A STORY OF HOPE: JIM WEST

Jim West

I'm so proud whenever any of my friends achieve a milestone! Jim West has spent 8 decades in the music industry. We became friends six years ago--just 4 years after he developed Parkinson's Disease (which I mentioned in a previous post claimed my father). Jim is an outstanding musician (singer, clarinet, baritone sax and string bass) producer, and a voice over professional (for Disney Malaysia). Under the G.I Bill he earned his degree in Speech and Dramatic Arts from Cal Berkeley and played in a wide variety of bands before joining the Dick Lane Quartet. He toured the hot venues of Las Vegas, Reno and Tahoe playing alongside Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, the Mills Brothers and Frank Sinatra.

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The son of a band leader and an accomplished pianist, Jim was sent to a Cleveland orphanage with his sister after their mother died of breast cancer and his father disappeared. He turned to music for solace. In 1956, he met the love of his life, Liz and today they are proud parents of two grown children Claire and Steven. Settling in Dallas, he started one of America's largest production companies and placed "The Music of Your Life"-big band music of the 30's, 40's and 50's on 400 stations from Maine to San Diego, and Seattle to Miami. Aside from his induction into the National Association of Broadcasters for a Life Achievement Award and the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, Jim won the 2004 Promax Gold Award for his animated Disney Children's stories, "Legends of the Ring of Fire". Recently, Jim accomplished his life-long dream of releasing two bookend CD's --"Unfinished Business" and "Finished Business". He is donating proceeds to further Parkinson research. You've probably heard him nationwide on radio commercials for Tony Roma's, International House of Pancakes and much more. Jim even played a private gig once for Howard Hughes! He is a dear friend who is featured in the National Parkinson Foundation's Summer magazine edition. He is an inspiring man who will touch your heart. Check out his music site at www.jimwestmusic.com. If you know anyone struggling with PD here's what Jim says: "Accept your Parkinson's. Then, work through the tangle of emotions and changes you will experience. You will get through the jungle, break through to the clearing and find the motivation to keep moving in as positive a direction as possible. Remember to always have hope". Most recently, Jim collaborated with a speech pathologist to create an educational videotape introducing the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT). Jim's career in voice over work continues on. We can all take a tip from Jim about overcoming life's obstacles and celebrating life with words AND music!