Diane Louise Schick

Diane Louise Schick, also known affectionately by many names such as DJ, Momma DJ, Momma Bear, Schick, Schicky, Schickollo, or Slick, was born on February 29, 1952, in Amarillo, Texas. Diane transitioned over peacefully on Friday, December 22nd at her home in Prairie Village, KS. While her journey continues, her memory will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her.
Diane is survived by her devoted children, Jessica 'Jessie Bear' Jacob and Jason 'Jasbo' Jacob. She was the loving wife of the late Jim Jacob (James Roberts Jacob), who passed in 2009. Diane was the cherished daughter of Else Lou Daniels Yahl (1921-present) of St. Louis, Missouri and the late Roy John Schick (1917 - 1987). She was also a beloved sister to Carl Schick (1954 - present) of St. Louis, Missouri.
Music was not just a career for Diane; it was her soul's expression. For over 30 years, she graced the stage as a professional piccolo and flute player with the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Opera and Kansas City Ballet, retiring in 2018. She received her music education from the University of Missouri Kansas City, her Masters from Northwestern University and private lessons from some of the best flautists around the world. Before being hired at the Kansas City Symphony, she started her professional career with the Fort Worth Symphony. Every summer, she looked forward to returning to her second 'home' to play with her dear friends at the Lancaster Festival Orchestra in Lancaster, Ohio where she made tons of wonderful memories. "Diane is a superb orchestra musician and captivating soloist! Her infectious humor is treasured by all who know her!" She was passionate about a wide range of music broader than classical music, and she always stressed the importance in supporting the arts and specifically local artists.
While Diane's musical talents took her to great heights, her heart was grounded in the simple joys of life. She was an incredibly supportive, caring and loving mother. She seamlessly balanced her roles as a mother and a musician, often practicing her beloved flute and piccolo from the car while shuttling her children to and from school and soccer games. She would joke that you'd think she would raise incredible musicians, but instead she raised determined and talented athletes. Her spiritual curiosity led her to explore a number of diverse religions and spiritual communities including Center for Spiritual Living, Unity Temple, Rime Buddhist Center, St. Michael's Angels, and beyond. Diane was an avid fan of movies, especially comedies, living by her mantra, 'no matter how bad it is, we laugh no matter what!' Her leisurely four-hour lunches with close friends (aka 'the tribe') on sunlit Kansas City patios, and her fabulous dinners full of bread, wine and cheese with her second family at Cafe Provence, were a testament to her zest for life. She even nurtured her creative spirit through painting classes with her dearest friends. She was compassionate, inclusive and fun, being known to greet others with her memorable catchphrase "who loves ya baby?!"
Diane's tenacity was not limited to her musical career. She was an active member of the Johnson County Democratic Precinct Committee, passionately supporting and promoting the election of democrats to local, state, and federal office. She was known to work both sides of the state (Kansas and Missouri) and to be seen making calls to voters, driving voters to the polls, sealing envelopes, knocking on doors, delivering yard signs, etc. Her dedication to civic engagement left an indelible mark on her friends and community. One family friend that credits their level of civic engagement to Diane said "she taught me to engage politically, think critically and use my voice and privilege to help others. I think of her every time I vote or call my representative. She's had a major impact on me and others!"
Her personal qualities were a testament to her values. Family, love, and laughter were her guiding principles. Diane's boundless love for others, her ability to turn anything into a joke, and her genuine curiosity about people were cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her genuine curiosity about people allowed her to connect effortlessly with strangers, reinforcing her belief that 'everyone's got a story to share.' Boy, does she have quite the story! She'd always say "#keepthepartygoing." Yes, hashtag keep the party going. With that said, we're hosting a service where we will not only honor her, but we'll create a space for us to collectively grieve
"A Gathering for Grieving and Gratitude"
Thank you for all the love and support and to sign off like our mother used to say "love you, mean it, bye!"