John Ray Schutz

John Ray Schutz, age 78, passed away peacefully and joined the heavenly band on June 19, 2025, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Born September 30, 1946 in Eustis, Nebraska, John grew up on the family farm outside of Elwood, Nebraska. He attended Frontier School #43, a one-room schoolhouse, before his family relocated to Colorado where he graduated from Ranum High School. John attended New Mexico State University on a trumpet scholarship, earning his bachelor and master’s degrees in music education in 1969/72. John honorably served his country in the New Mexico Army National Guard for seven years.

Upon graduation, John began his 30+ year journey in education as the Gadsden Junior High Band Director. Moving a bit closer to home, he spent the next 15 years teaching band at Lynn Junior High until 1986, before becoming the Mayfield High School band director. In 1993, John was appointed the first Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts for the Las Cruces Public Schools before retiring in 2006 only to be called back twice to assist the district as LCPS Coordinator/Consultant for Fine Arts. John dedicated himself to expanding arts programs across elementary, middle, and high schools, retiring for the final time in 2017.

Known for his love of students and music, John inspired countless young musicians throughout his career. From 1982-88, he served as New Mexico State University Pride Marching Band staff as well as clinician and conductor for bands in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri, Kentucky and Mississippi. John, together with life-long friends and colleagues Dr. Bill Clark and Mike White, co-founded the Mesilla Valley Concert Band where he served as Assistant Director for over 30 years. He also played trumpet for three decades in Ron Thielman's High Society Orchestra and was active in many civic organizations, including the Dona Ana Arts Council, Downtown Revitalization Committee, and Sunrise Lions Club. He also served as New Mexico Lion's Band Director for several years.

Throughout his career, John received numerous awards and honors, including recognition from the Dona Ana Arts Council, New Mexico State University Outstanding Alumni Award, and accolades from the Optimist and Rotary Clubs. He was honored as NMMEA Music Educator of the Year, Emeritus Teacher of the Year, and Hall of Fame recipient. In 2018 John was honored as a recipient of the NMSU College of Arts and Sciences 2018 “A Starry Night” award.

John and his first wife, Barbara, were blessed with two daughters, Tammy and Johna. In 1993, he married Diane and together they cherished their blended family, and shared passion for music, education, students and traveling. John loved spending time with all his children and grandchildren, treasuring the joy they brought to his life.

John was preceded in death by his parents Lois and Leonard, stepmother Darlene, stepbrother Dale Anderson and sister-in-law Dee Anderson. He is survived by his wife Diane, the love of his life and best friend, daughters Tamarra Chaffee (Jason) and Johna Schutz (Charles), bonus children Coy (Amy), Cody (Anna) and Kristi (Steven) Roberts, grandchildren Zane, Hendrix, Ethan, Coy, Jr., Camden, Mari, Sydnie, Kaylee, Tipton, Tyler, and Teagan, and siblings Jim (Rhonda), Galen (Debbie), Ray, Sherry (Marty) and Kevin (Lynn).

Services to celebrate John's life will be held on August 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Las Cruces, NM, followed by a reception in the church's Fellowship Hall. Private interment will take place at the church columbarium with family in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, The John and Diane Schutz Memorial Endowment has been established at New Mexico State University through the Foundation to benefit future music education students. (alwaysanaggie.org)