Shorty Stubbs 1957-2007 (Part I) The KXCI Community mourns the loss of a dedicated dj, musician and friend
by Ryan Bruce, KXCI GM
Chris "Shorty Stubbs" Jones was larger than life. He lived in Benson, worked at Raytheon, volunteered at KXCI and was a first-rate musician. From what I have been witness to over the last few months, Shorty loved music with a passion and made people smile by, well, just being Shorty. On Friday, September 14th, Chris "Shorty Stubbs" Jones passed away at his home in Benson. He was a friend to KXCI and more importantly each member of the KXCI family.
Shorty hosted Country Fringe, a music show on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 PM. Country Fringe is KXCI's home to country music both old and new. In addition, Shorty was a supporter of all things KXCI. On Tuesday, September 25th, KXCI will remember Mr. Shorty Stubbs with a special Country Fringe broadcast from 6-8 PM.
We would encourage you to leave your thoughts about Shorty below. We will use this space to post your comments as well as additional information about services and gatherings for our great friend and KXCI family member.
Thank you, Chris, for being a part of our lives.
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Shorty Stubbs Memorial Concert @ The HUT Sunday, Sept. 30 5-10pm
Musicans committed so far include the Dusty Buskers, The Determined Luddites, Kevin Pakulis, the Hot Club of Tucson, the Wayback Machine, Sharla Darby (backed by the Luddites), the Cochise County Allstars, Big in Vegas, and Al Perry, with more sure to be added.
Check back for updates when they become available!
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Just hearing your drawling voice over the air was enough to make me smile. I was looking forward to hearing you today "pitch" with Ruby for the membership drive. You will be dearly missed. - Cecily
You made me laugh, you made me happy, you made great musicu and you made me feel "purdy as a picture" and nobody could do that but you! Although your bright & shiny light has been extinguised your genuine spirit will stay with us always. Peace, Shorty!
Marilyn
Shorty was a great guy, one of the friendliest fellas on the scene. He was always supportive and a pleasure to be around. We'll miss ya, pal. Heaven's harps must be twangin' for ya.
Shorty Stubbs...we will always remember your infectious smile and laughter, your many, many kindnesses to the music community and KXCI. From emceeing at benefits to assist others in need, to promoting the radio station and volunteering at KXCI events, giving a hug and a compliment, sharing your stories and songs...you gave us all a great gift by just being you. I hope you know the deep love that so many feel for you. To us you will always be remembered as the man with the large and lovin' heart. RIP, Shorty Stubbs.
I didn't know him very well, only met him once I think, but talked to him on the phone a few times. The last that I recall was to request a good rowdy cowboy song to celebrate a successful round-up we had completed that day.
He was what we out in the boonies call a neighbor too, residing across the San Pedro Valley from here.
I would always look forward to seeing Shorty out and about.There was always a smile and a hug and let me buy you a drink.In the 2 years I have known him, I can honestly say he made a impact on my life. I looked forward to his show every week. My gift back to you is a donation to the station you loved. RIP Shorty and keep smilin on us.
YOU put the "Twang" in KXCI and taught us all
how to get our Honkytonk on!
You affected many with your smile, your Southern Gentleman charm, and generosity. And you
supported your possee in your one-of-a-kind
way. Thank you for all the dances!
I will carry your memory always... That's a promise.
I don't know what to say, maybe for the first time ever. We're all gonna miss ya - you were a first-rate guy and the world needs more of those. Thanks for everything, brother. Love ya.
Cheers,
Johnny Debauchery, on behalf of The Little Morts
Shorty,
My son broke the piggy bank you gave him when he was born but we kept the $1.91 you put in there to get him started (one of every coin). You were one of the most thoughtful people I have ever met and whenever I think about Tucson you're one of the truly wonderful friends that comes to mind. You're loss is felt across the salt flats of New Mexico and the barren sea of west Texas. Out here in Austin we're mourning you brother.
Shorty, our lives are enriched from having known you. Your memory will stay with us forever, especially our last night together at The Hut. Peace be with you, Shorty.
Shorty was one of the first DJs I got to know when I became a part of the KXCI community. His kindness, his gentle spirit and his love of community radio were ever present. And a better time was never had than when I working with Shorty at volunteer events or when just hanging out at the station and listening to his great stories of Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, and his initial forays into world of radio. While Tuesday nights will never be the same again, his spirit will continue to live on in that family called KXCI. RIP, Shorty.
Vince Gill wrote,,,
I know your life on earth was troubled,
and only you could feel the pain.
You weren't afraid to face the devil,
you're no stranger to the rain.
Ralph Stanley sang,,,
I know I'm near my heavenly home,
My spirit loudly sings.
The holy ones behold they come,
I hear the noise of wings.
And the beautiful noise you made, Shorty,,,will echo off these old dry western hills, mountains and canyons all the way back to Memphis. We're gonna miss ya, Pard. Do us all a favor, when you get there,,,, "please turn someone else on to country music".
Shorty,
We are missing you, and Tuesdays will be especially hard. You made the world a better place for all of us with your music, your love of music, and your heart.
Hey Shorty,
Thanks mucho for filling in on my show when I needed you. You came to my rescue more than once. You were my go to guy. You're the real deal, Shorty. One of the kindest, most generous human beings we've ever known. On the air, on stage, or just hangin' out, you're the genuine article. Thanks for being our friend. You're the best!
One day in 2005 I took a chance and dropped off a couple of my demo CD's at the KXCI office. After one look around at the huge stacks of other CD's, I was convinced my songs would get lost and never be heard. Then unexpectedly, about two days later, I got an email from an unknown gentleman by the name of Chris Jones. Mr. Jones said he had listened to my CD and absolutely loved the songs. In fact, he encouraged me to listen to KXCI that night (Tuesday) to his radio program called Country Fringe as he would be playing a cut from the CD. After reading the email multiple times, I was convinced it was a hoax, but hesitantly replied, thanking the man I now knew as Shorty Stubbs. At 6:00 that night I tuned into 91.3 and after a while, could not believe my ears! Not only did Shorty play one of my songs, but he set it up with much fanfare! The way Shorty went on and on you'd have thought I was the second coming of George Jones. Anyway, later and at Shorty's request, I called him during the show and we hit it off right away. I could tell he was a genuine person and on top of it all, a good ol' country boy! Shorty went on to play a different song from the CD for ten consecutive weeks! I'll never forget what Shorty Stubbs did for me musically, but more importantly, I'll never forget the little man with the big, big heart for country music and the people behind the music. God speed Mr. Jones. I hope they have a jukebox in Heaven with plenty of Porter Wagoner on it, just for you!
I had become a fan of Country Fringe over the last year, and had talked to Shorty at several music venues. He was an absolute mensch of a human being. Typical of KXCI, I find out in your obituary that he was taking that kind of time to donate to the radio station, but lived 40-50 miles away.
We will miss you terribly, Shorty. I am confident there is twang in the great beyond.
Shorty always knew where to find the best barbeque... and how important good country food is to the soul. He will be greatly missed by more folks than he could ever imagine.
If his family has an opportunity to read these messages I hope it brings some comfort to know that Shorty had so many friends who loved him so very much.
shorty. you were an original. a class act that will never be repeated. you had the kind of voice that always made the listener feel welcome. a very talented and insightful disc jockey... more than anything, you were a friend to us all. you will be missed, immensely. i think the radio station up in heaven just switched to country... "will the circle be unbroken, by and by, there's a better home awaiting, in the sky, lord, in the sky" your eternal friend, rogerdodger.
I would like to thank everyone who has shown love and support Chris a.k.a Mr. Shorty Stubbs is my uncle. I loved him very much and will miss him tremendously and its hard to think that someone so special that creates so many smiles is gone. I would say that he is a memphis tiger at heart and a bbq junkie and one short funny guy!!! Thank Everyone for the support and Love.
It's hard to believe the world would take so suddenly such a fine person. It would be hard to find a greater friend of local music or the community. I am proud to have counted you among friends of mine. Save me a beer and tequila at the pearly gates. I'll miss ya brother.
A good friend and coworker who always had a simle and kind words to say. I loved listening to your show and you will be sorely missed by many. Be at peace.
I'll miss sharing our love of music, Memphis and bar-b-que. You brought the Mid-South to Tucson and it was a better place. Always a champion of Country music and friend to everyone you met. Your dedication to KXCI and support of the Tucson music scene was huge. Such a generous, gentle and genuine soul; your presence raised everybody's spirits and will be sorely missed.
Shorty and I were just beginning a great friendship. Our camaraderie of people from Mississippi was growing with "Shorty" as one of the more distinguishable links. Shorty had diabetes which seem to strain him physically and he never really let it show. His love of music will always be respected. Take care Buddy.
It was a pleasure to see Shorty any time he walked into a room. He made people smile and feel good everywhere he went.
I had the honor of having drinks with Shorty last Thursday night at Plush, after filling in on drums for the lovely Amy Rude. We discussed our SG guitars and good times we've had at shows and on Twanging Tuesdays and both had the chance to say "I love you" before he left. I will always remember his parting words to me that evening:
"I love The Wyatts and I love you Jimbo!"
Like I said, he could always warm your heart and make ya feel good about yourself. It was with great sadness and a heavy heart that I learned of his passing.
I hope that I can make it back into town early enough on Sunday to attend and maybe perform at his memorial gig.
Shorty,
I miss you so much. I still hear you saying "Hi Doll!" when I would walk in to a venue and you would give me a big hug!" One night you said, "You didn't ask me to dance all night tonight. You were too busy dancin with that real tall guy all night!" Thank goodness the next time that I saw you, I called you out on that dance floor!" Shorty, I miss your smiles, your hugs but most of all you! I still see you, I still hear you and I always will. We have lost such an awesome person and a wonderful friend but not in spirit. You will always be part of the Tucson Music Scene forever! I love you Shorty!
wow, shorty, after being in tucson for the past 15 years and hearing your voice on the radio for so long, i had the pleasure of meeting you just this past thursday and watch you dance around the floor to a bluegrass band. you looked so happy and i can't tell you how much that touched me! i'm so grateful to have been able to shake your hand and put a voice to a gracious face. keep kicking your heels!
I've been a big fan of Shorty since moving to Tucson a year ago. Just hearing his voice always brought a smile. It was clear that he loved doin this show. I was shocked to read of his passing when on the website today. Somehow, even the signature Contry A Go Go seemed slow and mournful when it played tonight. My thoughts and prayers are with the Jones family.
Hey Little Big Man,
I don't know what I can add to what others have expressed here. We are all still in shock that you left us after being seen earlier that night in such greats spirits. That's the way we always see you, with your infectious and ever-present smile.
Not only will you be leaving some large boots to fill in the Tuesday night on-air line-up, but I'm sure I speak for rest of the T.K.M.A. gang, that your presence will sorely be missed at our future Folk Festivals too.
'There's a hole in my soul where the wind blows through"...Peter Case.
I can think of nothing more descriptive of my feelings- Shorty, you made everyone feel like you were their best friend- as I talk to KXCI supporters this week- they all say how close they felt to you- even if they only met you a couple of times. Every Tuesday when you'd walk through the door of KXCI, your "How Y'all Doin' Tonite?!" would infectiously spread a smile on the faces of everyone...you were the most recognizable voice on KXCI- we all loved you, we'll all miss you- Paul and I will never forget the "Duct Tape Rescue" you performed for us at Boondocks "cause you wanted us to Keep on Dancin" Thanks Shorty...we will.
You were so far out in front. One of the only guys who could request Austin Lounge Lizards by song title. Great sense of humor.Great knowledge of Country, old and new. Miss you dude, save a place at the campfire for us.We'll see you up the trail.
Shorty,
I miss you so much already! You were like a brother.
We had alot in common being from the South.
I'll always remember your smile and laughter.
It was fun hearing you sing Redneckin'...
I'll always remember you, Gone Fishin'....
Love,
Greg Morton
I met Chris in 1982 in Camden, Arkansas. We both worked the evening shift. He was friendly and funny and I enjoyed his company. He could do a very good Bob Dylan impersonation too. But my knowledge of Chris was mostly as an engineer, and a very good one. He was intelligent and demanding. His thinking was if you're going to do something?do it right?the first time. The last time I saw Chris was in September 2006. I was preparing to go overseas on a long term assignment and had a biscuit with him in the cafeteria at work. We talked about Beatles, Memphis, Elvis, his radio show and a little about work. I was able to listen to Country Fringe via the internet and because of the time difference it came on here Wednesday mornings from 10:00 to noon. It was good to hear that distinctive voice over the headphones while I worked, it made the South seem not so far away. I was in Tucson last June and looked for my old friend to visit a spell but he wasn't at his desk. I left assuming he was in a meeting somewhere and I would catch up with him the next time I was in town. I didn't listen to his last show, it had been a busy morning and when I remembered it was almost over so I thought I'll catch it next week. I've known Chris for twenty five years, the time and Chris were gone too fast.
I will miss Shorty so, so much. I loved listening to his down home southern drawl every Tuesday night. He taught me how to really love alternative country music. What a great man! KXCI listeners will miss him.
When I first met the man behind those Country Fringe tunes, I thought "this is one generous, big-hearted guy." Those thoughts didn't change the more I ran into Shorty out enjoying music. I'll miss him.
I worked with Chris years ago at Raytheon. He was always happy, nice, and funny. I was a new Engineer and did not know anything, and he was the senior engineer I looked to for help and guidance. I could ask him any question, and he was the one person that would always help. I am very sad that he is gone. My prayers go out to his family.
"Country Fringe" is my favorite KXCI program- Tuesday nights won't be the same without hearing Shorty's voice. Sure wish I'd had the chance to get to know him.... RIP Shorty.
Shorty Stubbs was one of the finest people I met in Tucson. He could put you in a good mood just by giving you that big smile. He was extremely kind, funny and loved music so much. He was also quite the smooth dancer....and anytime you ran into him was a treat. Tucson, and the planet, is a dimmer place without Shorty. I shall miss listening to him on Tuesdays, seeing him out, and being able to hang out with him. We have all lost a very good friend.
Shorty was my friend tho we never met - he came over every Tuesday nite and we'd groove and talk. I called in a few times, to thank him for playing a song I hadn't heard since the days of 8 track, or a song that made me dance, or a song that made me cry. My heart goes out to his family and friends, and to Shorty - on the wings of a snow white dove...Do shine on Dear Friend.
I just heard about Shorty's passing today...everytime I saw Shorty walk into a room he lit it up with his presence. His loving spirit was extra large. I'll miss ya, pal!
God bless you Shorty. You will be missed. Thank you for being there every Tuesday night and spinning those great tunes. You will be remembered my thoughts and prayers.
Chris- A great Brother,Brother-in-law,Uncle and friend. You had such a great humor, joy for life, and love for family- your jokes, laughter, smiles and hugs will be deeply missed. We'll Love You Always!!!!
There was nothing diminutive about Mr. Shorty... he cast a long shadow in life, friends and his love of music. I truly will miss his quick smile and sense of humor. Sorry we never had the chance to write that song together and howl at the moon. From a song I wrote a few years ago about Waylon's untimely passing... "I'm sorry 'bout my leaving, I know I didn't say goodbye... It was time for me to travel, I couldn't stand to see you cry"... we're all crying Shorty.
I've known Chris for 10 years or so at work. He was a good and honest man. I will miss him.
Twang'in Tuesday has been a favorite on KXCI, Shorty Stubbs and the Country Fringe a great show.
I can still here his voice. Caught The Rose Lady filling in last night and learned the news.
Today I saw a copy of the KXCI webpage at work?.
First time I could connect both men and voices together in my mind?never met Chris at KXCI.
Chris Jones the engineer and Shorty Stubbs the country music enthusiast, what a great man.
How small a piece of each other we sometimes know.
Last time I saw Chris he was at the Chicago store looking at guitars.
I never knew he had diabetes. I nearly gave a kidney to help my own brother with it.
?.I always looked forward to hearing Chris's show and supporting him at KXCI.
I will remember him on Tuesdays for a long time to come.
I didn't know Shorty personally, but I am thankful to him for introducing me to good country music. I know I will be a huge country music fan for many years to come and I have Shorty to thank!!
Shorty will be greatly missed by friends, co-workers, and also tons and tons of folks like me who just know him by his voice over the airwaves.
Chris, I have known you for over 20 years; first in Arkansas, then in Tucson. You've watched my children grow up and you have always been a good friend and co-worker. Beth and I have always enjoyed your company and would welcome an opportunity for another Thanksgiving dinner with you. You are in our heart and prayers as are your family and friends and we will dearly miss you.
Shorty, you made me actually enjoy listening to country music again, after decades of thinking the crap they played on commercial radio was the only stuff being produced. Thanks for that.
I sure as hell am gonna miss the new music I'm never gonna hear now, and I'm in tears knowing I'll never hear your drawl on my radio no more.
I never met Shorty in person, but I listened to his show faithfully, every Tuesday night.
He made me smile, tap my foot, dream and hum along with almost every song he shared. Sometimes I'd dance around the living room floor with my daughter to a tune he'd spin.
Shorty would always take the time to chat with me when I called in...asking me how I was doing, filling me in on upcoming local shows and talking about recently discovered music he'd heard.
The way Shorty spoke on the radio made me feel like he was talking directly to me. The music he chose made me feel like he picked those records because he knew my dad used to play the same ones when we lived back in Colorado years ago. During his shows I did a lot of reminiscing.
His interest and love for country music introduced me to the sounds of new musicians and reminded me of sounds from the past that I will always cherish.
Thank you for Tuesday nights and thank you for sharing your passion with all of us.
You and your love of great music will be missed, Shorty!
Chris was a good man with a heart of gold. I first met him in the late 1980's when I worked in Pomona, California and he worked in Camden Arkansas. Both of us were with General Dynamics back in those days. I designed a built some equipment for him and his team to use in Camden. When he attended the design reviews we held in CA to show him what we were doing (I think the first ones I presented in my career) he was about the most thoughtful and considerate person you could hope to have as a "customer". He was a great engineer back then and grew into a strong mentor for many along the way. Through 2 corporate buy-outs we crossed paths several more times and wow am I ever glad now I took the time to see how he was and what was going on in his life! I didn't realize how important KXCI was to him until I ran into him at the station's booth at the U of A high school band day last year, which I attended with my younger son who also loves music. The bumper stickers and refrigerator magnets with the KXCI logos I got from him that day are now a lot more meaningful up on the fridge. No doubt he will be missed by many. Our family's prayers go out on behalf of his family and friends.
Shorty:
We so loved calling in on Tuesday and tellin' what was for dinner and lettin' you know we were listening. Out and about you always made us laugh so hard our cheeks hurt! I, myself (Tiny Dancer) will always remember how much fun you made everything. You absolutely made everyone you were around happy just by bein' you! Happy trails to you till we meet again. We love ya!!
Damn Shorty, what am I going to do with these chicken eggs our gals pumped out just for you? I do believe you gave a piece of yourself to all who met you. I do believe you have taken a little piece of each of us now that you have gone. Thank you sir, for being a lesson to all who had the honor of knowing you.
You are truely missed. Thanks for your support and great music. They just don't make 'em like you anymore. I hope everyone will take what they've learned from you and keep this scene alive. Peace to you brother...
God Bless,
The Mighty Joel Ford / 24 Hour Driveway
p.s. I'll meet up with you for an "Irish Car Bomb"
and this time it's on me.
Chris - As your neighbors, we didn't even know that you were a DJ, and we never told you how much we loved to hear you sing and play the guitar on your porch. We mostly talked about your rescue dog, Peaches. It means so much to us that she has joined our family and she will be forever loved. Whenever I look into her eyes I think of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Jones family. We miss you!
