Paul R. "Junie" Schenck Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Paul R. “Junie” Schenck, Jr., 82 of Bemus Point, NY passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at WCA Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Junie was born on December 14, 1932 the son of the late Paul R. Sr. and Lora Cornish Schenck. He graduated from Panama High School in 1951. Junie started out as a country music singer and began performing in 1948. He won many talent shows trading off with Bumpy Peterson. In the early 1960’s he was contracted for two weeks to perform in the Music and Theater District in downtown Buffalo at Jan’s Candy Cane Lounge. Their band was “The Jesters” and then changed to “The Rebels” their two weeks was extended to 62 weeks. Until 1963 Junie was playing music 6-7 nights a week, recording records and traveling east coast. Junie’s schedule became tough to maintain. After years of consideration, Junie and Joe Santilli decided to purchase an establishment conducive to promoting live music. In 1963 they bought the abandoned Bemus Inn and opened the Surf Club. They wanted to promote live music and entertainment. Their band was changed to the “Junie Schenck and The Surfers” and later to “ Junie Schenck and Solid Gold”. In later years Junie, Jackie and their son, Paul became the sole owners of the Surf Club for 42 years. One of the many things Junie will be remembered for is singing “Hound Dog” while standing on his head. After Junie’s semi retirement he would make a guest appearance at The Surf Club with “Happy Days” on special holidays such as; Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. On March 30, 2001 Mayor Sam Teresi declared a Junie Schenck Day in Jamestown.” Raise The Roof” was a Tribute to Junie Schenck held at the Viking Lodge in Jamestown, New York. Junie Schenck’s motto as a musician was, “ It’s not so much the music but the entertaining.” he said, ”You can be a great muscian and don’t entertain people, but you need a little bit of both. To me, the main thing is having a good time.” Junie was a Rock and Roll performer for over 50 years. He was always a loving, kind, caring man and a true gentleman. Junie was an avid golfer and a member for many years at Bemus Point Golf Club, Point Chautauqua and Chautauqua. He was also a member of the McDonald’s senior Traveling Golf League for several years. He also enjoyed traveling to Florida and California to play golf with his father- in- law and his son, Paul. Junie, Paul and the guys would go to The Travers Race in Saratoga, NY and they went every year for 26 years. Junie was a member of several clubs including; War Vets Rec., Ellery VFW Post 557, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club and the former Town Club in Jamestown. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his father- in- law, Jack Chesbro Sr.; two brothers, Bob and Albert Schenck, two sisters, Dorian Sechriest and Dorothy Matjoulis, one sister-in- law, Kathy Schenck and two brother- in- laws, Dick Jordan and Ron Sechriest. He’s survived by his wife of 53 years of marriage, Jackie Schenck and his son Paul Schenck, III both of Bemus Point, NY, his mother- in- law, Helen Chesbro; two brothers, Ron Schenck and his wife, Donna and Kenny Schenck; three sisters, Phyllis Jordan, Helen Kjornsberg and Pauline Schenck and her fiance, Bob Girts; three sister-in-laws, Linda Schenck, Rosemary Schenck and Chez Warner; three brother-in- laws, Nick Matjoulis, Jack Chesbro, Jr. and Dave Kjornsberg. He’s also survived by many many fine nieces and nephews. Jackie and her son Paul would like to thank WCA Hospital (E.R., I.C.U., 4th Floor and 5th Floor), Hamot Hospital and Heritage Group for their excellent medical and compassionate care. They would also like to thank Bemus Point and Fluvanna Volunteer Fire Departments. A Celebration of Junie’s life will be announced in June with a date and time to follow. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Powers, Present & Sixbey Funeral Home, Inc., 316 East Fifth Street, Jamestown, NY. To light a candle or to send Junie’s family condolences visit www.presentsixbeyfuneral.com.

Paul R. "Junie" Schenck Jr.

December 14, 1932 - April 14, 2015