Jim Edison

Jim Edison 79, New Palestine, passed away September 22, 2012. He was born on October 2, 1932, in Indianapolis, the son of the late Donald L. and Lela C. Edison. Jim was a music teacher and professional trumpet player who had his own big band, The Jim Edison Orchestra, as well as a 7-piece group. Though his taste was eclectic, his favorite was the big band music of the 1940's, and especially that of Duke Ellington. It was not unusual to find him hour after hour, writing arrangements and copying parts in order to keep his music library current and interesting. He and his musicians could be found at various venues throughout the city – Murat Theatre, Clowes Hall, Columbia Club, Athletic Club, Scottish Rite, Tea Dancing at the Hyatt, Sunday Brunch at the Adams Mark, and in the summertime, Starlight Musicals. In 1997, after he had a stroke that prevented him from performing, he found other ways to be involved with music – mainly as a trumpet teacher – until the time of his death. His lessons were about much more than playing the horn and included many "life lessons". He was happiest when he was teaching and until the day he died, looked forward to every session. Jim's brain was a storehouse of trivia about bands, band leaders, players, events, relationships, and he was a master of sharing all that information. He was a real 'people person' and delighted in mentoring young players and giving a boost up to anyone who needed it. After meeting her at Butler in 1951, Jim married June Smith from Brownsburg in 1956. They have three sons – Greg (Krista), Geoff, and Mark (Jayne). The sons all took their turns at being roadies for the Jim Edison Orchestra and shared lots of late-night hours with their dad. Jim was a real family man and loved the companionship of his wife, sons, and extended family. In addition to his wife and three sons, Jim is also survived by seven grandchildren, Matt (Crystal), Joel, Courtney, Bryan, Lauren, Jennifer, David; brother, Jack (Terry) Edison; and sister-in-law, Kay (Herb) Smith. Besides music, Jim's other passion was cars, particularly 1940 Ford V-8's and the founder and workings of the Ford Motor Company. He has an entire room, "The Ford Room", dedicated to his collection of hundreds of books, pictures, diagrams, dishes, and you name it. Even when he was unable to go downstairs to the Ford Room in the basement, with his phenomenal memory he could always direct you to the exact location of a certain folio, collection of photos, or library book. Jim's recognition by music groups include induction into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame in 1998, receiving the Service to Music Award by the Indianapolis Symphonic Band in 2000, being honored in 2004 with a Tribute Concert by the Indianapolis Brass Choir, and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award by WICR in 2010. In 2003 he was named Manual H.S. Alumnus of the Year. He was a member and former National Director of the Early Ford V8 Club of America, a member of the Classic Car Club of America, the National Woodie Club, and a lifetime member of the American Federation of Musicians. Services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 28, 2012, at Flanner and Buchanan – Broad Ripple, 1305 East Broad Ripple Avenue. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 27, 2012, and from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Phillips Music Guild of Indianapolis or the Indianapolis Brass Choir. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan