Jack Carraher Obituary

I met Jack in 1964 when I was a freshman at KU. He had a great sense of humor and was fun to talk with. A few years later, he was teaching jazz improv at Rose. Keyboard Studio and I studied with him for a while and was encouraged to teach beginners on piano and guitar. He was very good on vibraphone, keyboard, and bass. When I was working in Kansas City I didn't see him as often, but always enjoyed our meetings. Even after his injuries, he still had his offbeat sense of humor. I have his CDs and always admired his musicianship. RIP Jack.

Jack was a wonderful, kind person, probably the most brilliant and gifted musician I ever knew, with tremendous insight into music, which he shared generously as a teacher and colleague. He was also a very sweet, friendly person and childlike at the same time that he occupied a stratosphere of music that was far beyond almost everyone. God bless him. He was a fine soul. May he rest in peace.

I met Jack at the Bourgeois Pig on Mass Street several years ago. We struck up a conversation about his CD´s while we both sat outside, enjoying the patio and watching people pass by. He told me all about his music, travels, and life. I wish now I remembered more of the details he shared. Still, his passion for his music was clear. I walked away that day with 2 CDs and a new friend. In the 3 years since, we´ve seen each other countless times. Every time we ambled by each other, he always said hello and brought a smile to my face. Downtown Lawrence won´t quite be the same without him. Here´s hoping he´s back playing jazz now like he used to be. I´ll be playing Zettai in the car today in tribute. Salut!

Jack could brighten a dark day with a quip and punctuate it with a smile and a cigarette.
He was a Good Composer , and one Heckuva coffee Buddy.
Gonna miss You Jack. May You Journey Grandly in the Vast House Of Eternal Knowledge my Good Good Friend.

Jack was an amazing, remarkable original. I took theory(?) lessons from him about 50 years ago and he opened a lot of doors for me. Some of what he taught was the necessary standard book of jazz knowledge that I, as a young rocker, desperately needed. But more importantly, he introduced these concepts and other "Jackisms" through his unique vision. I've never met a more gifted, naturally talented musician. As a teacher he had so much to give and he was always driven to share. Although we hadn't connected in decades, I always considered him a great lifelong friend. It's so sad to know that he has left the planet. He is truly the definition of "talent deserving wider recognition". I don't through the "genius" label around but in the case of Jack Carraher, I consider it to be much deserved.