I just saw this obituary when I googled CJ. So sorry to hear of his passing. C.J. Shibly was my best friend growing up in southeast Denver. I went to Ellis Elementary School with him. He went to UNC after high school and I went to CSU. C.J. formed a dixieland band in 1967 called the Bourbon Street Brew. I played drums in that band and we toured various Shakey's Pizza Parlors in the Denver area all summer. Our last gig as the Bourbon Street Brew was a New Years Eve 1967 event in Winter Park. I played in a group in Ft. Collins and our trumpet player was unable to play on New Years Eve in 1970. C.J. joined our group for that gig, and that was the last time we played together. We lost touch with each other when I moved to California after college. He was a very special friend. Godspeed C.J. Shibly.
I often wondered what happened to C.J. He was my marching teacher at Newton many moons ago. I loved when he'd get a trombone and just jam on it. He was one of a kind and a genuine person. Although I haven't seen him in years he's always been close to my heart. I've often spoken about him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Melissa
I taught at Isaac Newton Jr. High for 5 years with CJ, Gary Brady & Dot Buckley. We've all stayed in touch all these years & my husband Dutch & I have always made sure that we all got together every time we came to Denver since we moved to Minneapolis. We all had a great lunch 2 years ago, & reminisced about our wild times skiing when we were young. CJ & I loved the green chili at the Family Bar so I invited CJ over to taste my first attempt at making green chili. I had all the correct ingredients & my chili tasted & looked like the restaurant's chili. We'd planned to go skiing with Gary the next morning when CJ called at 6am & yelled "what did you put in the chili? I've been in the bathroom all night & my ass is on fire! I said "me too"! We discovered that I had put all of the hottest jalapenos in my chili when I should have put in 95% regular green chilies & 5% jalapenos. Sadly we had to call Gary & cancel our ski day while CJ & I spent the weekend in our bathrooms. We'll have wonderful memories forever because CJ & Gary played at our wedding & reception 46 years ago. CJ got the giggles & soon we were all giggling during our dignified ceremony. He was the best friend in the world. He was such a talented musician & the favorite teacher at Newton by all his students. I'm so glad we got to see him 2 years ago! I love him & miss him already. He is gone too soon, but I know he's leading the band & bringing joy to all those in Heaven. Every time you see a rainbow you'll know CJ is watching over you. Farewell my dear friend. Tootie & Dutch Shults
C.J. was my best memory of my years at Isaac Newton. He always made band class so much fun. The matching band was awesome. I remember matching thru the streets by Newton most mornings. What a proud group we were. Thank you C.J for all the memories. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to you family, friends and former students.
Cj was the most unique person that has ever entered my life. Not just as a musician but as a sports fan and a friend. He was a Jazz Cat to the core!! Love and Miss you!!
C.J. was one of the most inspiring band directives I ever had. His enthusiasm and commitment we’re second to none. The record we made for Jazz Band and concert band was truly a great experience.
My deepest condolences. He was my marching band director at Isaac Newton Jr High 81-83. We won state 2 years them came in 2nd the 3 rd year. We were upset we didn't take 1st place again. Mr. Shibly taught us how to be gracious and happy for others. And nobody is #1 forever. This lesson shaped me in many ways. Thank you Mr Shibly for being exactly who you were. At 50 I still remember you well.
CJ came into our lives thru Isaac Newton Jr High where two of our children were in marching band and Jazz band. His enthusiasm was overwhelming and sooo enjoyable. We had the privilege of having him in our home and had so much fun listening to his stories. Thank you CJ for sharing yourself and being such a good listener as well. God bless you. God is waiting for you to lead his choir! Love, Fred and Jeani
I wish to express my sincere sympathy to your family as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort knowing that, “God is our refuge and strength, a helper that is readily found in time of distresses.” – Psalm 46:1
I was thinking about the time when Newton Jr. High band was at a UNC or CSU football game after a competition and the college cheerleaders came over to us and taught us to cheer, "Sh&t! G&ddamn!, Get Off Your A&s and Jamn!" CJ got up from the front row and yelled to us, "And I want to hear it!" I was also thinking about the time we won the Golden City marching parade competition because we were so large we covered the entire hill descending to the judges booth. I was also thinking of the time He put his arm around my shoulder after his kangaroo court school board hearing. I was ready to tell him these stories at our next band luncheon when five minutes later I read the Email, and wept. I'm looking for my vinyl record of the Newton concert band, and will bring it when we get together again. Gary, you know how you and CJ impacted our lives. I'll see you at the service...