I didn’t know jack passed away I had the privilege of meeting him and he was such an humble sweet patient soul. His love for God was inspiring. Rest in peace Jack.

I often remember my friend Jack when playing "Mexican Train" because HE always loved to mix up the dominoes and he was enthusiastic about doing it. There were 10 of us "friends" called "The Group" who  met often to have Fun and supported each other when the going got touch.  I miss Jack and often think of him and  Joann  as well as other deceased members of The Group.

It is a year ago today that  my father left this earth to reside in the heavens above. It gives me comfort knowing that he is at peace and is directing the choir of angels. I am grateful every day for having had this great and loving man as my dad.  
God, Family, Music. Three words that simply sum up the essence of Jack Dee Carey.  
I will carry my mom and dad in my heart forever. 

I was a H.S. Classmate of Jack in Ada, Ohio and remember him having all of the good qualities mentioned by his students. In H.S. we played in the same dance band and other musical groups and he was tops in the class. He attended Ohio Northern University in our Home Town and I attended Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I now live in a retirement community in Bluffton, Ohio.
Another classmate, Jane Turner called me this evening from the Atlanta area and mentioned Jack’s name prompting me to search his name. Sadly I found his obituary.  I extend my sympathy to his family. 
Charles Wood

glad that he was able to come to Michigan to see me over 10 yrs ago. I enjoyed his visit with him and his daughter.  from  his cousin, Barb

Mr. Jack Carey's office was a safe haven for so many of us who became friends there.  He is remembered for his high standards, the love, patience and guidance he shared with his students, and for the wide variety of music he introduced to us. He provided so many wonderful opportunities and seemed to never stop smiling.  The last time I saw him was at our 1966 class reunion where he instantly led the whole class in the alma mater as if we had never left Encina!  My LP from the Music Man  revives memories of the whole cast singing "The Wells Fargo Wagon" and how hard Mr. Carey worked with our barbershop quartet with their changing  voices.  When I think of Mr. Carey, I only have fond memories.  I believe the love he shared with all of us is certainly something he taught us to continue to share, and, as a result, the love is multiplying in places and with people even he had not imagined. May the family be comforted to know we are all truly blessed to have known and worked with him.  

When my friend Lauren Zdybel suggested I join choir for a second semester elective my freshman year, I had no idea how that suggestion would change my life. Through Mr. Carey, I made the best of friends. Through Mr. Carey, I gained a love for music and performance, an understanding of the importance of teamwork, collaboration, acceptance and compassion. Through Mr. Carey, I learned how to be in front of people without fear and to actually enjoy it.  Mr. Carey and the experience of Encina High School choirs changed me - gave me stability and structure that offset a turbulent and unpredictable home life. I was fortunate enough to thank Mr. Carey in person in recent years and share with him the magnitude of his impact on me. I am so sorry that I cannot be in Sacramento for the service, but I will be there in spirit. I will raise a toast to Mr. C...and to all of the people whose lives he touched. Thank you, Mr. C! You will be so missed...and always remembered!!

Mr. Carey was such a special part of my life.  He was always so positive and loving and his passion for music was contagious.  He inspired me each and every day I went to school and he provided such a safe space for all of us.  I know I lived in his classroom from zero period for Madrigals to lunch hour to after school.  I couldn't get enough music.  I learned so much about my voice from him and learned so much about life.  He provided us so many opportunities to perform and to travel on our tours where we could share our beautiful music with others, and he created so many traditions that we loved to carry on.  I still remember being snagged out of my bed for Madrigal initiation and how could I forget our Christmas tradition of "Twas the Night Before Christmas".  I think I could still sing it if given a chance!  He was one in a million and I will be forever thankful for the love and support he and his wife Joanne always showed me.  He even gave me rides to school on rainy days so that I didn't have to ride my bike in the rain.  The world is a sadder place without  him in it, but I know heaven is rejoicing with beautiful music!  Much Love Always and Forever! 
Wendy Day (Wood)
Class of 1982

Mr.  Carey was one of the most influential people in my life.   I use the tools that he began building into my life on a daily basis.  He also instilled in me an unquenchable love for choral music and harmony.  The memories of 4 years of Choir, musicals with he and Mrs. Saladen and Madrigals (2 years) are my most loved memories of high school.  That Mr. Carey loved his students was obvious.  His joy in sharing his love of music was catching and made me desire to share that joy as well.  I treasure the memories of Christmas reunions in his home, of that treats that Mrs. Carey made,  & singing with the "Jack Carey Singers."  He was such a gentle and loving man.  I am so grateful to have been privileged to know him.  Thank you to his family for sharing him so generously with us, his students.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.    Class of 1976

I Loved having had Jack Carey share his Love of music with me, and the students of Encina High. Though I don't sing professionally, I remember many of the techniques that he taught me. I am sure the Angels are glad to have him with them.

Class of 73

Mr Carey was my music teacher at Encina High School for 4 years. He was a wonderful man, mentor and a huge inspiration in my life. I love him very much and will always remember him.  I was fortunate to be at a choral concert a year ago and he was asked to direct several songs. I feel blessed that I was able to see him then and talk to him and meet his daughter Joyce. I know he is rejoicing now and singing and directing heavenly songs. My condolences to the family. You are blessed. 

Mr Carey was a gift and a blessing.  His students  were loved, encouraged and taught by a man who quietly and  consistently modeled the qualities of a good life and a good person. I am not surprised that so many of us went on to become educators.  I think we all hoped we could do for others what he had done for us.  Most importantly, he gave us music and joy through music.  That is a gift I will cherish forever. God bless you, Mr. C. You will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew you. Our lives have been enriched  by your song.  (EHS 77-80)

Mr Carey you are a shining light in heaven now conducting music which is your passion. You will be missed here on Earth by so many. I went to Encina  from 77-80  . I had his choir classes all 4 years. Sometimes 2 of his classes a day. We did many performances and musicals. We traveled to different places. He made me come out of my shell. He was a one of a kind. Fun loving energetic music lover who took all that and shared it to his students. You were are Holland Opus .we Love You and will miss you❤️

Mr. Carey was an example of a person who seemed really in balance  but yet was so energetic.  I now realize he was only 15 or 20 years older than those of us in the first Encina  graduating classes ('63 for me) but he seemed so mature, focused and capable even then I had no idea.  We were in awe of him in many ways.
 As a freshman, he was my instrumental teacher, which consisted of myself, another violinist and two young men who needed to be babysat.   It was not a bad experience and the next year, it was arranged for Mr. Farmer to lead orchestra after school (thanks to efforts by Christine Browning's mother and I think Jack Carey. ) Christine played violin beautifully. My sister Mimi played clarinet. Mr.  Carey included the orchestra in the musicals, even though we had to supplement our ranks with some adult players. That alone was amazing.   And just last week, I came across our LP  of "Brigadoon."   I don't think I have seen it in over 40 years, but our son-in-law has a record player!  The fact that Christine sang the ingenue roles in the musicals gave us in the orchestra an additional connection. 
The orchestra percussionist Tom Norris and I have now celebrated fifty years of marriage, living in the Bay Area.  Four years ago  he joined our church choir having never sung in front of anyone, and that is something Mr. Carey would have believed possible.     The concert master Ed Chandler has remained a very close friend, and we keep in touch with Christine Browning Murphy and others. 
Thank you, Mr. Carey,  and our deep appreciation to your family,  for wonderful memories,  lifelong connections and so much inspiration-not least of all the example of strong integrity and a life well lived.   We will cherish your memory.


Jack Carey was a kind and wonderful man. I performed in four musicals in which he was music director, and I sang in the choir.  I can still sing my parts for “Save The Bones for Henry Jones,” and “Duet for Two Cats,” as well as my solo from “In That Great Getin’ Up mornin’” which he worked on with me for hours upon hours. He had a kindness and a joy about him that affected everyone he taught. He had a very strong influence on my life. Every time I perform in a musical, I can see him conducting from down stage right. 

It is difficult to put into words the impact Mr. Carey had on his students.  I was fortunate to be one of those students from 1976-1979.  Through wisdom, kindness, infinite patience, and, most importantly love Mr. Carey taught us music.  He also taught us, through the example of his life,  how to be better people.   He touched the hearts and souls of so many and his memory will always remain in those hearts and souls.  

Mr. Carey was a wonderful music teacher!I fist met Mr. Carey in the music room  while I was a student at Encina High School 1962-1966.    Mr. Carey was  a humble, quiet gentleman with  positive , encouraging comments  mixed with corrections. His love of music was evident.   Mr. Carey taught choir at Encina High School, while directing his church choir and directed the adult San Juan Unified Choir.   He was  generous with time and commitment spending many hours  practicing and performing the annual musicals - Brigadoon, The Merry Widow, The Music Man, Babes in Toyland, and others.   Mr Carey and family held an open house annually on the night AFTER Christmas, for graduated students.  At first, we were invited to their home , later years we were invited to their Senior living home for refreshments, reunion and the singing of Twas the Night before Christmas.  I still remember Mr. Carey's smile as he raised his arms finding the rhythm and leading us in song.








Mr Carey was my choral teacher  from 1958 to 1961.  I was in the first graduating class from Encina  High and enjoyed  Jack's wonderful  bubbly personality and love of music.  He attended many of our reunions and always brought yearbooks so we could reminisce together.  I will miss him greatly! Genevieve  Hoyle Flett

I have such wonderful memories of Mr. Carey.  For those of us who were belessed to have him as a teacher at Encina High (I was class of ‘79), he was our “Mr. Holland” (from the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus). He had a huge heart, loved music, but loved his students more. For us Madrigals, he set the expectations high, and gave us the encouragement, discipline, and skills to achieve them. He always had a positive attitude, and a big friendly smile. I was fortunate to visit him in his later years as dementia was starting to take hold of his mind. He dealt with it open and honestly, with grace and dignity. He was a great, humble man, and Looking back I know he made a huge impression on me. God Bless you and your family, Jack. And make sure the heavenly choir sings in tune! 

Mr. Carey you made a truly significant difference in my life through high school madrigals 73-75. And then over the years as you mentored and encouraged me to keep singing. You will always hold a very special place in my heart. Keeping your family and loved ones in my prayers. 

A friend , a , a fellow teacher, a wonderful man, with whom  we shared many  great experiences at Encina.  His vocal groups were truly outstanding  and he gave inspiration to all who performed under him.  He was unique and he will be missed by all of us.  Get that heavenly choir organized Jack!

Thank you Mr. Carey for making my Encina days the most memorable of high school. You had the gift of patience and kindness with all of us in your classes. You gave us the gift of learning to appreciate all kinds of music. I remember getting on the bus to go to perform at various events, it was a fun experience for all. Such good memories! At graduation you were there to shake our hand and congratulate us after walking across that stage! Thank you for being my favorite teacher. God Bless your family for sharing you with us!

I was blessed with Mr. Carey as a choir teacher for the 3 years I attended Encina. He encouraged me to nurture my piano playing and had me play piano for the choir and Madrigals when they traveled.  I eventually figured out it was because I was a horrible singer 😐. But I did keep playing piano and have been a teacher for 45 years. His encouragement kept me on track with that goal. I feel so grateful to have had him as a mentor.

Some of my favorite high school memories center around the music department and Mr Carey.  I feel very privileged to have been his student for four years.   He was an important part of my youth.  He was always patience, kind and joyful!  He had a way of making his students feel confident and comfortable.  He was truly an amazing man.  

I was privileged to have Mr Carey as my Choir teacher at Encina. He’s one of the reasons I became a teacher. There was always so much joy in his classroom.

Mr. Carey’s unceasing patience and kindness was matched by his love of sharing fine musical experiences with his many, many high school children. He was in large part responsible for my vocation as a professional musician and college music teacher. God bless him for all that he gave so unstintingly to so many students. 

In 1967? I had the opportunity to participate in school musical, Babes in Toyland. Mr. Carey and fantastic drama teacher Ms. Saladen put production on.  I have very fond memories of rehearsals, and the musical play itself. 
Mr. Carey presented himself as genital and willing to engage .  Thank you Mr. Carey for you and the introduction to music you gifted me.

Jack Carey was the living proof of how one great teacher can change and influence the lives of so many students. He and Lesley Saladen made my high school years at Encina a true joy of music and drama creation.  From Acappella Choir to Madrigals to the yearly Musical, Mr. Carey always encouraged and inspired us. He booked us around town so we would have plenty of opportunity to perform and brought music into the lives of hundreds, probably thousands of people. I went on to have a professional career in musical theatre and always, always remembered the encouragement of Jack Carey from those high school days.  Thank you, Jack!

Jack Carey was a true gentleman and an amazing teacher. The music he shared through his students touched the lives of more people than he could ever imagine.  He loved his students and they loved him,  Many of them stayed in touch with him for many years after he retired.  He was a kind man and I feel fortunate to have worked with him for many years.

Me. Carey was an awesome choir teacher. I remember being introduced to different types of music like Scott Joplin. Today I still enjoy listening to different types of music.
I do have a memory of Mr. Carey arranging time for our choir to sing at rest homes— he was definitely community service minded. Mr. Carey also arrange opportunities for our choir to sing in public places. Today I enjoy listening to live music, and I introduce my preschoolers to live music any chance I get. 
Mr. Carey will be missed.

Mr. Carey was my music teacher at Encina High School in the 70’s. I was in choir then auditioned for Madrigals. I have wonderful memories of him and his wonderful zest for music. He taught me so much and was truly my mentor. Music gave me a place where I felt loved and secure and Mr. Carey provided that place for me. I’m sure you’re up with gods angels making sweet music . I’ll always love you. 

First memories are of Jack leading the choirs at St. Mark's UMC, then as he shared so many times  the madrigal choir from Encina High performing.  Jack was a talented gentleman with a friendly smile and a kind heart.  I am glad I knew him over the 61 years I've been in Sacramento.  A life well-lived with a wonderful legacy.

OBITUARY

Jack Dee Carey

29 September, 1927 – 30 April, 2019

Mount Vernon Memorial Park & Mortuary

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