May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I will always have fond memories of John. I knew him since he was just a little kid living next door, one of my brother Ned's best friends. Ned just reminded me of the time that John, his dad Pete, Ned and I went frog hunting in hopes of "catching a champ" we could enter into the neighborhood frog jumping contest. We caught a good one, but alas, the Hornadek Special came in second. 

John was kind, funny, artistic, loved his music and when I'd drop into Schoolkids he always had a suggestion for a band I would be interested in. He will be missed. 

Audrey, I am so sorry for your loss.

Though it's been many years for me, my memory of John at School Kids Records is very strong. Visiting him and the gang there on Hillsborough St. was easily a highlight of living within walking distance to the store. Always a gentle and sweet guy and a great sense of humor. My deepest thoughts of sympathy and remembrance are with his family and and friends.

I once played the drums in a band with John called "Spot." It is a fond memory.

Many of my happiest high school stories include John Hornaday--I remember the movies and bands we saw together like it was yesterday. 

One of my favorite memories is from 9th grade when we were working at an Ice Capades Show at the Dorton Arena, selling popcorn and cotton candy for some kind of fund raiser. After the stand closed we stole some of our wares, hid out in the stands, and held hands while we watched the end of the show. We talked about that just about every time I saw John! 

Hanging out with John, Ned, Brad, Scott, and Mike--who teased me relentlessly for liking Duran Duran in 1983/4--only made me tougher and more open to all kinds of music. John had a way of making fun of you that didn't really hurt. Even if he didn't always agree with my musical tastes, I knew he was still my friend--despite my teenage infatuation with Simon LeBon and 80s' glam bands--or my love for the Grateful Dead. I just think John liked people to love music, no matter what it was (even if he did draw the line at Duran Duran).

After high school, I'd stop by Schoolkids in Cary or Quail Ridge, and then later at the Hillsborough Street store to see John. He'd tell me about a new band, or he'd talk about his kids and their skateboarding and soccer--he loved them and Renee so much. Or we'd talk about twangy, Americana stuff we both liked, or maybe he'd suggest a CD I could buy for my husband--I always trusted his suggestions. Even after John left Schoolkids I liked stopping by the store to flip through the record bins that were still organized by his distinct handwriting. 

During the last week I have thought of so many bands and songs that remind me of John. Some of them he introduced me to, and others are my favorites but not necessarily his. But one thing I keep coming back to is that John was cool with so many kinds of music--he could have Black Flag and Suicidal Tendencies playing back-to-back with Concrete Blonde and Uncle Tupelo. The comments people have posted are testament to that. John brought music into the lives of everyone he knew.

I saw John for the last time a couple of weeks ago at the Gillian Welch/David Rawlings show at the NC Museum of Art. He was walking up the stairs and I was sitting on the lawn. I figured he'd head back to his seat and I'd catch him then. But, I never saw him walk back down the steps. I wish I had yelled his name out across the lawn so I could have hugged him one more time. He was such a good soul, and I know he loved his family so much. I'm so sorry for your loss, and for the loss his friends are feeling.

"Looks like we're all looking for a life worth livin'," John. And I'm glad you were a part of my life.

Music is so personal, it comes in all forms from hymns to marches to anthems of angst, but each type is so significant to ourselves that it often is used to identify oneself. Having the privilege to work with John, like so many others, I soon came to realize that John and music was one of the same. I often heard him speak of his children and yes, he eyes would sparkle when talking or asked about them. When you heard him speak, you knew that voice had things to say...how he felt, how he saw his world. Still being apart of Schoolkids, I realize that we are here still, because of the individual efforts by people like John. If you just take a look at our logo, that's John's work. So as our sign burns on, so does John.....and it will always be an honor to walk into the store and feel his spirit.

Audrey, I'm so sorry.  I didn't know John, and I don't know what happened to him.  I just know when I saw the name in the N&O, I immediately felt the pain of your loss.  As mothers, it's our greatest fear, I guess.  I haven't seen you for years, but please know that I'm thinking of you as you bear this grief.

When I heard the news about John I was so sad and can't imagine what you guys are going thru. I have been thinking about you all this week and just so glad he was with the ones he loved the most when he died.

Dylan and Noah, your dad was so proud of you. His eyes would light up when he spoke of you two. I am so so sorry for your loss and hope each day gets a little brighter for you.

Audrey, you are in my thoughts and prayers and will come visit soon.

John RIP, many tears were shed for you buddy.

Christie Killette Taylor

John was the best friend to have. Always laughing and acting silly kept us all in stitches. He will be missed dearly.

John was a gifted artist and a good friend. He worked for me at Schoolkids for many years and had a vast knowledge of music and a great sense of humor.
Rest in Peace my friend!

God comfort all of you and surround all of you with much love at this time of loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

John, rest in peace-

I was fortunate to work with (and buy records from) John at Schoolkids Records for several years and was always impressed with his vast knowledge, great taste in music (especially rebellious music!), wicked sense of humor, and above all, his kindness and compassion with his friends and fellow workers.  He was always patient and kind with me, and we shared many laughs together while supporting each other's enthusiasm for music, band trivia, and record store madness. He certainly left a strong impression on all who knew him, and I'm sure that many people learned a lot more about music from him.  All of the staff that worked with John at Schoolkids will miss him terribly but our memories of him will never fade.  Listen to some prime Rolling Stones when you can, and think of John rocking out to Keef with a smile (I know I will)..

Audrey, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time  I hope that the wonderful times you shared will bring you comfort in the days ahead.

So sorry to hear about John's passing.  Much love and warm thoughts to Dylan, Noah, and friends and family.

Dear Renee and family,

I'm so sorry to hear about John. I really loved hanging out with him in high school! I didn't see him regularly after high school so I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your family. I got the chance to catch up with him at Sheri's show and it was great to see and talk to him again. I am thinking about you and your family.

Lori Scanga

" i understand your problems. i can figure out the reasons why, but i can't help what i feel. i can't accept what i see.... "  ---Black Flag

I had the joy and pleasure of working with John at Schoolkids Records.  John was a teacher, a comedian, a lover of music and a gentle soul.  I know he will be missed as he was loved by many.

My buddy John

My mentor and great friend. You and I were always on the same wavelength. And we were able to laugh every single time we worked together over the years. We seemed to always start the day laughing about things. And end the day laughing even harder. To this day, I still often think of those wonderful times and laugh for a good five minutes.
 I am forever thankful to have met you so many years ago and will forever call you my friend.
John, you will always live on and laugh with me in my memory, and your teachings and ideas given to me will continue to shine through Crooked Beat Records.

Till we meet again John

Love
Bill Daly

Thinking back to high school days in art class and trading Domino's Pizzas for giant subway posters at School Kids Records back in the day.  Always a wonderful and fun person to be around with.  My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family.  Thanks for always inspiring me with the laughs and artwork.

Do not stand at my grave and weep. 
I am not there. I do not sleep.
 I am a thousand winds that blow. 
I am the diamond glints on snow. 
I am the sunlight on ripened grain. 
I am the gentle autumn rain. 
When you awaken in the mornings hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. 
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry; 
I am not there. I did not die.


John may be gone but he is really all around us watching over each of us. He has moved on to a new chapter in his story. He will be missed and most of all remembered.

OBITUARY

John Edward Hornaday

September 2, 1965 – August 24, 2011

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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