Jay Curlee: A Life Well Lived

Jay Curlee

1951-2023

Jay Curlee was one of the good ones. He survived cancer once, and enjoyed many more great adventures with his wife, Susan James, while in remission. To our great sorrow, the cancer came back, and we lost him on Monday, May 22, 2023.

But he had the most amazing send-off. Friends and family called, sent messages, and stopped by the house to say goodbye, play a few songs, or recall old memories with Jay – and most of all, to tell him how much he has meant to all of us.

A writer/producer/videographer throughout his life, Jay was always where the action was. He chronicled it all and brought us great joy by sharing amazing footage from the award-winning Rocking the Boat documentary about Delbert McClinton’s Sandy Beaches Cruises to the recently completed Ballad of Donn’s Depot, the story of one of Austin’s oldest continuously operating bars and music venues. As the official videographer for the Sandy Beaches Cruises, he filmed early performances by young artists such as Chris Stapleton and Lukas Nelson, as well as some of the final performances of Stephen Bruton, Lari White, Donnie Fritts and other legends. At Jerry Jeff Walker’s request, Jay videotaped him singing one of the last songs he wrote, “Right Here in the Moment Life Just Handed Me.”

As a freelance videographer in recent years, coupled with his medical and living expenses since the pandemic, Jay and Susan are struggling financially. He and Susan have been such a good friend to all of us, and we can help to defray some of their expenses by donating to the “Jay Curlee Life Well Lived” fund. Much thanks to those of you who have already contributed and sent kind notes to Jay and Susan.

When Jay learned that his cancer had returned, he and Susan trekked out to Santa Fe , New Mexico, for a big family reunion including kids, grandkids, in-laws, ex-in-laws, first wife/mother of his children and more. He shot the 2023 Sandy Beaches Cruise, played in the Rex Parade on Mardi Gras Day and took a 1300 mile road trip with Susan to fulfill some of the items on his “to do” list. He played saxophone regularly with his band, Grouchy Like Riley, at Donn’s and, most of all, fulfilled his mission, as he said, “to live life to its max – that has always been the plan. Long before cancer.”

Jay is survived by his wife, Susan; his two children, Julia and Sam; five grandchildren, Ward, Bekah, Liam, Lilianna and Mara; and more good friends than we could begin to list here. A memorial celebration of his life is being planned. Details are forthcoming.

In the meantime, please raise a glass and take a moment to enjoy a few links to Jay’s work, posted below, listen to some good music, and remember the good times along with us.

Thank you,

Wendy Goldstein

Nancy Coplin

Diana Finlay Hendricks

Kathy Schmitt

Sandy Beaches Cruise 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTbt1MKIAdA

Delbert McClinton: “Why Me,” SBC 2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8YM6tAqGm8

Delbert & Glen: “I Ain’t Old/Whoever Said It Was Easy” SBC 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyE-QmEfRBk

Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps: “Dance” SBC 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klch2INgySo

Stephen Bruton: “Trip Around The Sun” SBC 2012 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No_NnUwBMW0

Lucas Nelson: “You Were Always On My Mind” 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MvILFz1FHk

Sandy Beaches Cruise Montages – Through The Years https://sandybeachescruises.com/media/videos/

Delbert McClinton outtakes – 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKi3qpULCZk

A Segment from “Rocking The Boat” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c4ggMemAuMThank you,