John Collins Sykes
September 16, 1938 ~ June 5, 2015
John Collins Sykes, Jr., died Friday, June 5, 2015, in Rocky Mount, N.C. Born in Tarboro, N.C., on September 16, 1938, he was the son of John Collins Sykes and Mary Madry Parks of Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
A 1956 Graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School, he graduated in 1960 from East Carolina University. For 30 years, Sykes directed junior high and high school bands in Rocky Mount. His bands competed in state and national contests, earning "superior" ratings 22 times. During his career, his marching bands performed for two Presidents of the United States, and participated in two Orange Bowls, as well as the Tournament of Roses; they also received three National Championships in 1983, 1984 and 1986. In his retirement, he was creator and the first leader of the Tar River Swing Band. In 2009, Sykes was inducted into the Twin Counties Hall of Fame and was honored in 2012 with a Distinguished Alumnus Award from East Carolina University.
He is survived by his wife, Priscilla Kathryn Wheless Sykes, and son, John Collins Sykes, III of Baton Rouge, La. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lt. Col. Michael Parks Sykes, (U.S. Air Force), and a son, Matthew Wheless Sykes.
Funeral services will be Sunday, June 7, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 301 S. Circle Dr., Rocky Mount. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at a reception in the St. Andrew's Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church or the Tar River Orchestra and Chorus, P. O. Box 8255, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremations Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
301 S. Circle Drive
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 6/7, 4:00 pm
Memorial
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
301 S. Circle Drive
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2070 --> |
Sunday 6/7, 3:00 pm
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Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
So saddened to hear this… He was a great teacher and person. He will be missed by many.
I am so sorry to hear of J.C.’s passing. It has been many, many years since I saw him. My mother was Wilena Edmondson Sexton and she was his Dad’s first cousin. When I was much younger, at least once or twice a month, Mama would drive my Grandmother (Lena Cook Edmondson), my sister and me to Enfield to visit all of the relatives. Usually Alma and Uncle Claude’s house would be our first stop and I remember so many Sunday afternoons visiting with them and very often, Collins and Mary would drive over from Roanoke Rapids. I know he has received a grand homecoming in Heaven seeing all the family again that had gone before him. Please know that my deepest sympathies are with all of you during this sad time. He achieved so much in his life and my prayer is that God will give you all the strength you need. With much love, Jo Carol Sexton Rose.
Mr. Sykes gave me an anchor during the difficult high school years – pushing us to aim higher, always treating us respectfully, like fully formed adults even though we were not. The discipline and positive accomplishments of marching together every day, and Tuesday and Thursday nights (!) gave order to what could have been chaotic teenage days. Knowing we had to perform, knowing he was watching us, expecting good things of us, kept us out of trouble. He was like my school dad, and I am forever grateful for his amazing guidance in my life. Marion Blackburn Class of 1979
Sorry to hear of your loss. J.C. and I played in the Collegians side by side on several of our reunions at East Carolina. I have always been very proud of what J.C. was able to accomplish with the many years he spent as Band Director in Rocky Mount. You see, Rocky Mount is my home town. I graduated in 1949 and went on to East Carolina and was there from 1949 to 1953. J.C. was a fine musician and a fine person too. He will be missed by us all. Leonard Bryan Starling AKA L.B. to my East Carolina friends.
O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done, The ship has weatherd every rack, the prize we sought is won… This scene from one of my favorite films, seems as a fitting tribute to JC Sykes, my dear teacher, mentor, and friend… He taught me and all of his students to see the world differently and experience life through a musical lens that is both timeless and priceless. Those lessons he taught through his actions and words are self-discipline, striving for perfection, and a great appreciation for art and music. These lessons live on until THIS day and will continue to live on through my son’s lives to grace another generation through endless days… There are no words that can do justice to your legacy. But this remembrance from my own father’s funeral fits your memory even better than my Dad’s…The song has ended, but the melody lingers on. You linger on John C Sykes….and you live in all of us…. Godspeed to you John C Sykes, Godspeed
Mr. Sykes will forever be in our hearts. He had a big impact on everyone’s life that he had contact with. He always instilled values as well as being our band teacher and that will never be forgotten.Go rest high on that mountain Mr. Sykes and please make them Set it up and do it again! God bless his family and prayers to each of you…
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Quite inspiring. Funny, through the years, whenever I’ve described to strangers what he was like, I just referred to him as the Vince Lombardi of Music.
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Like many great teachers, Mr. Sykes probably never knew the impact he had on his students’ lives. He changed my life – taught me if I worked hard enough at something, dreams do come true. My dream was to play the drums even though I was a girl. At the time, this was unusual. He said practice, practice, practice and I did. He was a wonderful mentor – he expected the best from us. He taught us to dream big. He made a huge difference in my life and I am so grateful I knew him. To his family, friends, and fellow band members — I am deeply sorry for your loss.
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Pris and John, George and I will be with you in spirit tomorrow! Our thoughts and prayers are with ya’ll! We love you!
Mr. Sykes was certainly a fine person, teacher and mentor. Of all the teachers I had during my school years, Mr. Sykes made the biggest impact. He was hard on the band and expected nothing but the best. We worked until those expectations were met…or exceeded. Little did we know back then how important those lessons were. Personally, I use the lessons taught by Mr. Sykes even now. What he instilled in us is something we will always use and never forget. I can’t imagine who or what I would be today without those lessons. Thank you Mr. Sykes. RIP. Bryon Atkinson RMSH Class of ’77.
I am so thankful for Mr. Sykes, Mr. Sykes was very deterimined, talented, organized and instilled discipline in us.We respected what Mr. Sykes said and when he spoke we listened. He showed us how we could be so much more when we worked hard and worked together for a Goal much larger than ourself. It is amazing when I look back at what Mr. Sykes was able to achieve with a bunch of teenagers . Mr. Sykes gave so much more than the job required, with Tuesday & Thursday Night Practices, Friday Night Games, Parades, Competition, Concerts and recording record albums, he gave it all and gave us wonderful memories to last a life time. I am so sorry for your loss, May God Bless You and Your Family! Fred Adams RMSH class of 1975
I am so saddened to hear of this news. Jay is in a better place, now. My thoughts and prayers are with you both, Pris and John, and I will pray for him and for the repose of his soul. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. With love, Chess Griffin
When I first knew of JC, he was one of those stars in the ECU Music School when my Tarboro HS Band Director took us there for clinics and contests…later, as a colleague of sorts when I moved to Rocky Mount and began teaching music in schools. When I was a band director in Wilson County, JC was my go-to for instrument repair and much needed advice on beginning band instruction. Then, for four very intense years, I was a band parent when my son, Michael was in his wonderful band program – they went all the way to the Nationals…and won! Our exchange student son, Yves deMatteis – from Switzerland, played cymbals…and fainted on the field on the first day of practice-all that heat and movement! JC was at the helm of one of the finest band programs I had ever seen – highest musical standards, showmanship, character development, organization and work ethic – for himself and his students. Such a mentor…so many stories..quite a personality. RIP, JC Sykes, a tough, gentle soul. With love to his family, Ellen Knox Tew
Dear Pris and John, I can only echo Jody’s words of love for Jay and both of you. You all have been so good to us Griffins for so many years. We will miss Jay and take comfort that he is now resting in a better place. May God bless you and give you peace. Love, Chuck
Dear Pris and John We will be with you in spirit tomorrow as you say a goodbye to Jay. He was a wonderful friend, husband and father. Our love to you all. A contribution to the Band will be done in his name. Love, Jody and Chuck and all the family
J.C. Sykes was an incredible teacher and had a tremendous impact on me.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Sykes. He and Mr. Woods were a great team and they really made band fun and exciting for us all. Thanks for the memories. Patricia Davis Lovett RMSH Class of 1975 The Marching Gryphons
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
I was sadden to hear of J.C.’s passing. He was definitely my mentor, repairman and friend. May he rest in peace. I will always keep his family in my prayers. James B. Parker
We were so saddened to learn of Jay’s passing, But, his contributions to so many students during his wonderful and giving career will surely be remembered, and rewarded in the hereafter. Our deepest sympathies go to Priscilla and John III. May Jay’s memories comfort you both for a lifetime! Most sincerely, Jean & Lou Orleman Sandwich, MA
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Sykes passing and I send my sincere condolences to the Sykes family. As band director at Rocky Mount Senior High School, Mr. John C. Sykes taught us to go for the gold. He loved to teach music, and he was always encouraging us to be the Best Band ever. I learned more about being a leader from Mr. Sykes and Mr. Charles Woods, than I did from any other institutions of learning. Even recently in leadership training, I recognized my two band directors and my Pastor, Dr. Bernard Grant, for how they influenced my life and challenged me in the area of leadership and excellence. Mr. Sykes continuously endeavored to motivate us to be the best we could be. He wasnt content with the best we thought we could be; he would push us beyond what we thought was possible. If you did not get it right, he would say, in a way that only he could say, A-Gain. He taught us to have personal responsibility for ourselves, our section and the success of the band. He also taught precision and attention to detail. Regardless to whether it was the way the musical score was played, the way the band marched on the field or the way we stood at attention waiting when we thought no one was watching, he expected excellence. My late brother, Wayne Puddin Davis (class of 71), was known for being an outstanding bass drummer, my older sister, Patricia Davis Lovette (class of 75), was Co-Color Guard Commander and I was the first female Drum Major, in the RMSH marching band (class of ’81). It was indeed a pleasure for all of us to work under his leadership. Now, many years later, I can say without a doubt, his influence helped me grow and be ready to accept the challenges ahead. Thank you Mr. Sykes. We all salute you, rest in peace. Michelle Davis Wiggins RMSH Marching Band, 1979-81
O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is done.. So many great memories, and too much appreciation to express. Mary Jo Williamson
I was so very sorry to hear of J, C.’s death. I remember well attending classes with him and hearing him play in the dance band at Roanoke Rapids High School, Pleas accept my sincere sympathy and condolences. Sandra Blackwell Boze RRHS Class of 1956
I was so sorry to hear the news from my parents about Mr. Sykes. He was one of my favorite teachers in high school, and I have so many happy memories from being in the marching band, wind ensemble, and jazz band! He did so much to help me on my way to a professional career in music, both as a performer and teacher. I have earned two masters and a doctorate in music, but I still look to Mr. Sykes as the standard by which my teaching, learning, and performing should be measured. We learned a lot from him during all those band practices about perseverance, dedication, perfection, and the drive to succeed, especially on those sweltering hot days in band camp. (Set it up again!) I hope somewhere in Heaven he knows how much he meant to his students, and that he inspired in us a desire to achieve great things that went above and beyond those short years in his classroom. We love you, Mr Sykes! Michele Clark (RMSH, 1984-1986)
We were so sorry to hear about Mr. Sykes’ passing. Our family thought so highly of him. Our daughter was in the RMSH band from 1984 to 1986. He was such a wonderful teacher and mentor to all of the students, and he did so much to encourage Michele in her musical studies. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Wayne and Rosalie Clark
Many prayers and blessings to the family, especially John C. Sykes III & Mrs. Sykes
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes
JC was one of the most important men in my life growing up. He was my band director from Jr. High through Sr. High at RMSHS. It was a tremendous blessing to have him in my life as a teacher, mentor and friend. He left behind a tremendous legacy of thousands of people whose lives were enriched by being under his guidance and care. I pray for God’s mercy and peace as you deal with this loss. Jim Middleton, Class of ’67
We are moved though a silence, A quite sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word. We may not understand, why our loved one left so soon. Why they left before we were ready to say goodbye. Little by little, we will began to remember not just that they died, but that they lived. That your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. During our grief, we need to lean on God, for comfort. One of the most comfort to me is Ps. 3418 Jehovah is near to those who are broken hearted, & those crushed in spirit, he saves.
Although I just today learned of his passing on Facebook, I needed to bid farewell to one of my favorite teachers, J.C. Sykes. Thank you, J.C. for your teaching, your mentoring, and your leadership. Although I didn’t follow through with a music career, you certainly contributed to my love of music. I will always treasure the day back in the 1990’s when I was passing through Rocky Mount and stopped by to chat with you. God bless you and the loved ones that you left behind. I know you must be enjoying the music in heaven! David Stevenson- Class of ’69 RMSHS Portsmouth, VA
You were the BEST band teacher ever! I became a teacher and often remember the fun times during marching band, color guard practice, The Mardi Gras trip and your laughter in class! God bless your family. You impacted a lot of RMSH students like me! Class of 1978
Lit a candle in memory of John Collins Sykes