It is with a saddened heart that I bring to you the news that Jack “The General” Stites passed away Sunday Qctober 26th.  Almost 3 years ago now, Jack read an article in the Macomb Journal about a  newly forming youth program that would provide continued music education for percussionists in the Central Illinois Area. Through The General’s kindness and generosity, we were able to purchase brand new equipment to make our program a reality. Today KnightFire is venturing into new waters with the addition of Horns and Color Guard to become a full Drum and Bugle Corps which wouldn’t at all be possible if Jack had just put the paper down. Instead he picked up the phone and with that one phone call, has affected the lives of many area youths as well as my own and that of all the  staff and parents involved with KnightFire. So from all of us at KnighFire, we say to Jack , “Thank you General and know that you will always be in our thoughts and prayers.”

Gary Schumann

Director