I never got to hear Jim live, but have delighted in the private tapes that generous friends, collectors, and musicians have let me hear. And I had the good fortune to meet Barb Hauser in 2004, who gave me an idea of what and whom I had missed. This is a wonderful site, and I've written a little blogpost, "JIM GOODWIN, HOT MAN," on my blog [http://jazzlives.wordpress.com.] so that more people can come here and marvel.

I met Jim in 1967, actually my father, Axel Tyle, invited Jim over to our house to listen to some of his 78's. Jim and Axel were both in the Muddy River JB at that time. Bob Goodwin was a colleague of Axel's and these older guys/dads (Monte Ballou,Jack Rhine as well)became the mentors for the rising young players. My brother, Chris, was about 11 then, and, like the rest of us in the family, woke up in the night to the strains of great live jazz. Chris must have been the most affected by these midnight sessions. (I ate some rosin at age three and succumbed to the violin.) Jim and Axel and then Jim and Chris enjoyed making music together for many years. Jim carried on the tradition of drivin' music making with the Tyles. (The piano stool at our house broke underneath Jim in a memorable rendition of "Rhythm Boogie".) In recent years Jim, in his brilliantly humorous way, would refer to Axel as though he were still alive and drumming wildly in the next room. It seems as though they are both in the next room now.

Words fail me, astonishing for a Skjelbred, but dad paraphrased a great deal of my thoughts quite nicely.
I remember being like a puppy as a kid when Jim stayed at our place... I too, remember him crashing in the "attic" on Benvenue, or in the Tea House on Oregon and being such a fun person.
Square eggs, ala Donald Duck, an astonishing passion for Garlic, impromptu gatherings at "Ye Olde Skelbred pad" on Sunday's after baseball with music and Laurel and Hardy movies... It was always so wonderful when he would arrive from far off music travels at our place, tired but happy, and bringing outlandish t-shirts and misc ridiculous things for Joad and I. Poor Jim crashed on our itchy horsehair couch, perhaps nursing a sore head, and Jim Thorpe wonderdog cacking in his face on a popcorn kernel... Still makes me laugh to this day! I also remember a crusty red Kharman Gia with grass growing in it that my mother eventually inherited. It felt amazing.
It was a technicolor childhood that I had, rich with music and a clutural exposure different from many others. Only another "Berkeleyish" musician kid could maybe get it. It defies description really.
I have a mental snapshot in my head of Jim and Machteld in our backyard, half under the avocado tree, gracing our weatherbeaten furniture and enjoying a cold beer and good laughs... His ridiculous barkey laugh, grin and unwavering kindness to an awkward spidermonkey of a kid meant the world to me, how lucky I truly am...

Alexis

A one-of-a-kind musician - and a one-of-a-kind friend - Rest in Peace, Jimbo!

I'll always remember Jim's Jalopys....he had an old black Volvo he would cruise in from Camp Brownsmeade to the Brew Pub....I learned from Jim that it is quite socially acceptable to ride in such a thing....

See You Later Jim!
Lew

I am deeply saddened to learn of Jimmy's passing. He was with a band or band's (Barry Martyn?) at the Sticky Wicket Pub in Hopkinton, Mass. and/or with Judith Durham there, during my tenure with the New Black Eagle Jazz Band -- 1971-1981. At 73, I'm too old or lazy to research my tapes from that time, but I wanted to respond at once. I remember Jimmy vividly and very fondly as one of the most natural and gifted players I have ever heard -- including Louis and all of the best. He was a genius, and until looking at your site I never realized that I wasn't among the first to recognize that. The Black Eagles were so full of themselves at that time -- having played in Breda and Europe also --that we considered ourselves above anyone. I only wish I had been able to play with Jimmy Goodwin and be a regular in some of his great groups. I do recall that he liked my playing, and I'm grateful for what we shared so long ago.

With my heartfelt condolences and loving communication with his spirit, God willing.

Was a fan musically speaking.Enjoyed his versitility in playing. Jim Leigh pointed me in his direction. God speed, Jim Goodwin.

I was the first employee at Portland Brewing Company. Fred Bowman couldn't stop talking about his best friend, and I was delighted to finally meet him. Jim introduced me to classic jazz, and mixed me a couple of tapes drawn from his dad's huge collection of 45's. Pure joy, and zany humor from the art-deco time. It stuck, and I think of him whenever I hear Bechet, Bix, or the Boswell Sisters.

I was just out of college when I first met Jim, Barb, Ralph, John, etal. Yes Gwen, we did have a lot of fun. Dan's article made me smile with memories of Jim and you all.
Best, Linda Hom Frasch

It's good that Jim now has this site, where more people can find out about him. He lived life on his own terms, and was an inspiration--musically and personally--to those who knew him.

Long live Goodwin!

What wonderful years we had with all you guys!

Gwen