Jim Irvine

Dee Hallett of the BBMA reports:

It is with deep regret that British Bluegrass Music Association announces the death of Jim Irvine of the Down County Boys. Dave Bresnen, chairman of the BBMA states that, sadly, Jim apparently had taken his own life, having been found by the staff in a hotel room in London on Wednesday morning 18 April. The sincere and heartfelt condolences of the British Bluegrass Music Association and its members go out to Jim's family, his fellow musicians and many friends.

Jim Irvine of Coventry was a landmark on the British bluegrass scene, and a member for many years of the Down County Boys, longtime holders of the title of #1 British Bluegrass Band. Jim played banjo with the band at several Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festivals at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone. He also played guitar and fiddle. Jim can be seen in action with the band in several frames of a slideshow on the website of the Cornish Bluegrass Association, from which the above shot is taken. He was also the BBMA area representative for the West Midlands.

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Update 30 April: Peter Parker (the Down County Boys' fiddler) confirms that Jim's funeral will take place on Tuesday 8 May at 3.15 p.m. at Canley Garden cemetery and crematorium, Cannon Hill Road, Coventry, in the Charter Chapel. Flowers should be sent to the funeral directors, Henry Ison & Sons (Coventry) Ltd, 76-78 Binley Road, Coventry, CV3 1FQ; tel: +44 (0)24 76458665.

Everyone attending the funeral is invited for refreshments after the proceedings in the upstairs room at the Coventry Working Men's Club in Whitefriars Street, Coventry (next door to the Coventry Boys Club). Here is a map link. The link for a location map of the Canley Crematorium Coventry is here.