Writings from Jay Starling
My father, John Starling, is now on the other side of life. I’ll miss him everyday but have found peace with his passing. In his final moments, he was in his own home with my mother and I holding his hands, listening to a song he penned called “Different Roads”. The support, testimonials, and outpouring of love for him has been overwhelming to say the least. Thank you all for that ❤️
Aside from serving his country as an Army surgeon in Vietnam, he also served communities in Alabama, Washington DC, and Virginia as a highly respected Otolaryngologist. As many of you know he co-founded The Seldom Scene and would unknowingly change the landscape of acoustic music and more, influencing the likes of Tony Rice, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt etc. After parting with the Scene to continue medicine, he somehow found the time to earn a Grammy nomination, a platinum record for his work on “The Trio” album, win a Grammy and eventually be inducted into the IBMA hall of Fame.
One thing you won’t read anywhere is that he also dabbled in architecture. He designed the track in the field house at VMI, the house his parents would retire in and the floor plans for the building he would practice medicine in. Who does that?
As if this wasn’t 3 lifetimes worth of accomplishments, he also managed to be an amazing, nurturing, and loving father.
Just being his son will always be enough for me. I love you so much, Dad.
Rest In Peace ❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
