J. David Carey

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA
Born on Nov 14, 1952
Departed on Mar 25, 2024

My heart felt condolences on J David’s passing. I knew him well from TCR, he was always a willing teacher in different areas of theater, funny, irreverent & always had a smile. He will be greatly missed & thought of in the theater community. 😢

J. David was responsible for one of the most profound theatre experiences of my life. As a director, he was effortless and instilled a collaborative atmosphere. He was always quick with a smile. My heart goes out to all of you family and friends of this amazing guy. He was truly a gift.

Dear Alexandra, I am so sorry to hear of J David's passing today. As you know, he played a large role in my life in high school and college. I am sorry for your loss.

I worked with J. David for a number of years while I was on the TCR Board. He was a wonderful, kind, generous and compassionate man. He did so much for TCR- i saw it first hand. I also saw him and Alexandra walking at Prairie Park frequently. Finally, he was a YMCA guy like me. We would talk and he always took time for me. I was shocked and saddened to see that he passed.. I will miss seeing and talking to him. Peace and light to him forever.

My first memories of J. David were at the Foundation 2 Crisis Center. I started working there because my best friend, Alex, told me about a job opening. Alex and David first met while working shifts together on the Crisis Line. When David found out that I was Alex's best friend, he began to pepper me with questions about her. He was gaga about her! Thus began a love story that I bore witness to over the past 35+ years. There are no "perfect" relationships. But theirs is one that I have always admired and, frankly, envied. Love, mutual admiration and respect, shared passions, patience. Qualities that contribute to a deep and lasting bond. They are two of the best people I have ever known and I am grateful that they found each other and were able to spend 35 years of their lives with each other. David will be profoundly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

J. David was so fun to work with in his role as Marketing Director at TCR. I enjoyed his humor and smile. So sorry for your loss, and may the wonderful memories you hold in your heart, provide comfort in the months ahead. Blessings, Kellie

Alex and family, Heartfelt sympathies. Way too early. I always enjoyed talking with J David. He is last in the line of the “Barrymores” of Cedar Rapids theatre. May his memory be a constant blessing to you.

Alex and family...my deepest condolences to you all. J. David always had a ear for me to bend and I enjoyed hearing what he had to say about...about anything. His directing prowess during THE GLASS MENAGERIE (1995-96 TCR season) was keenly felt - one of my favorite theatrical experiences. His directing style complimented my neophyte acting style (what style?)...he allowed his actors to do their thing, jumping in ever-so-gently when he felt the need. I am shocked. He will be missed. Prayers and Love to you all.

Alex and family, I am so sorry to be out of the country and to not be able to acknowledge this event properly. I am eternally grateful for J. David for trusting me as his AD for many of his last shows as a director. Asking me to get involved with the archives in 2005 and work on the Marquee and then AD was a lifeline for me back into theatre. I made so many friends and had some of the best moments bc JDavid trusted me. I was always impressed and awed by his creative CR",pedigree" that he wore like it was nothing. He was so accessible, fun and fair as a person and as a director. I also respected the way he made choices about casting and was willing to take risks to involve more people. He never fell into cliques and favorites. He was an educator, coach, visionary and just a fun smart man. He is gone way too young and deserved more time to play with you all. Peace! He will always be in the fabric of this community and our hearts.

Alex, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful, vibrant husband. The obituary told a story of a wonderful life, no doubt with hardships...but also filled with passion and the will to pursue his loves. Hoping you feel love surrounding you from many of us who know you. Love, Susan

I have not stopped thinking of Alex. He was truly the only man who won my cousin's heart and that was no easy feat! I remember him very fondly, as I am sure others do as well. But for this time, a part of my heart is with my cousin for always.