On the first birthday since his passing last August, John DeFoore Jr., the influential Mineola music entrepreneur and teacher, was memorialized with a day in his honor last Wednesday, June 8.

He would have been 76.

The brief ceremony was held at the downtown gazebo, just steps from the historic Beckham Hotel, where DeFoore held court for many years and operated the Piney Woods Pickin’ Parlor in the upstairs ballroom, welcoming a range of special musical guests, most with Texas roots.

The proclamation, read by Mineola Mayor Jayne Lankford, will hang in a place of honor in the Beckham.

It began at 3:45 p.m., a nod to the time DeFoore gave lessons to Mineola’s marketing director, Owen Tiner, who was a student from 1997-2000.

Lankford called DeFoore an incredible legacy and talent, adding that he will be missed.

Before proclaiming the day, she read, “Whereas The City of Mineola, TX and Wood County have realized an enriched quality of life due to the presence of local artist, business owner, music teacher and author, John DeFoore, Jr.; and

Whereas His influence on music lovers in the area through his Piney Woods Pickin’ Parlor brought a plethora of diverse musical acts to Mineola; and

Whereas  His dedication to teaching music and the craft of songwriting in Mineola, spanning more than three decades, brought to life a thriving music scene and a myriad of students that continue to perform and write music both professionally and as an avocation; and 

Whereas John had a positive impact on all of his students, young and old, both in music and personally through demonstration of his talent within the instruction, encouragement to create something new, and write songs from the heart; and  

Whereas John’s spirit lives on through his students’ songs, musical education, and his exceptional example as a citizen of Mineola.”