of Perryville, AR
June 26, 1954 - March 24, 2013
Joe Cripps passed away Sunday, March 24, 2013 surrounded by friends and family. He was born on June 26, 1954 in Springdale to the late Fred and EmmaBelle Cripps. Joe graduated from Springdale High School and received two bachelor's degrees from the University of Arkansas. He taught music in the Arkansas public school system; retiring in 2011. He was also well known for his passion for music as a jazz bass player, playing with various artists including to name a few, the Woody Herman Big Band, Art Porter, Sr., Charles Thomas, Happy Times Jazz Band, and most recently the Ted Ludwig Trio.
Joe is survived by his wife Debbie, his brother, Charles Cripps, his sister, Jane Hunt, his two children, Katie Kelley and Michael Cripps, and two grandchildren, Colin and Bailey.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, 13801Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR (501)224-8300.
Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home.
Mr. Cripps was my Orchestra teacher at Booker Arts Magnet from k-5. He introduced my love for the sound of the violin, cello, bass, and other instruments alike. Needless to say he sparked the love for music. Me and my brothers had him, and everyday he'll mention them to me. Over the years when I moved on to middle school and now high school I wanted to return to Booker to see my beloved teachers. Only now have I found this out. He was a wonderful teacher, surely a wonderful person, who had a passion for music.
YOU WILL BE MISSED
I am so sorry to hear about Joe. He was a wonderful teacher and left his influence of music on many students. Michael you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I never had the chance to meet Joe, but I sure heard alot about him. Super musician and person. God Bless you Debbie and all Joe's family.
Michael, there are no words. I will be thinking of you and your family.
Michael, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God grant you peace and comfort in your sorrow.
Hugs to you,
Audrey
Mr. Cripps was a great inspiration for the many students he taught. Especially me he taught me the love of music that I learned from him in elementary school that lead all the way to College. He will always be remembered as great man that loved kids. Sending out much love to his family.
My child learned a love for strings through Mr. Cripps at Booker. I am so thankful for professional musicians who will go into the schools and patiently work with little children as they squeak those strings in their introduction to music. Mr. Cripps is a saint. Anna Grace continues to play the cello and I will forever thank the Lord for Mr. Cripps. We are praying for your family in the loss of Joe.
Mr. Cripps introduced each of my children to orchestra at Booker Arts. I cannot imagine listening to little unlearned hands of 6 year olds on a daily basis. I am eternally grateful for the passion and desire for music that he passed on to my family. All of my children still play because of him. I recall a conversation at Arkansas All State Orchestra where he remarked, "I have four babies on that floor". He was a proud Poppa for all of his orchestra students. He will be missed. Mine and my family's prayers are with the family.
The last time I saw Joe, we were just teenagers. His passion for music was already forming. Joe and I were classmates in Springdale in the early 70's. God gave Joe a grand talent and he used his talent to spread the love of music to so many others. Joe's legacy will live on in the lives he so touch with music. My heart goes out to family and friends. May the memories and music of Joe comfort you in your time of lose. My prayers are with you, may God comfort you now and in the days to come. Geraldine Armstrong Alvis
We remember Mr. Cripps from our high school days at Parkview, and as our children's teacher at Booker. He was such a friendly and funny man, and such a talented musician. He will be remembered and missed.
How do I put into words how I feel about Joe? His passing has been tough for me, but I know a blessing for him. He was the best roommate I ever had (besides my lovely wife) and I was honored to have him as a groomsman in my wedding. I regret not keeping in closer contact with him. He fought a good fight with many ups and downs, but I know he always had a positive outlook. My prayers go out to Debbie, Katie, Michael, and all who loved him. He was a great guy. I will miss him. I wish I could be there with you all.
We will always remember Mr Cripps. He was a kind, wonderful man. His spirit plays on with all the children he instilled the love of music to & in such a lighthearted way. Our condolences to the family and friends of this dear man. We will cherish his memory and honor him with music.
Mr. Cripps was an amazing orchestra teacher for kindergarten-4th grade. You will be very missed. I still remember he used to call me emeli and i laughed so hard i pretty much started crying. YOUR STUDENTS WILL MISS AND LOVE YOU!!!
Joe it's been along time since we played the Tuba together I look forward to playing it with you again in Heaven ,To Joes Family I know he will be missed my Prayers are with You all
I know u are in a much better place now, but I am sure gonna miss u. I am glad we were friends
So sorry to hear of Mr. Cripps' passing. He was a fantastic Orchestra teacher to my children(Danielle, 20; Johnathon, 16; Justin, 14 Christensen), the boys are still in Orchestra at Parkview and Mann. For that, I owe a huge "thank you" to Mr. Cripps! What a blessing he was to so many children! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time! Much Love, Suzannah Patterson
I am so sorry about Joe's passing, but also relieved he is no longer in pain. This is such a beautiful and talented family. My thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
My father and I knew Joe's father, Fred, who lived in the Harmon community.. My condolences.
our thoughts and prayers are with you michaleand your family
I forgot to add that my band the Dizzy 7 played Amazing Grace for Joe at our rehearsal last night. Most of the guys in the band knew Joe and shared the stage with him many times. We made a little video of it and I'll get that posted on Dizzy 7 facebook page soon.
God Bless you and your family Joe Cripps.
-wonderboy
I'll miss you Joe.
Thanks for the great bass playing my friend. Thanks for your love of music and sharing it with me and countless others.
Joe gave me a nickname too - way back in the mid 80's - Wonderboy :)
I'm not sure why but I liked that he always called me that.
I'll miss you Joe.
As with many others, I never had the pleasure of actually meeting Joe in person, but do know him through working with Debbie. I know he will be missed greatly, leaving a void in the hearts and lives of his family and many friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Joe was such a huge influence on so many over the years. Especially young aspiring musicians that had the pleasure of learning under Joes guidance, or having the honor to work with him in the music field. Although I never had the privledge of working with Joe, I did get to witness his awsome talents, and had the pleasure of talking to him a few times. His "God given" talents, and his presence among us will be sorely missed. My prayers go out to the family, and many, many friends.
I am so sorry to hear about Joe's passing. Joe and I were in band and orchestra together at Springdale High School many years ago. He was a talented musician then and touched the lives of many over the years through music. I haven't seen Joe in decades, but as I look at his picture, I see the Joe I remember from so long ago in his smile which has not changed. Rest in peace, Joe. Prayers to the Cripps family.
Knowing Joe meant that your life was enriched! He was a great traveling companion, friend, and a wonderful musician, performing in at jazz festivals in Davenport, Chattanooga, The Lake of the Ozark's, and Lander, Wy with the Beale Street Jazz Band. He and fellow musician, Emil Orth, are surely enjoying each other's company! We will miss so much, Joe.
So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I played with Joe in the UofA Stage Band and in a rock band in the early '70s. We hunted more than a few ducks together back in the day and I had the pleasure to watch play the music he was born to play many times. Joe was probably the most talented person I've ever personally known. He was a good rock bassist but a great jazz bassist. Rest in peace, my friend.
Michael and Katie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know from Chuck how much your Dad loved you, and what a good friend he was to everyone around him. I wish you God's peace and grace.
May of all the family and friends please realize he was a giant in our field of teaching and spreading the love of music. May the music be simple or a great jazz lick, he was a mentor to so many. May God bless his legacy and you.
My deepest sympathies to the family. Both of my children had the honor of being introduced to the wonderful world of making music by Mr. Cripps. We were saddened to hear the news. He was a wonderful educator and will be missed!
Jane, Charles, Debbie, Katie & Michael,
So sorry to learn of your loss and Joe David's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I have not seen Joe David in the past few years so I enjoyed seeing the pictures of him in the video online. Your cousin, Shirlean
God love you honey.....just looking at your picture here, I smile....what a gifted, giving person....so really out there....filling up a room....laughing with Bob, Mary & Rita...big big bear hugs .....warm heart and "makin" your music....even tried to teach me the cello....lordy lordy ....what a man.....you 3.triplets(JB T) down in the gym made Booker the Best for me....thank you Joe Cripps.....you were and are a gift...I have tha CD you made especially for me and will always remember you Jazzman.
Heartfelt loss & love to Debbie, Michael and Katie.
Martha.
Dear Cripps family. I must confess that I never actually met Joe. But back in the 70s I played with some musicians that had been band mates of his in Fayetteville. They all spoke so fondly of Joe and spoke of him so often that I felt like he was a long lost friend.
His impact was far spread in the music community. Even to those who never had the pleasure of meeting him face to face. God speed to all of you.
Debbie, there are no words to comfort at this time, I am simply heartbroken for you and the family. I never met Joe, but being a music lover myself and reading these many tributes here to Joe, I would sure have loved the guy! Music speaks to the soul like nothing else can. May his beautiful music and precious memory keep you in the days ahead. God Bless.
Debbie, there are no words to comfort at this time, I am simply heartbroken for you and the family. I never met Joe, but being a music lover myself and reading these many tributes here to Joe, I would sure have loved the guy! Music speaks to the soul like nothing else can. May his beautiful music and precious memory keep you in the days ahead. God Bless.
I was a rock guitar player and through some friends was asked to fill in on guitar for the U of A Jazz Band. I couldn't read music and I showed up a nervous wreck. They put me next to Joe (we had never met) and I explained my predicament. He leaned over and told me what to play through the entire rehearsal. I have never forgotten. We became good friends and even went on the road for awhile with a rock band. Joe's ability as a musician was incredible. I wish more teachers had his way and his passion. More importantly, I hope everyone has a friend like Joe. My prayers for Debbie and the family. Go rest you old rascal .... and Thanks.
Dear Cripps Family, I have known Joe since 1978. We met in Fayetteville and played together there in a band for a while. We both ended up moving to Little Rock, and reconnected about 7 years ago. He was a dear friend and I will greatly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I was so blessed to have Mr. Cripps as my violin teacher for 6 years. Thank you for teaching me so many different things. Even when I was frustrated you never gave up on me. I'm glad you and my mom got a chance to be friends. It's sad that you're gone but you're in a better place. You might be gone but never forgotten. You are loved and missed by many people. You touched the hearts of many with your musical abilities.
Joe and I go way back and we regularly competed against each other on string bass. That competition probably spurred us both to greater heights. We could tell stories about each other and laugh about how we ever survived each other. Growing up in Springdale and attending Springdale High School together, we both learned to love music together. Later on in life, we would cross paths here and there and I was always so proud of how well he was doing professionally/musically. He did us proud. Also, he was most proud of his kids and would always brag about how well they were doing in life. He was always beaming when he talked about them. Then when he married Debbie he began to brag about her when we would meet. I am sorry we weren't able to see each other much in the past few years but I won't forget him and his talent, smile, and always positive nature. He was a great guy and I bet when picking sides for bands in heaven, he will be the first bass player picked.
Thank you Joe for being an awesome friend, more like a brother. My boys are blessed to have you as their violin teacher. Jerry and I will miss your companionship with you and Debbie. God Bless Your Family and peace be with them.
Mr. Cripps was the man who introduced me into the wonderful world of jazz when I was a young girl.He will be forever missed
Extremely sad to hear of Joe's passing. Everyone on bus # 3 in the Razorback Marching Band will miss his humor, fun-loving spirit, and most of all, his musical talent. He was one of my late husband's (Giles) best friends and I considered him to be one of mine, also. We had many, many, good times, to be sure, and I'll never forget any of it. Wish I could be there tomorrow, but he and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
My two younger children were blessed to be taught by Mr. Cripps at Booker Arts Elementary. I was blessed to know him. My son, especially looked up to him. Joe always had time to talk to him and made him feel like he mattered. Joe touched so very many lives that will go on to touch others because of his kindness. I will pray that God's comforting peace will be with all of Joe's family.
Mr. Cripps was a major influence in my life. He taught me violin and was the main reason I was able to get into Parkview when it became a magnet school. His dedication and love of music and teaching molded me into the person I am today. My love and condolences to his family during this time. I hope you know he will live on through all of the people he touched over the years.
He meant a lot to me....this is what I posted on my facebook page upon his passing:
Today the world lost a great musician, teacher, and friend. He was the man who taught a timid 5th grader the gift of music. He taught her there was beautiful music inside of her and helped her believe in herself. Because he took the time to drive out to rural Arkansas to teach orchestra to a motley crew of 5th graders who would not have had the opportunity otherwise, I got to learn the joy of music. Because of that dedication and love of music and teaching, I had a music scholarship to college, I got to be a part of tons of weddings, I played with amazing musicians throughout my life, I got to perform and live in Japan, and I played on stage in my own theatre. Joe Cripps taught me music comes from within, you just have to let it out. Today he goes to play in that big band in the sky. Mr. Cripps, you touched my heart, changed my life, and unlocked one of the biggest gifts in my life..words cannot express my gratitude. When words fail, music speaks....play on Mr. Cripps.
Mr. Cripps was my orchestra teacher all through elementary school. He was and is still my favorite teacher i've ever had. He was part of the reason i wanted to play five string bass. I remember him having to throw chalk board erasers at me to make me pay attention, worked better than my medicine i Swear. I wish i could go to his funeral but I have to be at school thursday, he was a great man and i wish i could have seen him more recently.
We qall lost a great talent and an impressive person.
I never met Joe in person but I feel like I've known him all my life. We chatted online for over 10 years and instantly became friends due to our mutual love for music. I pray that his family has the strength to make it through this most difficult time. We have lost a great man on earth but Heaven has gained a great bass player to add to the band. Play on Joe!
Debbie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Let me know if you need anything.
Mr. Cripps was a very important role model in my son's life. He was a great teacher and was the person who introduced my son, Tyler Clark to playing the Viola when he was in the 4th grade at Booker Arts Magnet. Tyler is now 17 and is in the 11th grade at Parkview and still plays the Viola. He also taught my daughter, Elizabeth Clark. He will be greatly missed!
Debbie, I am sorry that Joe passed early in yalls life together. From what I have read, he was a blessing and inspiration to many people. You have been in my prayers for a long time and still will be.
Jane, Charles and families. So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. I didn't know him, personally, but know that he was an exceptional person and musician. My prayers are with you all.
My thoughts and prayers are with Debbie and the family.
My children are musicians today because of the incredible music & life lessons they learned from Joe Cripps. And they were doubly blessed to attend school and participate in Youth Symphony with Michael. Rest in peace, Joe. And to the Cripps family, be assured of our prayers.
Mr. Cripps was an inspiration to me. When I was his student at Pulaski Heights he poured a lot of his musical knowledge into me. It wasn't long before he no longer introduced me as his student, but instead I became his "son." I actually played my first "gig" with Mr. Cripps when I was 13 years old. The rest is history. I am now teaching music and trying to be as inspirational to children as Mr. Cripps was to me. He will be missed.
Joe Cripps, my true "brother from another mother," has transitioned into his new spiritual life. I will always remember those great memorial weekend hog roasts at his home in Maumelle. We met at Arnold Drive elementary school where we shared a classroom as we traveled to teach our students. We left the county to join the first PV Fine Arts Magnet School staff where we were virtually inseparable! He prepared me in October, and I have continued my prayer vigil for God's intervention since that time. I am thankful that he made it through his favorite holidays for one last time; Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years. He missed Easter by only a few days. R.I.L., Joe.
Joe was a loyal friend and helped me on many Bob Boyd Sounds engagements. I played with him on the
Beale St. Jazz Band at Lander Wyoming. He had a natural gift for enhancing any band's overall sound. He was truly a friend and brother to all jazz musicians and inspired countless young people to develop their music gifts.
Will miss you Joe. You were a very nice person in the 40plus Chat Room. My condolences goes out to your Family, may God Richley Bless all of you, Debbie.
AnelBaby-Ruth Ann
Debbie, may God give you comfort and peace during this time. Marsha & Dean
Joe was my jazz band teacher in 88-89 and 89-90. Also taught me bass though I was a trumpeter. Best memory was skipping school with Joe during duck seasons to go hunting. Awesome hunter and a truly excellent musician. I still tell stories about Joe to this day. Very influential in my life, though we only crossed paths a couple of years. God bless you Joe and my prayers to your family. Wish I could pay my respects in person
Taught me from Kindergarten to 5th grade, my favorite teacher of all time. Gave me any and everything I know about music, and shall never be replaced. RIP Joseph David Cripps
I had the opportunity to play a few gigs with Joe, wow what an awesome musician. Joe will be missed.
I want to thank you for allowing me to help take care of Joe. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. I will truly miss our visits. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I first got to know Joe as a friend and mentor in my freshman year at UofA where we both played in both the band and orchestra. We cotinued that association when we both began teaching in central Arkansas and raising our families there.
Joe was always easy to talk to, to laugh with and to maybe even find a little trouble with. He loved his wife and children with all his heart. We will all miss Joe layin' down the groove here for us but I'll bet that he's found a band that's excited about the new bass player!
Love you Joe.
I am very sorry to hear of his passing. I had the privalege of working with him in many different settings. His passion for playing and teaching will be missed. Heavens orchestra has been made better.
I am very sorry to hear of his passing. I had the privalege of working with him in many different settings. His passion for playing and teaching will be missed. Heavens orchestra has been made better.
I am very sorry to hear of his passing. I had the privalege of working with him in many different settings. His passion for playing and teaching will be missed. Heavens orchestra has been made better.
Mr. Cripps will be sorely missed! I had the pleasure of watching him teach three of my children with his own unique style at Booker Arts! They loved him even if he did throw erasers at their heads! :) May he rest in peace and may his family know that he impacted many, many students and instilled in them a love for music (while having a little fun too!)
I had the privilege of meeting Joe when he came and purchased a 50 John Deere from me and our friendship went from there. Joe was a find upstanding man and Sadie & I grew to love him very much. I'm sure going to miss him and his funny little remarks. Love you Joe see you later.Praying for comfort & peace for the family.
I went to College with Joe. He was in our fraternity house. A lot of talent in Joe it's good he put it to use in his life. Good to see he had a lot of friends.
This was a real shock to those of us who knew Joe as a student, teacher, friend, and musician. Joe was never downcast or appealed for sympathy and many of us never knew how serious his condition was. He always said: "I've beat it; I'm a survivor." He was a great talent, considerate and compassionate and proud of his family.
EJ
Debbie I never had the pleasure of meeting your husband, but he sounds like a wonderful and talented man. I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. May God comfort you and give you the strength to remember and cherish the good times and good memories, and let go of the pain. Your precious husband is no longer in pain and playing with the angels! Peace to you all.
Joe was a kind, inspiring, man with such musical talent that he was admired near and far. I went to Springdale High School with Joe and have had the pleasure of running into him many times in the last few years at state music conventions. His thoughtfulness, sincerity, and consideration of others was always impressive, and he always seemed more interested in others than himself. He will be missed in Arkansas!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.
Joe was a bassist and doubled on tuba. I was a tubist and sort of doubled on bass for a time. This, plus our mutual careers in music education, somehow formed a bond. I so appreciated his personality and will likely kick myself forever for putting off his invitation to come by and ride tractors. In our recent communications, he never lost his enthusiasm nor let on things were not going well. He was a great trooper in addition to being a good musician and teacher. Glad to have known him
Hearing Joe with the Ted Ludwig Trio at the Capitol Hotel became an important part of our lives while we were caring for Phil's parents in Little Rock. We always looked forward to his intelligent and original solos But much more important, he was a kind and gracious person. When Phil was diagnosed with lymphoma, Joe, who was suffering from a much worse cancer, was extremely supportive and helpful. His was a generous and gracious soul, and the world is poorer without him.
Mr. Cripps will be missed. Joe always came by the health room after his retirement for a visit when he was on campus. Not only did we work together, but he taught my daughter, Cokey, at Parkview many, many years ago. "We will look forward to your 'Bass' in the heavenly band, Joe!" Our prayers are with the family!
Going to miss Joe every time I drive our tractor. He gave me my first lesson. Many good times. Blessings to Debbie, Katy, Michael and all of the family.
Joyce McHone
I only met Mr. Cripps once when he visited Booker Arts Magnet.
He had the warmest smile and kind spirit. May you be blessed by the passion he had for music.
I know He is smiling down on us , He could warm up a room just with that smile! A good man who would do anything for You He could. The world is a better place because of His
contributions that came from the heart. You and Your family will
be in my prayers.
My friendship with Joe goes way back- Played tuba together in the Marching Razorback Band, sold him cars from Goff-McNair- As nice a guy as I ever knew. Sincere condolences to family and friends. Eddie McNeal
Joe was a heck of a guy- So sorry for your loss, I only got to spend a few days on this earth with him but sure did enjoy the times!
Debbie we are so sorry for this heartbreaking time in your life. Know that Joe is playing with the agels now and making heavenly music. God will bring you peace and guide you through thi dark time. Dennis and I are only a phone call away. We love you and will keep you in our prayers.
We will miss Joe. I enjoyed his playing so much!