{"id":154729,"date":"2026-01-12T17:34:49","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T23:34:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/?p=154729"},"modified":"2026-01-14T10:47:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T16:47:11","slug":"the-final-encore-for-a-true-renaissance-man-oxford-says-goodbye-to-jeff-callaway-february-20-1963-january-10-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/the-final-encore-for-a-true-renaissance-man-oxford-says-goodbye-to-jeff-callaway-february-20-1963-january-10-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Final Encore for a True Renaissance Man: Oxford Says Goodbye to Jeff Callaway (February 20, 1963\u2013January 10, 2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Local Voice<\/strong> is incredibly sad to hear of the passing of our longtime friend Jeff Callaway<\/strong>, a legend in the Mississippi <\/strong>music scene. It is hard to remember a time when we didn’t know Jeff, as he has been a giant among mortals for decades in Oxford<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeff was voted “Oxford’s Favorite Horn Player” in our yearly Townies Awards<\/strong> nearly every year of the last two decades. Jeff was also featured in our publication multiple times, including two covers of The Local Voice<\/em> newspaper, issue number #76<\/strong> (March 19-April 2, 2009) and issue #180<\/strong> (May 16-30, 2013). Publisher Newt Rayburn<\/strong> shot photo sessions and videos with Jeff Callaway many times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The list of bands that Jeff played with is long and seemingly never ending. It will take a long time to complete that list. Jeff was known for playing with many bands over the years, including Kudzu Kings<\/strong>, The Hemptones<\/strong>, The Pride of the South <\/strong>Marching <\/strong>Band, the Ole Miss Alumni Band<\/strong>, Ole Miss Wind Ensemble<\/strong>, The Collegians<\/strong>, Sincere Ramblers, Enigma Jazz Project, Prohibition Jazz Band<\/strong>, The Neckbones<\/strong>, The Supernatural<\/strong>, Taylor Grocery Band<\/strong>, Blue Mountain<\/strong>, Dent May<\/strong>, John Hiatt, The Actual Tigers, Dead Fingers, Los Buddies<\/strong>, Delta Krauts<\/strong>, The Soul Tones<\/strong>, KC Ray<\/strong>, The Yallobushwackers<\/strong>, Wobitty<\/strong>, and Afrissippi<\/strong>, among many, many others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following is Jeff Callaway’s obituary and as many remembrances, testimonies, photographs, and videos as we could gather in a day or so since his death. A visitation will be held at Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chape<\/strong>l in Bruce, <\/strong>Mississippi, on January 13, 2026, at 1:00 pm. A funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm with Brother Fish Robinson<\/strong> officiating, where friends and family are invited to celebrate his life and legacy. A memorial gathering will be held at Proud Larry’s<\/strong> in Oxford on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 5\u20137 pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A memorial gathering for Jeff Callaway will be held at Proud Larry’s in Oxford on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 5\u20137 pm. Poster by Anne Scott Barrett.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A memorial gathering for Jeff Callaway will be held at Proud Larry’s in Oxford on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 5\u20137 pm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Obituary: Jeffrey Callaway (February 20, 1963\u2013January 10, 2026)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jeff Callaway<\/strong>, musician and educator, passed away on January 10, 2026, at the age of 62. Born on February 20, 1963, in Jackson, Mississippi<\/strong>, Jeff led a life rich in music performance, teaching, and working in the restaurant industry. Jeff moved as a child with his family to Starkville<\/strong>, Mississippi, where his father continued his education at Mississippi State University<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeff’s life was a reflection of one of his favorite book series, The Lord of the Rings<\/em>, where J.R.R. Tolkien<\/strong> reminds us that “All who wander are not lost.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After his 1981 graduation from Starkville High School<\/strong>, Jeff began his academic career at Mississippi State University. After his sophomore year, Jeff transferred to the University of Mississippi<\/strong> and began work on a degree in music education. His successful undergrad tenure included outstanding work with all the elements of the Ole Miss<\/strong> music department, but especially The Mississippians<\/strong> jazz band, where he was often a featured player. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the way, Jeff was also principal trombone in the Ole Miss Wind Ensemble<\/strong>, section leader, and Drum Major of The Pride of the South <\/strong>Marching Band. Always a creative person, Jeff developed not only his jazz improvisatory skills but also began to dabble in music arranging for various mediums, including marching band and trombone ensemble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A variety of graduate school experiences followed his 1986 Ole Miss graduation. Stops included Henderson State, VanderCook College of Music<\/strong>, and then a return to Oxford <\/strong>and Ole Miss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

His stay in Chicago <\/strong>at VanderCook was especially meaningful when he landed a dual job at the Hyatt-Regency<\/strong> “Big Bar<\/strong>,” where he tended bar but was also part of a select band that would put down their barware, grab their horns, and entertain those assembled with a variety of jazz and funk selections. It was during this time that Jeff really polished his instrumental skills that were to benefit him for the rest of his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeff briefly taught Band in Philadelphia <\/strong>and Batesville <\/strong>and was a fixture with high school and community college bands around the state during summer pre-school preparations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, playing was his first love, and he found himself in Oxford as an in-demand player. Through the years, he was regularly seen locally and around the state, fronting his own band, sitting in with others, and eventually self-publishing his CD of original music, That Was the Mo\u2019tet<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was seen with such prestigious performers as Marty Stuart<\/strong> and Dan Akroyd<\/strong>. He could also be heard on MPB’s Thacker Mountain Radio,<\/strong> working studio gigs in Memphis <\/strong>and Jackson, Capital City Stage Band<\/strong>, and the Dee Barton Jazz Orchestra<\/strong>. Of special significance to him was his contributions to the Russell Experience<\/strong> with their annual performances for the Black Congressional Caucus in Washington, DC<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeff was an indelible part of Oxford culture. Those who knew him and played with him continually sang his praises as a consummate artist and passionate friend. His impact on the cultural scene of Oxford will long be remembered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to his musical pursuits, Jeff worked as a cook at two restaurants, Volta Taverna<\/strong> in Oxford and The Crawdad Hole<\/strong> in Water Valley<\/strong>. His passions extended beyond music and cooking; he had a unique flair for graphic design, blending his creative interests seamlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeff was known for his encouraging words to others, his fountain of knowledge on various topics, his deep passions, and for being a true friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is survived by his loving sister, Amy (Timothy) McCauley<\/strong>, who will cherish the memories of their time together. Jeffrey was preceded in death by his father, Robert A. Callaway<\/strong>, and his mother, Charlene Watkins Callaway<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A visitation will be held at Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chape<\/strong>l in Bruce, <\/strong>Mississippi, on January 13, 2026, at 1:00 pm. A funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm with Brother Fish Robinson<\/strong> officiating, where friends and family are invited to celebrate his life and legacy. A brief graveside service will follow. He will be laid to rest at 474 Hwy 9N, Bruce, MS 38915. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeff will be deeply missed by all who knew him and will live on in the hearts of those he inspired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made to either the Lafayette Animal Shelter<\/strong>, or the Oxford City Farmer’s Market<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Click here to see all Jeff Callaway articles currently online at The Local Voice.<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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See also: “An Interview with Local Musician Jeff Callaway” – The Local Voice #76, March 19, 2009. Photographs by Newt Rayburn.<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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See also: “Sideman No More: Jeff Callaway Showcases Songwriting with New Stage Show, Solo Record” by Tom Speed – The Local Voice #180, May 16-30, 2013. Photographs by Newt Rayburn.<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The cover of The Local Voice #76 newspaper, March 19-April 2, 2009, featuring Jeff Callaway. Photograph and artwork by Newt Rayburn. To read the interview with Jeff Callaway, click here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a>
The cover of The Local Voice #180 newspaper, May 16-30, 2013, featuring Jeff Callaway. Photograph and artwork by Newt Rayburn. To read “Sideman No More: Jeff Callaway Showcases Songwriting with New Stage Show, Solo Record” by Tom Speed, click here.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\""Jeff<\/a>
“Jeff Callaway gave me this picture framed up for Christmas one year. He said something to the effect of ‘here\u2019s your Dick Waterman pic.’ I joked that he perfectly captured my irritation of an E minor chord. This was taken at Proud Larry\u2019s during Jeff\u2019s singer song writer show he\u2019d put together. I was fortunate enough to work with Jeff and to become dear friends with him. In fact, he is the first person to ever pay me for studio work. What Dick captured in that photo, was a class act that had played music with an actual Ghostbuster. It\u2019s just in front of him was an irritable guitar player who, for some reason, was mad at E minor. I love you and miss you buddy!” – Nick Spiller, Photograph by Dick Waterman. Left to right: Nick Spiller, Jeff Callaway, and Jason Ball.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n