Sad piece of news in the Jazz World

The jazz world is in mourning this week after the death of the popular band leader Jim Wilkes. A retired Rochdale headmaster, Jim, who lived in Littleborough, died after a fall triggered off an illness which had appeared to have stabilised.

The enigmatic leader of the ‘Jim Wilkes Stompers’, Jim had been entertaining the jazz enthusiasts for many years and his vibrant trumpet style made him a regular guest in many northern jazz bands, including the ‘Tame Valley Stompers’ and ‘Pendle Jazzmen’.

His band had a tremendous following because not only did it play quality jazz, but his musicians brought an element of fun into all their performances, and all gigs in December, they always played a session as the Christmas Santas in full regalia.

Jim, who was 70 years of age, had fathered six children, which perhaps made it surprising that he had time to play jazz at all! He had a long musical background and had played in foreign lands during military service.

He will be greatly missed by his wife and family and large extended family of his jazz fans and many jazz aficionados are expected at his funeral service at Rochdale Crematorium this Friday 14 July at 11.10am.

Sad piece of news in the Jazz World
Jim Wilkes