[Dixielandjazz] Jim Beebe

[James Kashishian]

I was "introduced" to Jim Beebe through Bob Ringwald when I asked on DJML
where to hear Jazz in Chicago a few years ago.  Bob put me in touch with Jim
by giving me his email.  He then sent me to Andy's, of course, where I met
an old DJML'er Kim Cussack and the other musicians playing that nite.

I told Jim about DJML, and soon after he joined our little group. He
immediately began to lay a few people out on the floor!  I was afraid that I
had invited a troublemaker on board, but in actuality, had included a fiery
(sometimes) element to our discussions.  Jim quickly settled down, but
continued to show his lack of patience with anyone who didn't regard Jazz at
the same level of importance as he did in his life.

Later, due to his decreasing state of health he "retired" from DJML, but
some of us did keep in contact from time to time.

I am honored to have gotten to know Jim, and to have heard some of his
valued opinions on this list.

Jim Kashishian