Jim Hejduk, Millbrook’s music teacher in the late 1960s, died on September 18, 2023, after a long and dedicated career at a number of educational institutions, including the University of Nebraska. 

Jim began his teaching journey at Millbrook in 1968. After several years, he moved on to Milton Academy where he became director of choral music and chapel organist from 1971-1986.  Jim then became a faculty member in Nebraska before returning east to join the faculty at Belmont Hill School. He returned to Lincoln, Nebraska, in retirement and maintained a busy life centered on music. Jim was a past president of the Nebraska Choral Directors Association, and he served as a member of the National Endowment for the Arts' choral panel.  

 

Jim often mentioned that while he was not making much money during his years at Millbrook and, because his daily schedule was so full,  he actually managed to squirrel some of his salary away since there were no real opportunities then to have a big night out in the Village of Millbrook! Jim wanted Millbrook to be a recipient of some of what he saved, and he left a gift to Millbrook in his will. We are so grateful.

 

Our school and our students were fortunate to have Jim as a young, talented, and inspiring teacher.