John Christopher Case

Chris Case (1951-2023)

We sadly announce the passing of John Christopher Case, 71, who was taken from this world suddenly on October 5th, 2023 at his home in Alberta, Virginia.

Chris was born to Janice and Robert Case on October 24, 1951 in Manhattan, New York. Having parents in show business and the hospitality industry, there was no shortage of adventure and new places to live. Chris and his siblings primarily were raised in Nassau, Bahamas where music and island life were ingrained in their roots.

An incredibly talented guitar player, Chris took to playing music at the early age of 14. He started off as a drummer, picked up the guitar and essentially never put it down. He could play any genre, but preferred the likes and styles of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bob Marley, Eric Clapton, and many other great musicians. Chris could play anything he heard by ear, even play it behind his head or with his teeth - which was quite a sight to behold and always got a rise out of any audience.

Eventually Chris landed in Daytona Beach playing in a band called Wind Jammer. He then got married to Lynn and they had their first baby, Jill, in 1988. The pair moved to Key West in 1990 to start new careers and added to their small family with baby number two, Jack, in 1992. Key West is where Chris stayed for the next 30 years playing in every bar, restaurant, and club with every great musician the keys had to offer.

Throughout his career in Key West, he was the most professional, energetic, and charismatic guitar player to work with. He knew everybody and made friends (with people AND animals) everywhere he went.

The marriage did not work out, however, there is light after life’s hardest transitions - Chris met the love of his life in 2002 and began a new chapter with a fiery red-head from New Jersey, JoAnne. They have been together for the past 21 years, moving to Virginia in 2020 during the pandemic shutdown. Chris had ended his career playing in Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and all the way back down to Florida in the past few years. He also loved laughing, good food, heady books, long walks, Haagen Daz coffee ice cream, and anything baked by Joanne. Chris was deeply passionate about everything he put his attention on.

Chris is survived by his loving partner, JoAnne Michel, 71, and his two children, Jill Case, 35, and Jack Case, 30.

Chris also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law Kevin and Laurie Case; sister Connie Case; niece and nephew-in-law Kristin and Donnie Garcia and their children, Dylan, Deven, and Kayden Garcia.

May we all carry a piece of Chris’s dynamic, joyous, and passionate spirit into everything we do and live like there’s no tomorrow. He will be greatly missed.

Service date, time, and location to follow.