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James Pickley Obituary
Nov. 27, 1953 - May 30, 2017
MISHAWAKA - James “Jim” Pickley, age 63, of Mishawaka, IN, passed away at 3:07 AM on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at home. Jim was a Professor of Jazz at Notre Dame and an Adjunct Professor at Bethel College. During his rich and full career, Jim performed with Bill Watrous, Ed Shaunessy, Clark Terry, Franz Jackson, and Wynton Marsalis, and soloed several times with the Elkhart Symphony.
Jim was born November 27, 1953, in Elkhart, IN, to the late “Bud” Leonard and Cleo (Dance) Pickley. He was married to Victoria Garrett on January 2, 2007, who survives. He is also survived by three stepchildren, Andrew (Lana) Burke, Jeff (Beth) Burke, Tom (Eliana Elias) Burke; sister-in-law, Vicky Pickley of Decatur, IL; six grandchildren, Sofia, Tristan, Julian, Amelia, Paul, and Alison; niece, Michelle Hyden, and her two children, Stela and Adeline, and nephew, Paul (Ami) Pickley, and his two children, Cole and Morgan. He was preceded in death by brother, Tom Pickley.
Jim received his Bachelor's and Master's in Piano Performance from Indiana University in Bloomington and was a skilled classical and jazz pianist. Jim was the head of the Jim Pickley Trio as well as the beloved director of the Grace United Methodist Church Choir. A brilliant musician, Jim was always regarded as a warm, caring director with a phenomenal wit.
Friends may visit with family from 6:00-9:00 PM on Friday, June 2, 2017, at Palmer Funeral Home, River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615. Funeral services will be held privately. A celebration of Jim's life will also be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 Twyckenham Dr., South Bend, IN 46614, on Sunday, June 11, 2017, at 3:00 PM. Pastor David Schrader will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church's Music Program. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Jun
2
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Palmer Funeral Homes - River Park2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615
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Palmer Funeral Homes - River Park2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615
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