I first met Jim when subbing for Bob Phillips for a LYO concert in the early 80's. He was an awesome conductor ! I first performed with Jim in a bar in Niagara Falls while practice teaching there ( We did C jam blues with the house band...both happened to have our horns, and maybe a couple of beers...I think I got a pretty good evaluation) Jim continued to shadow my teaching and playing career as I'm sure he did for many others (as an adjudicator of the Peterborough Kiwanis he continued to show me the way...Egmont Overture transcription...my band wasn't quite ready for it and he appropriately "hammered" me for doing it!) He performed/mentored Cal Smith and I during our last few years leading the Peterborough Concert Band. We couldn't have done it without him. Jim was a huge influence in shaping my teaching career, and I think about him often. Jim, you and your horn are missed !!