Ahhhhhhh... I've been dreading this news. I had the pleasure of spending time with Jim at two Big Muddy Festivals in Boonville, Missouri, one performing on my own, and once with the Gospel Messengers. Jim was a big man, and he had a big body, too.

My first time at the Big Muddy, I walked into the dining area and intentionally picked out a table where I wanted to eat, chosing one where I didn't know a single person at the table. Jim was one of the people there and when I happened to mention Lonnie Donegan, that was it. Jim loved Lonnie's music and was excited to find a fellow appreciator. By the times that I got home, there was a box from Jim awaiting me with the whole Bear boxed set of Lonnie (9 cassettes) but two or three others when Lonnie was with Chris Barber. From time to time, Jim would send me some other rare Lonnie Donegan recording he'd come across. He was one of the most genereous men I've met, and he'll not be forgotten by myself, or the Gospel Messengers, who he was extremely enthusiastic about.

Sing on, Jim!

And save a place for me...

Jerry