C.J.'s obituary
Clifford Jay (“C.J.”) Shibly of Littleton, Colorado passed away on June 17, 2019 surrounded by his wife Janet (Jungmeyer) Shibly and daughters Sandy Shibly (Matt Wolfe) and Sherry Shibly after a lengthy battle with diabetes and alcoholism complications.
C.J. was born to Clifford (“Jay”) and Mary Jane (Grosvenor) Shibly on February 9, 1949 in Denver, Colorado. A lifetime Coloradoan, C.J. grew up attending Denver Public Schools and the University of Northern Colorado where he studied music, his lifelong passion. Throughout his schooling, C.J. spent as much time performing as he did in the classroom. He was very proud to have participated in All-City, County and State Orchestras in addition to many local orchestras and bands. With his parents and beloved grandparents, C.J. spent memorable summers at their cabins in Rocky Mountain National Park and Empire, Colorado where he learned stories of his Sioux, German and English heritage.
The best day of C.J.’s life was when he received the invitation to join the Glenn Miller Orchestra to play trombone and tour nationally and internationally. He toured North and Central America, Asia and Europe with the band, including some of his favorite stops at the Montreaux Music Festival (Switzerland) and Japan. C.J. appears on multiple recordings for artists including Glenn Miller Orchestra and Oliver Nelson. He also was extremely humbled to have played dozens of touring shows, industry events and big band singers like Tony Bennett, Carol Channing, Mel Tormé and MGM release parties.
Following his years on the road, C.J. came back to teach in Littleton and Jefferson Public School Districts as a band director. He led marching bands and jazz bands to great success at state competitions during his teaching years where he made lifelong friends with fellow music educators and where he met Janet Jungmeyer Shibly, his wife of 36 years. C.J. and Janet met at Green Mountain High School in Lakewood, Colorado when Janet did her student teaching. Their passion for music, education and the inclusion of all children strengthened their relationship for the extent of their years together. C.J. and Janet were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado in July of 1982. They lived in the Denver area for the duration of their marriage. C.J. and Janet raised their two daughters, Sandy Shibly and Sherry Shibly in Littleton, Colorado. C.J. and Janet, both performers and directors, brought instrumental and vocal music, dance and theatre performance into their daughter’s lives.
In addition to his exceptional passion for music, C.J. was an ardent animal advocate and adopted several dogs over the years to join the family. C.J. was an avid sports fan who never missed a Broncos game- ever. He enjoyed playing golf and tennis with friends over the years, he was even a fair bowler. C.J. adored the Chicago Cubs and the University of Colorado Buffaloes.
C.J. was a proud member of St. Philip Lutheran Church where he worshiped from 1982-2019. He had a lot of joy playing trombone and his infamous tambourine with fellow musicians, whom he adored and respected, for many years. He always appreciated the level of hospitality, commitment and grace he received from his St. Philip community.
C.J. is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Jay and Mary Jane Shibly, his unborn sister, his beloved grandparents, his parents-in-law, Wallace and Gerry Jungmeyer, his nieces Stacy and Stephanie, canine companions: Woody, Charlie and Sammy, as well as many admired educators, musicians and friends. We wish him eternal peace in his next chapter with the Lord.
C.J.'s musical celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 23, 2019 at St. Philip Lutheran Church (7531 S Kendall Blvd, Littleton, CO 80128). Several of C.J.'s musician friends will be playing in his honor. Given C.J.'s vibrant personality and life, we ask that all memorial guests do not wear black and wear something brightly colored, tropical or casual.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made via cash or check to St. Philip Lutheran Church's music department under C.J.'s name.
ADVERTISEMENT
BY
Looking for more information?
