John Paul

July 20, 1956 - May 24, 2025

John S. Paul, gifted musician, avid fly fisherman and friend to all, died Saturday May 24 surrounded and supported by the love, stories and farewells of family and friends.

John had a beautiful singing voice. He played drums, upright bass and even the washtub bass with style and finesse. His venerable music career started with his childhood band, The CheckMates. At age ten, he played his first gig with his brother Mike Paul and lifelong friend, Steve Heironymus. In Jr. High the brothers formed the band Oedipus, and throughout high school played dozens of school proms, parties, The Grove and many other venues.

In 1975 Sandy Creek Pickers was formed with band members John, Mike, Steve Heironymus and Kevin Avey. The "Pickers" toured much of the US and enjoyed considerable success at bluegrass festivals. John loved to recall the time Bill Monroe entered and danced on the stage as the Sandy Creek Pickers played at the Rocky Mountain Bluegrass Festival.

When the "Pickers" stopped touring, John picked up his drumsticks and began playing with the Sandy Creek Band at the PlaMor Ballroom every Sunday for almost 30 years. During this period, along with Steve and Mike, the Sandy Creek Band members also included Don Robertus, Jan "Jano" Madsen, Lou Estrella, Gayle Adams and Alan Dasenbrock.

Since 2008, John and Mike have gone back to their bluegrass roots, playing with brother Gary Paul, Dave Blakeslee, and John and Jason Shaw in the Sandy Creek Bluegrass Band.

Music and performing was so much a part of John that he also found time to perform with Jan Madsen and Dan and Dave Mlnarik in the band known as Spare Change.

John made us laugh, and peppered conversations with random and precise dialogue from films and TV; he had an uncanny ability to imitate voices, whether it was Bob Seager, John Fogerty, Aunt Bee or his own friends. John's easy-going nature and acceptance of others made everyone feel welcome and at ease. Surely, he will be waiting for us all atop "Good Ole Rocky Top", where we can raise a glass together again.

John lost his mother Joan 5 years ago and youngest brother Randy last fall. He is survived by his partner Steph Eischeid; his father, Lyle Roger Paul; brothers, Mike (Jody) and Gary (Dianne); and nephews, Jason and Brian.

A celebration of John's life will take place later this summer.

Published by Lincoln Journal Star on Jun. 1, 2025.

Taken from Facebook -

Sandy Creek Pickers, May 24, 2025

I am in tears and almost at a loss for words. Our bass player, singer, brother and great friend John Paul passed away today.

I always looked up to him and his brothers and I'm so grateful that I got to experience playing music with all of them and know them as i have. It's something I'll never forget.

And I'll never forget his loving easy-going nature. How even when I was having a bad day, or a bad night playing, he would chime right in and quote something from the Andy Griffith show, or Deliverance and just make me laugh my ass off every time. I'm so grateful that I knew him. May God bless him and his family.

Until I see you again someday my friend. Rest in peace.