Jim Vukovich, Reowned Broadway Music director has passed away. Let’s see more details about Jim in the following text.
What happened to Jim Vukovich?
James Vukovich, age 61, of Castle Rock, Colorado passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023. He is a Musician, recording artist, conductor, arranger, composer, and musical director.
His friend Frank Canino posted a message on social media. It says
R.I.P. Jim Vukovich – a truly talented musician and extremely unique personality. I heard he had a stroke last year but I don’t know any other details of his passing.
Laurel Land paid tributes through Social Media. It says,
My friend of more than 40 years, Jim Vukovich passed away last night. I will miss his charm, humor, and his incredible talent. Rest in peace, my friend.
This is devastating news for his friends and family. As soon as the News came out, Friends and Families are pouring condolence on Social Media.
Cause of death
It is a comfort to know that Jim passed peacefully in his sleep on March 20, 2023, while being cared for at the Porter Hospice in Centennial Colorado where he received the kindest of care. Jim is survived by his brothers Mark Schreiber of Castle Rock, CO, and Blake Nahf (Dawn) of Beach Park, IL, Nieces, and nephews: Shannon Ramey, Jeffrey Scheribel (Jennifer), Angela Garcia Scheribel (Charlie), Nathan Scheribel (Chula), Blake J. Nahf (Lyndsay), Cody Nahf (Heather), and Justin Nahf and many great nieces and nephews, and also Sue Scheribel.
A virtual memorial will be held for Jim on April 1. For more information, email [email protected] and a link will be sent to you. Jim’s friends request any donations in his name be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OlingerAndrews.com for the Vukovich family.
About Jim Vukovich
Jim Vukovich was born on September 6, 1961, in Waukegan, Illinois, USA. He was an actor and composer, known for Live to Tell: The First Gay Prom in America (1995), Lou Rawls Parade of Stars (1980), and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962). He died on March 20, 2023, in Castle Rock, Colorado, USA.
Jim’s theatrical credits include the Broadway national tours of Hairspray and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Whistle Down the Wind, as well as the Broadway productions of The Wedding Singer and Hot Feet: The Music of Earth, Wind & Fire. He also musically directed numerous tours and regional theater productions including Beehive, Twist, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame among many others.
Music Career Journey
Jim began his fascination with music at an early age, plunking out Sunday School tunes on the family piano in Waukegan, Illinois. By age 8 he was also playing trumpet while listening to his mother’s favorite recording artists on a record player in the basement. Greats like Aretha, Al Green, Eta James, and The 5th Dimension began to shape his musical style. In the 80s Jim headed to Los Angeles and became an Arista Records recording artist and staff writer recording under the duo Fire On Blonde.
He also began touring with artists like The Pointer Sisters, Rita Coolidge, Dionne Warwick, Freda Payne, Barry Manilow, David Foster, and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. of The 5th Dimension. But it was in pop/rock musicals that Jim truly hit his stride as a musical director and mentor to up-and-coming talent. In his later years, Jim accepted a position at Houston Community College as the head of musical theater. He continued musical directing local productions, many at Houston’s famous Theater Under the Stars.
Obituary
A masterful artist with exceptional technique and the kind of feel for soulful music that you just can’t teach. Such were the wonderful talents of musician, recording artist, conductor, arranger, composer, and musical director Jim Vukovich.
It was an extraordinary life that took Jim from classical concert halls to recording studios, Broadway theaters, and even Top of the Pops in London, each stop affording him deep and lasting lifelong friendships that he cherished. There is no doubt that Jim was taken from his friends and family too soon, but there is also no doubt that he lived his musical ambitions to the fullest, highest level, creating brilliant work and sharing his gifts with us all.
Social Media Tributes
Kyla Grogan Posted
Took the day to organize my dear friend’s memorial service today. So proud to have shared a stage with him and called him a friend.
Jacob Rodigruez Commented
I like to think of friends who have passed away as shooting stars. Rather than make a wish for yourself, what do you think your friend would have wished for? If possible, would you make the wish come true? Thanks for sharing this significant loss of a friend. I’ll be hopeful as you are that his family & friends find peace with his departure from this earth.
Denise Laws Posted
I’m still trying to process Jimmy’s passing. It’s hard to believe that such an incredibly talented, handsome friend has left this earth. RIP Jimmy. Love and miss you forever.
Richard Martinez Posted
I was sad to hear that my friend, pianist, and music director, Jim Vukovich passed away. Here’s a bit of fun with Billy Barty in Bentonville, Arkansas. RIP Jim.
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