John Collins (J.C.) Sykes, Jr. died on Friday, June 5, 2015 in Rocky Mount, NC. J.C. was a pillar in the music community in eastern North Carolina, having taught middle school and high school band for 30 years. He was the founder and first band leader for the Tar River Swing Band and received a Distinguished Alumnus Award from East Carolina University School of Music. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to his family, friends, and all of the many musicians who were touched by J.C. over the years. The obituary can be found here.