Jim Baum, the victim of the most senseless violence, was murdered thursday night by his wife. I’m in disbelief… the kindest man, devoted father, and immensely talented musician. The fact is, everyone loved him…The best jazz drummer by far in this area… sensitive, thoughtful, swinging, smart. Just an all around good, good guy. Anyone who knew Jimmy was better for it. Sadness has blanketed this town… our community in mourning for a wonderful man. He is so missed. Rest in Peace my friend…
Here is a video of Jimmy last year with Stan Poplin, Emiko, Me… always the tasty, in sync player… and a wry sense of humor to keep things real… miss you! Stan and Jim were best friends..that I know for sure. You can hear it…
Nardis
Here’s another tune with some hotter Jimmy Baum percussion: 14 One of a Kind (live)
I’m really pleased to see all these positive comments from those who knew Jim. So keep the comments coming..this is one place to say good things about a good man…
I spoke to a friend at Kuumbwa today. Kuumbwa will host a memorial for Jim Baum on Sunday October 10 from 2-6PM
Link to New Video: Paul Logan\’s Excellent Video on Jim Baum
In Happier Times…
ron clegg 
this is just the saddest, hardest thing i can’t even believe it. jim was so great to my family after smith’s accident and my heart goes out to the kids.
By: gail on September 26, 2010
at 7:59 pm
Both Wesley and I are deeply grieved and totally amazed that one of the sweetest, kindest, warmest, talented gentelmen to have walked SC in the 70’s has gone out to someone who apprently didn’t have the insight to know a real spirit when their paths got tangled…when I told Wesley yesterday am, he looked like he was going to fall over—literally…we both have gone thru the off again on again stuff that years can bring and today i thank the universe as he does as well, that jim graced our doorstep so frequently during the cooperhouse/warmth/sunshine dancing days before Noah (our son—now 35!!! was travelling ‘belly out’ with me, as well as when Wes brought him down to “play” w/ that great band of musicians)…it started thundering down here in SC yesterday, and I know that Wes and I thought the same thing…jim was already pounding the sky with his greatness…our deepest sorrow, etc/hugs and support to all the travelling men and women still out there having a time of it enjoying life and laughing when the weather gets crazy—he passed on my bd!!!so so sad…love/linda temple braxton
By: linda temple braxton on September 27, 2010
at 1:06 pm
To a gentle giant of a man!
I am so greatful for ever knowing you Jim!
The Cooper House with music flowing up and down Pacific Ave. I was there almost every summer day. Hangin with my friends. Jim Baum, Don McCaslin, Wesley Braxton, and all the others that made up Warmth. Those were the best years in Santa Cruz! That was the 70’s!
I know I will miss Jim a lot! Through the years that have followed, since those early days, I was always very happy when Jim and I would run into one another, either at Ace Hardware or just around town.
I did not know that he moved in across the street from where I live. I wish I had!
May the children somehow find peace in all that has happened. May we all find someway to forgive.
You will be missed Jim, not just by me, but so many!
Rest in Peace Jim
Love You Man!
By: Autumn Sun on September 27, 2010
at 6:14 pm
I’m a fellow drummer – I met Jim in about 1970 through Paul Nagel -he always had a great touch on the instrument. I still have a drum set I bought from him in the mid 70’s – we didn’t know each other well, but all my interactions with him were great.
His death in this way is unspeakable. Even though I want to give words to it, nothing I can think of makes sense.
By: John Anning on September 28, 2010
at 1:32 pm
I can’t believe this. I worked with Jim in the 80’s when he played with the Cool Jerks; a departure from jazz, but a commitment he made to make a living to support his then just being born boys. I was proud to work with him. All the players in the band were ecstatic to work with him. I’m so sorry this has happened…
By: Tati Argue on September 29, 2010
at 12:25 am
Jimmy Baum, the only true Prince among men that I have ever known.
The sadness that this brings is beyond words that properly describe our heavy hearts without him in our lives, community, streets of santa cruz, or in our world. A very undeserving tragic ending to a wonderfully peaceful soul.
Forever in our hearts, Jimmy Baum.
By: Bambi on September 29, 2010
at 9:32 am
Can anyone provide details of burial? When and where?
By: Bambi on September 29, 2010
at 10:35 am
I used to be Jimmy’s roadie when he played with my dad, Lee Stewart, back in the early 90’s. He was the nicest guy and what a badass on drums!!! And though he was a jazzer and I was a Rocker, he was always appreciative of the cats I dug, and made me feel like I mattered! Jim gave me the best drum lessons I ever had, played at my wedding – i used to make special trips to West Side ACE to talk drums with Jim and beg him out of retirement, and to give me some more lessons! Jim was a mentor if I ever had one – Godspeed brother, my heart is broken. Peace to your children.
By: pete testorff on September 29, 2010
at 6:39 pm
I first met Jim in 1974. I had just moved to Santa Cruz and he was the first friend I met on my own and of course it was at the Cooper House. He had the greatest laugh and wonderfully intense eyes along with that kindly knowing nod as if, yes, this is cool. He was very present. Later, in 1980, he and I lived together over on 42nd for a short while. He shared his love of Chopin, classic jazz and expressed his deep spirituality. I moved away from SC years later and one of my many visits back Paul Nagel told me Kuumbwa and the Hytones were celebrating their 30 year reunion in 2005. It was very strange that Jim wasn’t playing the drums for that event. I saw Jim over at Ace and he told me the story of Gayle not letting him play music. I never had met her, but Jim didn’t speak badly of her he just accepted what was and told of his plans to play drums again when his boys were grown. He loved his boys so much. His eyes would sparkle and he would talk with such joy about them. I am so glad to have found this site when I googled Jim’s name and to read how everyone loved him and speaks of his wonderful spirit. I knew SC musicians would put on a memorial and how fitting to be at Kuumbwa. I wish I could be there. His death is so tragic and a life cut short. My heart goes out to his boys in their sad loss of a devoted father.
By: Christie Van Aken on September 30, 2010
at 12:45 am
I stumbled upon this blog tonight looking for answers as to why this had to happen. Didn’t know Mr. Baum personally, but Gayle was my supervisor. After listening to this music video, I had to let my 18 year old daughter, Taylar, check out this enormous talent. She is an aspiring jazz guitarist and an old soul. Out of this tragedy, something positive came through. My daughter was saddened also, but she enjoyed the music and will share it with her teacher and mentor. Our prayers go out to their children and family.
By: Saundra Gatson on September 30, 2010
at 1:51 am
Hi saundra, it’s Teresa from TTC. Just wanted to say hello
By: Teresa Bourassa on December 14, 2010
at 11:57 am
I can’t quite come to terms with the loss of my best pal for forty years. As youngsters, we lived together and would practice all the time, Jimmy doing his sticking exercises while I played scales and exercises on my guitar. We played countless gigs together over the decades and he’s the drummer on my first album. We played in San Rafael the night before he died. It was a blast as always. Afterward, when he dropped me off, we gave each other the big bear hug and said good bye. Jimmy is supposed to play drums on my October and November gigs. I’ve lost my best pal and my heart is broken. The world has lost a star.
By: Dave Costa on September 30, 2010
at 11:27 am
Is there a service or memorial of some kind planned?
Does anyone know how their kids are doing?
By: elvis costanza on September 30, 2010
at 4:00 pm
There is a memorial on Sunday the 10th at the Kuuamba Jazz center from 2 – 6. Cameron, Tjader and Parker are doing the best they can, having lost both parents they loved very much. Some have also been scouring the internet reading about their parents, including this very website. Please remember that when you are posting your comments.
By: Charlotte Waldo on October 5, 2010
at 1:07 pm
I played with Jimmy throughout the 80’s when I lived in Santa Cruz. We kept in touch since then. I only heard the news today here in London. What madness. A sweeter person you couldn’t hope to meet. Santa Cruz will not be the same without him. My condolences to his beloved children and to all those countless folks who loved him too. Rest in peace Jimmy Baum, it was so great to have known you and to have worked with you.
By: John Donaldson on September 30, 2010
at 4:06 pm
We’ll still be sorting this out as long as there are memories of Jim. We played together in the Cabrillo band before he went on the road with Robben backing Spoon in the early seventies. Played more gigs than I can count in & around SC, until we independently decided to move to NYC. I was after a chair on Woody’s band, and Jim’s ambition was to play with Bill Evans no less! We both drove cabs, but I remember one night he came home and said he’d seen Helen, Bill’s manager, and leaned out the window of his cab and screamed, “Helen! I LOVE Bill Evans!” When Bill had auditions for drummers, Jim got to play a whole tune with the trio. We never drifted apart after the New York year, and when I got married he was there in Newport hanging with Frankie Capp and carrying on. Jim’s memorial at Kuumbwa will be on the 29th anniversary of that wedding.
I miss you, brother.
See you all at Kuumbwa.
By: Richard Fenno on September 30, 2010
at 7:41 pm
When is the Kuumbwa thing?
By: elvis costanza on October 1, 2010
at 12:08 am
Elvis… the memorial for Jim is on Oct. 10 from 2-6PM. Paul Mehling pointed out that
ironically that day is International World Happiness Day 10.10.10. He thought Jim would love that… See all of you there…. A gathering of his true friends and admirers will be powerful and full of positive energy. God knows, he and we all need that….
By: ronclegg on October 1, 2010
at 12:21 am
I just came across this blog this morning and am stunned. I first met Jim when he arrived in Santa Cruz in the 70’s looking for a bass player for his band that traveled from out of state to settle in Santa Cruz. I loved playing with Jim for being Jim. I was also a fellow drummer as well as bass player and played with Jim at the Cooper House, Cabrillo College, and was fortunate to hang with sudh a great group of musicians during the 70’s. Losing Steve Bennett and now Jim are life shaking. Both were the best friends nd guys anyone could know. I still have lots of stories and memories of all those wonderful days. I also have some old recordings of many as well come to think of it. I am very saddened.
By: Howard Sveilich / Laurence on October 1, 2011
at 11:03 am
What craziness. I started playing with Jimmy in 1971 in the Cabrillo College big band- by far, one of the best experiences of my life as a musician. I called Jimmy to put a trio together when my wife and I were married in 1980. What a gas. He was swinging away under the redwoods in Corralitos.
It was very difficult having to call friends around the globe and tell them the sad, sad news.
By: dan young on September 30, 2010
at 8:13 pm
I am friends with their kids on facebook and they are receiving many condolences, the youngest one saying this is the hardest thing he has ever been through and thanking everyone for the support.
hope that answers your question on how their kids are doing, though I don’t think we can really imagine.
I met Jimmy a few times, knew he was very excited about gigging more and more, I thought he was very cool. I had the privilege of getting to sit in with him and I feel very angry he was taken this way.
By: L on September 30, 2010
at 9:49 pm
I am grateful and humbled to have known Jim as a friend and fellow musician of the highest order. He also was an uncommonly kind human being. He will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to his friends and family.
By: Dave Maneely on September 30, 2010
at 10:12 pm
Haven’t been able to come to terms with the viciousness of his death when compared to the peaceful nature of his soul. I was proud to have dated Jim back when he played at the Cooperhouse. I remember those years as some of the best in my life.
When I ran into him at Ace four years ago, I asked him what the hell he was doing, why wasn’t he playing music? He told me that he was doing what his wife wanted, but that the marriage had been over for years. He was sticking around for the kids. I cried all the way home wondering how someone could possible deny Jim his music, his very soul. He looked miserable.
It unnerves me that he finally took the steps to take back his life and in doing so lost it.
I hope his son’s carry on their fathers musical legacy. He would be very proud.
Jim it was an honor to know you, RIP.
By: sophia gaura on October 1, 2010
at 10:44 am
I was blessed to know Jim for 25 years. I will never forget his voice. When he would call he’s always identify his self. I’d always say “I KNOW”. LOL So many things I will never forget about Jimmy. His gentle nature, the fact that he NEVER said anything bad about ANYBODY, that he always gave his best serving the music he played with deep feeling and perfection, his LOVE for old Turkish cymbals and vintage drums, his humor, his laugh, his humbleness and so many other things. Jimmy was a gift to all who knew him. He would blush if he knew I was saying these things. Soon it will be time to accept that this horrible crime happened. I try to now focus on the beauty of this man and the music he graced. I was very blessed to not only know Jimmy, but also to be dear friends with him.
By: Andy Weis on October 1, 2010
at 6:27 pm
Hi Ron,
Just would like to say a big thank you for all you are doing regarding Jim ! So wonderful to have a place where friends can
air their feelings!
May Jim R.I.P.!
autumn
By: Autumn Sun on October 2, 2010
at 3:46 pm
Ron, if it’s difficult for you to find compassion for my mom, perhaps you can find compassion for the children of Jimmy and Gayle. As his son, I can say that all three of us are deeply pained by what has happened, and the loss of both parents can never be fixed. But reading negative comments about our mom only makes our pain worse. As a friend to my dad, who loved us, and to our family, I am requesting that you withold any negative public comments about my mom, who loved us and was a wonderful person in so many ways. If you really feel compassion for the family, this is the decent thing to do.
By: Cameron Mozee-Baum on October 2, 2010
at 6:35 pm
Hello Cameron,
My name is Autumn Sun. I just want to say how sorry I am for your loss! I know you and your siblings are going through so much! I could not begin to imaging losing both my parents and in such a sad and tragic way!
I knew your dad for a long time. Though I did not see him a lot in recent years. He was a great human being! I did not know your mom. But I can understand you not wanting to hear or see what some people are saying regarding her. I know how much you must have loved her.
Please know that it is not for me to speak of right and wrong when it comes to your loss. I feel that is is not up to us, as humans, to judge one another in this life. Not your mom, dad , or anyone else!
I hope that you, the children of Jim and Gayle, find someway to find peace in your lives.
Please let me know if you are in the need of any help. You all are in my prayers everyday.
May God Bless You!
Peace!
Autumn
By: Autumn Sun on October 2, 2010
at 8:25 pm
Cameron –
You are right.
The thing that has struck me the most about your parents tragic deaths is, ‘but how are the children doing?’
I didn’t know your mom, I knew Jim – and only for the most recent 3-4 years. I was unaware of anything personal going on with him. He was, indeed, a great soul.
I understand both perspectives… I grew up with a severely unstable mom, and a less-than-perfect (but lovely) father. The only people who have any understanding of what goes on in a marriage, is the two people in it.
You – I’m certain – observed quite a lot of everything… love, intimacy, warmth, coolness, anger, vitriol? Our experiences are our own.
I appreciate your love and respect for both your parents.
My best to you and yours – and whatever path leads you to heal. I am so sorry.
By: Leslie on October 3, 2010
at 1:59 am
I did not know Gayle or Jim. I have friends who did.
I do hope that this loss to the Santa Cruz jazz scene helps people love a little more generously, live a bit more passionately, and avoid wasting the life we’re given by concentrating on anger and petty situations. Let peace and love fill our souls.
Judgement of people is not useful for anything. This type of circumstance arises from deep, unimaginable pain, and those swift, fleeting seconds when it goes out of control. I am sorry about such anguish that marked G. and hope that the bright skies, where they both cruise, lift it from her.
Although this may sound a bit strange, I want to “put it out there.” I am a bereavement counselor; should you children need some help (free of charge) I am happy to offer my time. I understand that you may not be in that “space” yet, but if the time comes, feel free to contact me. Not having known your parents is perhaps the best thing for such work as I have no pre-conceived ideas. I have worked with terrible situations such as this sad farewell.
Sincerely, Joana deBelkadi
quimera@comcast.net
By: Joana deBelkadi on October 4, 2010
at 3:11 pm
Hugs and love to you guys Cam. I am sorry on top of everything you have to defend your Mom’s name. I loved her very much and will never forget her fun spirit and all her good. I will always be sad about your Dad, he was a very good man. None of it is fair. Love Teresa
By: Teresa Bourassa on December 14, 2010
at 12:00 pm
Terrible, terrible situation, however, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE should NEVER be swept under the carpet. What happened happened and ALL WARNING signals are very important to note. Truth is everything in life, and truth always hurts and always heals.
TRUTH belongs in the LIGHT that’s the only way it heals.
I ALSO SUPPORT THE FIRST AMENDMENT
By: Bambi on October 3, 2010
at 9:56 am
Cameron, thank you for your letter, In the good old days before the internet, people would gather together for support when tragedy struck the community and collectively try to make sense of such great loss. Nowadays it seems like we all feel compelled to air our feelings on a public forum, and I appreciate you reminding us that we need to be more vigilant in exercising our compassion. Everyone I’ve talked to is shocked, confused, sad, angry, and conflicted, myself included. The task now at hand is to rally around your family and help you through this.
I only knew your Dad, and had only brief encounters with you guys as boys, and very little contact with your mom. I didn’t play with your Dad that often but when I did it was always a pleasure. He had great feel and great restraint, always serving the music, always supporting and driving his fellow musicians, always completely engaged and listening. The last time I played with him was about 3 or 4 years ago in Monterey at the Embassy Suites, he was subbing for the regular drummer and was laying it down with taste, authority, and joy. He seemed genuinely happy to be playing. That’s how I will remember him.
By: Bill Walker on October 3, 2010
at 12:34 pm
Beautifully stated, Bill.
By: Leslie on October 4, 2010
at 9:17 pm
Bill, I think what you said is spot on. I’m glad Cameron weighed in. I would like the tone to shift to foregiveness… I was looking for a quote from the Dali Lama that would work..
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
Dalai Lama
By: ronclegg on October 3, 2010
at 1:40 pm
For the sake of clarity, I first want to say that I always approach these kinds of situations from a ‘there, by the grace of God go I’ position, if you know what I mean.
The stories shared here by others have shed light on the nature of the relationship, not negative statements, but, more of an insight that we all need.
The last time I saw Jimmy was at ACE and I was shocked to find he wasn’t playing anymore. Same story, his wife didn’t want him playing and he was just going to wait till the kids got older to get back into his music. My response was light, good Jimmy, cause you can’t take the music out of the musician, right? We hugged and that was that…
The stories shared here about Gayle, have NOT made me feel badly towards her at all. If anything, quite the opposite, I have so much empathy for her, how deeply painful a place her heart must have been in. So sad!
For me, that’s what truth does, it shines a light that brings understanding.
My deepest sorrow for the entire family on both sides.
By: Bambi on October 3, 2010
at 5:53 pm
I had known Jimmy since the early 70’s.He was one of a kind.He was so positive,humble and kind.He was my friend and a musical brother.He will be missed,but Jimmy’s spirit will live on forever in all of us.I’am so grateful to have known him and for us to have played music together.To the great Jimmy Baum!See you on the other side.
By: John Garcia on October 4, 2010
at 12:54 am
Cameron,
In the end your mother was in terrible pain, and she wasn’t getting the help she needed. I don’t have to know the details to understand the hopelessness she must have felt to take such drastic action.
You and your brothers are in everyones heart. And after the pain and confusion clears we may be able to express it better.
At this point in time it is our job to express the love and support you need. It is also our job to offer help where we see pain and suffering so that others never feel this type of dispair.
By: sophia gaura on October 4, 2010
at 9:40 am
I appreciate those who understand that this type of pain can only be healed through forgiveness and positivity. I have many wonderful things to say about both of my parents, but right now I am most moved to say simply this: Tjader, Parker, and I are doing as well as anybody can hope, and it is the strength instilled in us by our parents that allows us to do so.
We loved Mom & Dad and know that they were both wonderful people who did a great deal for the community in so many ways. For those who did not know them, I can guarantee that you would never have met a nicer person than my Dad or a more generous person than my Mom. What happened was a confluence of extreme emotion, complicated history, and many other factors none of us can understand fully. I ask that those who are hurt by this seek peace, love, charity, forgiveness, and understanding, as difficult as it may be.
The loved ones, family, friends, neighbors, students, coworkers, fellow volunteers, siblings, sons, and parents of Gayle and Jim will get through this, but only with the love and caring of the entire community can we truly get through this together, and reach peace, acceptance, and finally a return to life as it should be.
By: Cameron Mozee-Baum on October 5, 2010
at 12:15 am
Sorry Cameron, I didn’t see your response before I posted my own. Take care and see you Sunday.
By: Charlotte Waldo on October 5, 2010
at 2:47 pm
Cameron,
I knew Jim and Gayle for decades.
Recently, I had the pleasure of playing with your father with a local group. I also played with him in the 1980’s with a casuals group with local musicians.
There are many of us Santa Cruzans that knew and/or played with Jim. We all loved him.
He was the best swing drummer I ever played with and one of the nicest men I’ve known. He was a magnificent human.
Again, speaking for many Santa Cruz musicians, we loved him for his pride in you and your brothers that he talked about every time that we played with him.
Peter Wilde
By: Peter Wilde on October 5, 2010
at 2:10 am
You do know that his kids have been reading all of these blogs about him? Please remember that when you are talking about Gayle. He loved his children above all else. I will never forget his warmth, humor and kindness. He will always be remembered and loved.
By: Charlotte Waldo on October 5, 2010
at 12:50 pm
Cameron and Brothers- I met your father in the mid 80″s during the ” Cool Jerks ” era. Tony Williams was at the Kuumbwa Jazz center showing us all how it’s done. Tony had a question session during the clinic. Your father stood up to praised Tony and asked if he “gave private lessons and how much would he charge” in front of the whole audience. He was the only one brave enough to do so. Jimmy loved Tony’s style and was Jazzed to see him.
I later started subbing for your father in the JB and the Nightshift band. There was a night when I was at Bocci’s and I forgot my kick pedal.My house was too far away to make “down beat” in time, and the only drummer I could think of to help me out was your father. Like the great fellow that your father was, it was “No problem”. But he was at a gig . ” Just knock on the door and tell Gayle you need to borrow a kick pedal”. He might have called home first before I arrived , however it was the first time I met your mother. She graciously allowed a perfect stranger into the house and let me sift through Jim’s gear to find a pedal. These were the kind of people your parents were, that is how I’ll always remember them. Much love to you all. Michael Daugherty
By: Michael Daugherty on October 5, 2010
at 9:37 pm
I live in Oregon and was not able to attend the memorial for Jim. Please let me know how it was. I can only assume it was a wonderful tribute and the music and words were heartfelt. Jim was on my mind and in my heart all during the day.
an old friend, Christie
Jacksonville, OR
By: Christie Van Aken on October 10, 2010
at 9:35 pm
I went to UCSC from 1968 through 1972. Ron Clegg and I have been friends since grammar school. Ron, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I never met Jimmy Baum, but I saw Warmth play in front of the Cooper House all during the early 70’s. I always loved their sound, which fit the mood of the place to a tee. I saw them at the Crows Nest during that time also. That is a great performance with Stan, Emiko, and Jimmy at the Cayuga Vault. I wish I coulda been there. I have always hated guns. That is why I avoided the military. I am glad I am a vegetarian since 1976, thanks to the advice of an old friend, Elvyn Waller. I am sorry I will not get to see you and Jimmy jam some more. I am sending sympathy to all. This is a horrible loss.
By: Phil Kimball on October 23, 2010
at 9:28 am
I knew Jim when we were both students at Atascadero High School. Handsome, intellectually and artistically gifted, he was in every sense an alpha male: a superb athlete, talented musician and great wit. Unlike some of his peers at the top of the HS food chain, however, he was also sensitive, friendly and sincerely interested in the world and the people in it. I remember our last conversation, around 1968: We had run into each other on the streets of San Luis Obispo, and had a very funny and ribald exchange on the various girls we knew and found appealing. Typical of Jim, his comments were buttressed by kindness and insight as well as high-spirited adolescent humor.
I lost track of him after that — never knew of his impressive accomplishments as a jazz musician and mentor. I’m not surprised, however — nor am I surprised by the great number of people who mourn his loss so deeply. Add me to the list.
By: Glen Martin on November 7, 2010
at 1:04 pm
I just heard about Jim’s untimely death. We played trumpet in his uncles grammar school band, his dad’s high school band and early junior college stuff at Cuesta (before he made the move to Santa Cruz). He was the best man at my first wedding. Hearing about this brought back a lot of memories. His days of working at the feedmill in Templeton, his hot rod dodge dart, and the times we had in sports together. He played football, wrestled and played baseball. The first “garage band” we had was called “Som Bucks” which was what we said in polite company when we meant son of a bitch. Later came “Fruit of the Loom” in which he really got into things like Vanilla Fudge. I had lost touch with him after the Warmth times. Please give my best to his children & family.
By: Dale on November 8, 2010
at 12:02 pm
I worked closely with Gayle, met her son Parker and loved him from the first minute, and got to spend some time with Jimmy during one of our holiday children’s Christmas parties where he had the kids make music. He was a wonderful, fun and patient guy. I spent a lot of time working with Gayle, and when she spoke of her kids and Jimmy her whole face lit up, and she would “brag” (in a good way) about her husbands talent. I know I was just a co-worker, but I feel like I knew the lady pretty well, of course I never saw that coming. But I never heard her make any disparaging remarks about her husbands career. I also can’t believe the things said about her here, where her wonderful boys could read them. THIS IS THEIR MOM you’re talking badly about, THEIR whole lives have been turned upside down : ( I still cry about this whole incident because I hate that all the good this family has done will always be overshadowed by this incident. So I just wanted to stick up for Gayle a bit, and also say that I really loved her as a person, and also that I knew she loved Jimmy and his talent. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors, and no one knows what was in Gayle’s heart. There, but for the grace of God, go I…. Much Love to Cameron, Tjader, and Parker. RIP to Jimmy and Gayle.
By: Teresa Bourassa on December 14, 2010
at 11:56 am
I took a block of courses with Gayle. The descriptions people seem to be making of her do not comport with the rather genteel, pleasant person I encountered. She seemed to always speak very warmly about her husband and her children and as an instructor, she was gracious and engaging.
By: Joseph on February 3, 2011
at 9:00 pm
i may be a little late with this, but please.
the issue of domestic violence and personal opinions of what has happened on the issue should not be spoken of here. as someone who loved both gayle and jim immensely, i can honestly say that they were two of the kindest, warm-hearted and generous people i’d come to know in my entire lifetime. they and their sons were the family so many people needed, myself included, and they gave this love to any and all persons who could appreciate it. their sons remain as people i love and care for to this day, and i know, for a fact, that they see the negative comments all around the internet even now, and that it still pains them.
if you have anything to speak of on the topic that could even be the slightest bit hurtful, please refrain from posting it. regardless of whether or not you feel you may be “oversensitive” to do so, or you would rather not “protect the family”, to them, and to myself and other close friends of the family, they still hurt all the same. it’s not a matter of shielding anybody, since we all know what we have seen and believe, but it’s a matter of simple respect.
thank you.
By: M on March 8, 2011
at 7:37 am
Simple respect runs both ways.
It would have been nice if Gayle showed Jim some simple respect.
By: Lucy on April 8, 2011
at 4:25 pm
Ron, as moderator of this site you should have the ability to filter and/or delete any comments that are hurtful to friends and/or especially family. Many of us wish you would. If you don’t know how to delete these hurtful comments I’m sure that there are many out there that could assist you. Thanks.
By: Andy Weis on April 4, 2011
at 12:13 pm
Andy, you probably don’t realize it but prior to Cameron’s complaint about the comments here back on Oct. 2 , there were quite a few comments that were from understandably angry friends and aquaintances of Jim’s that were unvarnished and harsh comments about Gayle. I removed them on behalf of the family.. since I know their burden is enough without having to process these comments. The subsequent commenters took this message to comment in a more compassionate tone since the more hurtful (but true) comments were not to be found. Of course, removing these comments made many people angry…but I agreed with Cameron. I’ve just taken the time to reread what is left here and for the most part they are very positive. There are two comments referring to domestic violence.. and this recent one by “warmth” which is pretty graphic. After all, Jim died a violent death…. everybody knows this. So, except for these three comments, the rest of them are supportive, positive in their message, and compassionate. I assume these are the three you want removed….
By: Ron Clegg on April 4, 2011
at 3:02 pm
I keep a photo of Jim on my desktop monitor.
It is the one of him leaning up against the Cooperhouse bar wearing the ‘save the dream inn’ t-shirt. It makes me smile every day.
By: missing him on April 21, 2011
at 10:00 am
One year later and the pain has diminished.
The anger has faded and warm memories flood back.
Jim I will remember you forever as a funny, immensely talented, generous, and loving father and friend.
My prayers still go out to all his children and all the families impacted.
I pray for Jim’s generosity of spirit be remembered and honored.
By: Sophia Gaura on August 12, 2011
at 10:06 pm