James Richard (J. R) Getches né Goetcheus ~ 1975
Departed ~ 4/11/22
Babette Trout Dammon lovingly wrote:
Hi David. I haven’t seen a posting for the passing of J. R. Getches (originally Goetcheus). Here is an obituary I found and also a tribute to him by The Charleston City paper. JR was a freshman when I was a senior (’72) and was in YIs.
James Richard Getches (né Goetcheus)
September 21, 1957 ~ April 11, 2022 (age 64)
Obituary
James Richard “J.R.” Getches (né Goetcheus) died on April 11, 2022, at his home in Houston, Texas. He was 64 years old. At his bedside were his wife, Christina Stewart; his mother, Martha Anders and his stepfather Ben Anders; his sisters Cyndi Goetcheus Sarfan and Susan L. Goetcheus; and his brother Scott Goetcheus.
J.R. was born in Fort Lewis, Washington on September 21, 1957. The firstborn child of an Army helicopter pilot, he traveled the world, living in Germany, on several Army bases stateside, and in Bangkok, Thailand. In Thailand in the early 70’s, J.R. played cornet in the Young Internationals, where his early love for performing first took root. But J.R.’s life was truly and forever transformed when he discovered Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix inspired J.R. to teach himself to play guitar and the rest, as they say, is history. J.R. spent endless hours during his teenage years with guitar in hand, listening to music, more often than not splayed out on the floor riffing away. From the days of his first garage band, J.R. spent the rest of his life honing his guitar skills. J.R. was a truly gifted and accomplished guitar player whose guitar acumen simply cannot be overstated. Ultimately, he became a highly respected musician, singer and songwriter who shared his talents generously and connected easily with other musicians as a collaborator as well as a mentor and teacher.
At 14, J.R. moved with his family from Bangkok to Newport News, Virginia. J.R. attended Menchville High School, where he excelled academically, played basketball and served as student body president. He graduated from Menchville in 1975. J.R. maintained relationships with many of his high school friends throughout his life.
After high school, J.R. attended the University of Virginia where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He studied engineering briefly before falling in love with the theater department. During his time at U.VA. he also studied in Paris, where he became (mostly) fluent in French, learned to mime (when it was actually pretty cool do so) and enjoyed earning extra money busking on the Paris streets. Upon his return to Charlottesville, J.R. continued in the theater program and was a founding member of The Motive, a local band with a strong following on campus and in the community. J.R. would go on to play with many bands and other musical groups in and around Charlottesville. J.R. graduated from U.Va. with a theater and French degree and was a proud Wahoo for all of his days.
Shortly after his college graduation and uncertain about what one does with a theater and French degree, J.R. taught himself a variety of computer programming languages. As with J.R.’s musical skills, J.R.’s computer skills opened many doors for him, ultimately taking him to London, New York City, Los Angeles, Charleston and Colorado Springs for work. Notwithstanding his gainful daytime employment, J.R. continued to pursue his musical life, playing with Native Tongue, Venus for Breakfast and other groups in New York City; with Bette Williams, Flowers and The Cages in Los Angeles; and with Smoking the Ghost, MacDaddy, Satellite Rodeo, the Louie D. Project and others in Charleston. J.R.’s musical skills took him to stages around the world, from St. Petersburg, Russia, to Las Vegas, Central America and many other locations.
A very talented and creative photographer, J.R. was known for his sweeping landscapes, beautiful nature shots and his unique ability to capture the true soul of his portrait subjects. J.R. was also a talented videographer and director, known to create compelling and moving music videos for his own bands and for other performers. For several years, J.R. was the photographer for the Charleston City Ballet, capturing dramatic images that reflected his lifelong appreciation of dance. His wonderful images were displayed in exhibits in Charleston and Houston. J.R. was also an entrepreneur, screenwriter and web designer.
J.R deeply loved all creatures great and small. He was a rescuer of birds, snakes and turtles, as well as the owner of many exotic pets throughout his lifetime. On numerous occasions, J.R. stopped his car, risking life and limb, to rescue an imperiled turtle in the road. He had a very special love for guinea pigs. J.R. was also at times an alligator wrangler and rattlesnake catcher. He was a good hearted but fierce competitor who was basically unbeatable at Scrabble and a master at the game of Balderdash. He was a lover of black leather jackets, which he donned even to join his father for a round of golf, perhaps to his father’s dismay. He was a man who not only habitually gave money to the homeless on the streets of the big cities he called home, but who did so with genuine warmth and respect for each soul he encountered. J.R. was exceptionally funny, with a wry quick wit. J.R. never forgot to send birthday greetings to his siblings nor flowers to his mother on her birthday.
In October 2021, J.R. was diagnosed with infrarenal aortic Angiosarcoma, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. Following his diagnosis, J.R. and Christina moved to Houston to receive treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Throughout his difficult cancer treatment, J.R. faced every set back and every challenge with his customary good humor and tenacity. He was incredibly kind to every person involved in his treatment, whether a doctor, nurse or cafeteria employee, always expressing his gratitude and offering his warm smile to those with whom he interacted, for whatever task was performed. When J.R.’s nurse practitioner told J.R. that he was out of treatment options and had very little time left, J.R. said to her, “May I give you a hug? I know this is very hard for you.”
The cancer that took J.R. from us was cruel and those of us who love him so very much are heartbroken by his loss. But as we remember J.R., let us also remember that he was a lucky man. He lived on his own terms. He allowed himself the time and space and freedom to pursue his passions with his whole heart and to give generously to his friends and family. In the last part of his life while in Charleston, J.R. met and married Christina. A few years later he purchased and settled into the beautiful home they both loved in Pueblo, Colorado, where they were living at the time of his diagnosis. He was so proud to be a homeowner at last.
After his diagnosis, J.R. was showered with messages of love, admiration and memories from a multitude of amazing and true friends around the world. Many of his closest friends rushed to his side and in his last days, enveloped him in beautiful music and words of love. So many people from so many places and times in his life came to his aid with their contributions and kindness. J.R was grateful for the generosity and love he received in his final months and throughout his life. He was amongst the fortunate few who left this world knowing how truly loved he is. His was a life well-lived.
J.R. is survived by his wife Christina Stewart and her daughter, Camille; his mother, Martha Bastin Anders, who deserves so much credit and admiration for the beautiful human she raised and gave to the world; his step-father John B. (Ben) Anders and step-mother Genevieve Lane; his siblings Cyndi Goetcheus Sarfan, Susan L. Goetcheus and Scott Goetcheus; his brother-in-law Richard Marshall; his step-brothers Vance Lane and his wife Suzi, Jay Anders and his wife Susie, Nicholas Anders; and his step-sister Corinne Anders; his nieces Matilda Marshall and Lucy Marshall; and his nephews Harry Marshall, Ryan Sarfan and Austin Sarfan. J.R. was predeceased by his father, Lt. Col. (ret.) James Richard Goetcheus.
Memorial Services and Celebrations of Life will be held in Charleston in May and in Raleigh in June.
The family suggests that donations in J.R.’s honor be made to any of the following organizations: The World Wildlife Fund (worldwildlife.org), the Red Wolf Coalition (redwolves.com), The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org), The Angiosarcoma Project (cureasc.org) or any other organization that helps animals or people in need (local homeless shelters, for example).
Remembering J.R. Getches, a kind Charleston soul
by Debbie Hall
April 19, 2022
J.R. Getches | Photo courtesy of Christina Getches.
It’s not often you meet someone who manifests all that is good in human beings, but I was fortunate to meet such a person. I was connected with J.R. Getches while working on a fundraiser. He was kind enough to share his wisdom and time with somebody he’d never met and owed nothing to. I considered him a friend afterwards, but I think J.R. was a friend to everyone. J.R. was a staple of the Lowcountry Blues Society, played with various bands including The Louis D Project and MacDaddy, and was a gifted guitarist, singer and songwriter. J.R. was also well-versed in martial arts, which may have contributed to his Zen master ways.
J.R. was also a prolific photographer. He observed the divine in the ordinary. Whether his subject was human, animal or landscapes, his signature-style is exquisite, ethereal and soothing. And because J.R. didn’t do anything halfway, his art was exhibited at the Charleston City Gallery and he was a valued member of the Charleston Artist Guild.
J.R. left a distinctive and indelible mark with his artistic gifts, and he accomplished a lot, but his biggest impact was not what he did, but who he was. Have you ever met anyone that not a single soul has a negative word to say about? J.R. was that person. He was kind to every living being.
He was the guy who would stop to rescue a baby squirrel that fell out of a tree. He was the guy that found the good in everything and everyone.
DEBBIE HALL
In tributes from J.R.‘s friends, old and more recent, a consistent theme emerged: J.R. was a teacher, a student, a mentor, a friend, a collaborator, an inventor, a guide. He was patient with those who needed that and an inspiration to those who needed that. Despite any differences in politics, socioeconomics, background, race or religion, J.R. found a way to connect with everyone he met. You’re a Trumper? You’re Antifa? You’re famous? You’re homeless? You’re Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, atheist? It didn’t matter to J.R.. He treated every sentient being with respect. He had a unique ability to not only see one’s humanity, no matter how deeply it might be buried, but to nurture it so it rose to the top. J.R. was easy to be around and made everyone a better person.
Sadly, J.R. left this dimension on April 11 after a six-month battle with epithelioid angiosarcoma. He was in so much pain that my only solace in his departure is he didn’t have to endure it for years.
Focus on J.R. Getches
A Bio of J.R. Getches, by Scott Bucholtz:
These Bio’s are supposed to be brief. J.R. Getches has a resume of experience that is anything but brief. The more I talk to him, the more I shake my head in disbelief. Who else in the Lowcountry Blues Club has played side by side with B.B. King? (he even had the opportunity to play the REAL Lucille). Who has toured Russia with Steve Vai? By the way, Steve Vai was the opening act for J.R.’s band! Who else in the blues club has been on the cover of Billboard magazine? Had his picture in Rolling Stone? Get this: he’s even had a #1 selling children’s song (check out his full length children’s’ CD “Julie the Starfish & Other Lullabies” on Amazon.com or iTunes) . Should I continue? He has composed ballet for the Princeton Ballet and the Annabelle Gonzalez Dance Theatre (which was reviewed in the NY Times). He has contributed the theme song to a PBS special. He’s recorded with a variety of groups on about a half dozen different major record labels. In addition to these exploits, he’s toured Central America, Asia and Europe. Oh yeah: He’s an accomplished photographer and he started Celebrity Wake-Up Call with The Pamela Anderson. Do I still have room for any details?
As the son of a career Army officer, he was born in Fort Lewis, Washington which was just one of the many, many posts in the U.S. and abroad. It was high school before he attended the same school two years in a row. He started playing electric guitar a week before his 13th birthday while on vacation in Penang, Malaysia. Why? He heard Jimi Hendrix ‘Band of Gypsies’ roaring out of a pirate record store. He instantly bought the album and a cassette tape and played it non-stop for several days. He received a Mosrite electric for his birthday and never stopped playing. He sat in his room with ‘Band of Gypsies’, Santana’s ‘Abraxas’, and Led Zeppelin’s first couple of records and tried to learn all the licks. Sound familiar? (with the exception of the Malaysian part!) Note: Years later, J.R. had the opportunity to hang out and also perform with Band Of Gypsies drummer Buddy Miles (on bass was none other than Stanley Jordan).
He heard about the Blues Club via word-of-mouth and dropped by a ‘Dough’ jam about two years ago. He keeps coming back because he loves the energy. He also identified what we all hope to feel: the validation that can only come from a room full of your peers. The Lowcountry Blues Club can certainly provide that.
Obviously, his influences and inspirations are Hendrix, Santana and Zeppelin (a Holy Trinity?). He also mentions Sly & The Family Stone, James Brown, ZZ Top, The Allman Brothers, Humble Pie, Mott The Hoople, Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. When you see him play with The Louie D Project, you’ll see him utilize all of these influences. You’ll probably even be able to identify them but you will marvel at how he manages to use them to construct an original sound and style that is uniquely J.R. Getches. Today, he says his favorites are The Black Crowes, Ravi Shankar and Peter Gabriel. Ravi Shankar? I’ll bet you haven’t heard that name in a while… That might explain some of the other-worldly sounds that J.R. can create!
Currently, he has been in Charleston Sound Studios working on a full length CD of dance and party tunes (among other surprises) with the Louie D Project. He shared a rough mix of the lead track with me. It’s a super-hot track named “Don’t Take Sand To The Beach”. I can’t wait to hear the rest! He’s also writing some new children’s music projects and scoring films and videos.
Some of his favorites for jamming are ‘Comfortably Numb’ by Pink Floyd, ‘Dear Prudence’ by The Beatles, ‘My Prerogative’ by Bobbie Brown, ‘Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers’ by ZZ Top, ‘Dreams’ by The Allman Brothers, ‘Frankenstein’ by The Edgar Winter Group. If you ask him who his favorite Blues Club jammers are, he’ll wisely say: “There are so many, but Dan Wright, Sarah Cole, and Allyson Taylor”.
His band resume includes the following: Back in Virginia: The Motive, and The Projects. In New York: Native Tongue, Venus For Breakfast, Soluble Fish, The Poppies (CBS Records), Christine Lavine (Rounder Records). In Los Angeles: Flowers, The Bette Williams Band (Euphoria Records), Humble Servants of The Groove, The Patrick Dennis Band (Curb Records). Charleston, SC: Flyin’ Blind, Mac Daddy, Partymouth, Kurt Ginsberg, Smoking The Ghost, The Bad Signs and The Louie D Project.
I highly recommend taking advantage of any opportunity to not only see/hear him play but, if possible, pick his brain. I see him as the “Yoda” of our Blues Club. He and I were recently discussing what it is like to return to performing after having been away for an extended period. We agreed on the fact that you really do appreciate it more after being away. The increase in clarity and focus is surprising.
Our discussions were reminiscent of an interview I recently read with Warren Haynes of the The Allman Brothers, “It’s cliché’ to say, but I’ve said several times and a lot of people have said the same thing; a musician can walk onstage and physically feel bad, have a temperature of 103 or something, and as soon as you walk onstage and start playing music and feeling the wave of energy, you start feeling better in a very healing way. I think music has healing properties. If you walk onstage feeling good, you’re going to feel even better. It’s pretty amazing. And again, it sounds kind of stupid to say, but I really believe in the healing power of music.” As he says: “I don’t know that I could live among people without music”.
While it’s trite, it’s true: music really is magical. To be able to say that I’ve shared a stage with J.R. is exciting. I feel like I’ve been touched by greatness. I have certainly heard and felt it. Can you think of a better prescription? I can see you shaking your head too!
This weekend you can catch J.R. with the Louie D Project downtown Saturday night at The Brick. As always, there is a plethora of great live entertainment this weekend. Shovels and Rope is at The Tin Roof Thursday night. Sarah Cole and The Hawkes are at Loggerheads on Folly Thursday and at New Moon Pizzeria & Pub on Friday. Plane Jane will be at Wild Wings in N. Charleston on Friday. Mac Leaphart will be at the Charleston Pour House Saturday. Also on Saturday, Johnny Mac and the BootyRanch will be at Jimbo’s Rock Lounge. Check out my friends in Fowler’s Mustache Sunday night at The Windjammer. Next Tuesday, you can find Shaniqua Brown open for Pile at The Tin Roof. Finally, I will be with The Mason Dixon Band at Birdie & Sharon’s in Walterboro Friday and Saturday night (Feb 18 & 19). This weekend we have special guest JoJo Wall sitting in on Harp. Come check us out!
Scott Bucholtz
Remembering J.R. Getches, a kind Charleston soul
by Debbie Hall
April 19, 2022
J.R. Getches | Photo courtesy of Christina Getches.
It’s not often you meet someone who manifests all that is good in human beings, but I was fortunate to meet such a person. I was connected with J.R. Getches while working on a fundraiser. He was kind enough to share his wisdom and time with somebody he’d never met and owed nothing to. I considered him a friend afterwards, but I think J.R. was a friend to everyone. J.R. was a staple of the Lowcountry Blues Society, played with various bands including The Louis D Project and MacDaddy, and was a gifted guitarist, singer and songwriter. J.R. was also well-versed in martial arts, which may have contributed to his Zen master ways.
J.R. was also a prolific photographer. He observed the divine in the ordinary. Whether his subject was human, animal or landscapes, his signature-style is exquisite, ethereal and soothing. And because J.R. didn’t do anything halfway, his art was exhibited at the Charleston City Gallery and he was a valued member of the Charleston Artist Guild.
J.R. left a distinctive and indelible mark with his artistic gifts, and he accomplished a lot, but his biggest impact was not what he did, but who he was. Have you ever met anyone that not a single soul has a negative word to say about? J.R. was that person. He was kind to every living being.
He was the guy who would stop to rescue a baby squirrel that fell out of a tree. He was the guy that found the good in everything and everyone.
DEBBIE HALL
In tributes from J.R.‘s friends, old and more recent, a consistent theme emerged: J.R. was a teacher, a student, a mentor, a friend, a collaborator, an inventor, a guide. He was patient with those who needed that and an inspiration to those who needed that. Despite any differences in politics, socioeconomics, background, race or religion, J.R. found a way to connect with everyone he met. You’re a Trumper? You’re Antifa? You’re famous? You’re homeless? You’re Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, atheist? It didn’t matter to J.R.. He treated every sentient being with respect. He had a unique ability to not only see one’s humanity, no matter how deeply it might be buried, but to nurture it so it rose to the top. J.R. was easy to be around and made everyone a better person.
Sadly, J.R. left this dimension on April 11 after a six-month battle with epithelioid angiosarcoma. He was in so much pain that my only solace in his departure is he didn’t have to endure it for years.
Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories, and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com or visit us on Facebook at ISBeings