we were very sad to hear of Jims passing we only just talked on the phone around the. Hollidays .

He always took time to write very nice letters to my mom his aunt  Lorraine  for years ,  I always wanted to get together but never worked out 

Jim was a great supporter of live music and the swing bands like mine (The Crystal Swing Band) in the area. His swing nights provided an outlet for the bands to play for a great community of dancers. And the dance floor at the Avalon is unparalleled!

We recorded our big band CD in two live performances at the Avalon. Jim offered to review the CD and provided an articulate, knowledgeable and positive review. He also supported the jazz clubs in the area – Boulder Friends of Jazz at the Avalon and Denver Jazz Club at the Westminster Elks. It was always fun to run into him outside of the swing nights and discuss music, bands, and whatever else came up. 

I appreciated his enthusiastic promotion of all of his events. The music and dancing has made all of our lives richer. His loss is felt, but we know he dances on……

I first met Jim on the phone before his Tea Dance in Denver in September of 1994. I didn't even know what "Vintage Dance" was, but he was gracious and kind and inviting, and I felt welcomed to the dance before I had even arrived.

Jim was my biggest supporter in setting me on the vintage dance path to learn, perform, and teach. In recent months we had long conversations about how to build the dance community in my own area and beyond. He was passionate about teaching others to dance, giving them opportunities to do so, and advising me how to do the same. I will forever be grateful for his kindness, generosity, and friendship to me over the decades.

I knew there was always a mischievous grin and excellent dance partner waiting for me whenever my adventures brought me back to the Avalon. I am especially glad I had more dance time with him in 2022 than in recent years, not knowing it would be the last of our memories built together.

Thank you, Jim, for your compliments, your companionship, and the unique and special bond of friendship we shared. You helped me believe in myself, and I will hold near to my heart your confidence in me and my abilities. You gave me strength, and will continue to do so as I walk this path remembering your enduring advice, encouragement, and mentorship. Without you I would not be who and where I am today. Your inspiration will always be appreciated and valued, my dear friend.

I first remember meeting cousin Jimmy when I was still in elementary school. He had come to pay my parents a visit and they were gathered in the living room. After a little icebreaking, Jimmy and I got to chatting. Somehow, the conversation steered toward animals – a welcome subject for a nature show fanatic like myself.



Almost immediately I found myself engrossed in conversation with Jimmy over the myriad zoological topics that arose. I showed him some of my new issues of Zoobooks and my animal fact-file binder, as if to gauge the depths of this man's knowledge... and his knowledge went deep. I came away from our talk knowing more than when I came in.

Though I can’t remember exactly what fauna, flora, or natural phenomena we talked about I will always remember how Jimmy made me feel proud of the knowledge I had. He took real interest in what I was saying and engaged me in conversation as he would an adult, whether the topic was Komodo dragons or blue whales or fruit bats. He made me feel like my geeked-out enthusiasm for science and nature was really worth something.

I can only imagine the frantic stream-of-consciousness my child-sized mind must have thrown at him, but in that moment Jimmy made my shy younger self feel truly charismatic. From that day on I always looked forward to seeing him, and I will look back fondly on all the times I did.


It’s like Maya Angelou once said: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”



Rest in peace, cousin Jimmy.

Jim was the Impresario of the Avalon. His genius at building the best dance venue in the state (sprung oak floors, great stage, great acoustics) and bringing the best dance bands of the region together with some the best dancers around was pivotal to the success of the Avalon. Where would I be without the community he contributed so much to?

Thank you, Jim.