Jay Walter Bennett, 45, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, May 24, 2009, where he was currently residing in his favorite “small town USA,” Urbana, with his loving partner, Kate, and their feline friend, Jimmy.

Private burial will be held at a later date.

Later this summer, Jay’s multi-talented friends will be hosting a Memorial Concert in Urbana.

Jay was born November 15, 1963, in Arlington Heights, a beloved son of John W. and Janis M. (Olson) Bennett.

Survivors include his parents, of Green Valley, Arizona; a brother, Jeff (Ellen), and nieces and nephews, Hope, Blair, Luke, and Owen, all of Solon, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Jay was a talented multi-instrumentalist and a fixture in the local music scene in both Chicago and Champaign-Urbana for many years. In addition to his solo work, Jay recorded and produced music for other artists and performed with several popular bands, most notably spending seven years and recording five albums with Wilco, earning multiple gold records and two Grammy nominations.

Jay participated in the mentoring program at Chicago’s Columbia College. He was a member of the musicians’ union and published works through ASCAP. He was a member of the Methodist faith.

Contributions may be made to Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation in Jay’s memory (www.mhopus.org). Founded in 1996, The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation donates new and refurbished musical instruments to underserved schools, community music programs and individual students nationwide, in an effort to give youngsters the many benefits of music education, help them to be better students and inspire creativity and expression through playing music.

Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign, is assisting the Bennett family. Condolences may be offered at www.heathandvaughn.com.

Jay’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, “Tell someone special in your life that you love them, because that’s what Jay did.”