! There will never be another like him.
Stephanie Drummond

Linda & Charles Chapman

September 6, 2013

What a pleasure to have known him and his great music. Thank you to and Candida for the performances at Unity Church of Indianapolis. I feel your presence upon one of the clouds today, singing and playing praises to our father.

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