Jacksonville-born jazz legend Teddy Washington played with the greats of his day. Wednesday, family and friends gathered at the King Solomon United Baptist Church to bid a final farewell.

Washington died July 21 at Shands-Jacksonville after complications with a blood clot.

A world renowned trumpet player, he played with the likes of James Brown, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Sinatra. In 1999, he performed at the reopening of the Ritz Theatre. Just seven years later, he was inducted into the Jacksonville Jazz Festival Hall of Fame.

Washington was 80.

Washington was one of Jacksonville's beloved sons, but during the course of his exciting life, he traveled far beyond his hometown, sharing his musical gift with the world.

Wednesday's service was a time for mourning for Washington's friends and family, but they called it a home going celebration.

"I just wanted to say to the children, 'We love you,'" Washington's wife Evelyn said.

Evelyn, tearfully shared her experiences with Teddy, raising their four children. And his children recalled the life lessons he imparted.

"You're always going to have tension in your life and in this world, but you have to remember you still have to live, and you want to live with a peaceful heart," one of Washington's children said.

Infused with music, Washington's friend Gene White played a rousing rendition of his favorite song "My Way."

Those close to him say he's already inspired the next generation of musicians.

"I had the opportunity to go to a rehearsal he had at the college, and I see the love and respect that the college students had for him, and that touched me," friend and fellow artist Stefaniya White said.

And although his immediate family no longer resides in Jacksonville, they said they're thankful the city has always been Teddy's true home.

"I'm so grateful for the community that he has cherished and loved all of his life," Washington's daughter Mistye-Dawn said.

"We let him stay here while we were all over the country and the world, but we stayed a family," Evelyn said. "And by doing that, we made Jacksonville our family because he loved it so much."

Washington's music will be missed worldwide, but he'll be especially missed in Jacksonville, where he was a native son. The pastor who eulogized him said it well when he referred to him as "our cultural jewel and ambassador of music."