James Abbott (jimct)

Just got back yesterday from being out of the country
for a month and I am so saddened to see this news. This
forum has always made me feel connected to the regulars
here even though I've never met any of you. Jim was
always a vast wealth of musical knowledge and insight.
He will be missed. Thanks Aaron for the picture and Paul
for the obituary. It's nice to get to know a little
more about Jim. It would be great if we could all meet
up somewhere one day.

Gordon, on that page, just below Jim's name, there are three options: "Obituary", Condolences" and "Gallery." Click on "Obituary" and you should see it.

And Paul, thanks for passing along the word.

After an extensive absence on this forum, I feel a duty to finally chime in regarding the deeply sad news of our dear friend Jim Abbott's recent passing. I actually learned of this news over a month ago here on the message board and, as others have pointed out, Jim's encyclopedic knowledge of Top 40 music and radio was absolutely second-to-none. The man could've literally filled volumes of books with fascinating stories and accounts of practically every record he'd ever spun during his decades long tenure as a professional radio personality. Though he had taken every occasion possible to share his steel-trap recollections of all things Top 40 music when the situation warranted, Jim sadly take to his grave an enormously vast musical knowledge that ultimately becomes a tremendous loss to all of us here on the forum.

But perhaps more importantly, there was a tremendous man behind all his unmistakable musical prowess. Those of us who had the pleasure of knowing and meeting Jim Abbott personally can unequivocally vouch for the fact that he profoundly valued and treasured everyone he considered close to him. In a heartbeat, he was always willing to make any personal sacrifice necessary for a friend in need. I had the privilege and honor of meeting up with Jim my only time in person at a mom-and-pop CD/record shop in upstate New York in 2009 and only wished we could've spent an entire week hanging out together. Many remember Jim as a highly passionate, animated, and even feisty individual who possessed one of the most hearty and infectious laughs you'll ever hear! And yet he was also a man of great character, strength, and integrity who really connected with those around him on a spiritual level as well. I will miss our late night phone chats that would last into the wee hours of the morning which would ceaselessly leave us wondering in disbelief where all the time had gone!

Several years ago, I went through a deeply traumatic, life-changing personal life experience that drove me to "go dark" and adopt a life of seclusion (thus explaining my prolonged inactivity on this message board after years of being a regular presence). In the process, I dropped out of contact with numerous friends and acquaintances... Regrettably, this including Jim. And now it is with a heavy heart that I'd allowed his final emails to me to go unanswered and that I never took to the time to reconnect with him before it was too late.

In the meantime, it is good to see old friends and regulars here on the message board still alive and well. It is my sincere belief that our dear friend Jim and his legacy will be felt here for the foreseeable future. He would want nothing more than for us to continue carrying on the proverbial "Top 40 Music on CD Torch" in his absence. I can almost feel his presence right now conveying to each of us in his deep, hearty baritone voice: "Thank you, kind sir!"

It is my hope to return as a regular contributor on the board again someday soon. Until then, in the words of the band Fun...

May your past be the sound
Of your feet upon the ground
Carry on
Carry on, carry on

Edited by Todd Ireland

Agreed, good to see you back and your kind tribute to
Jim.

All our best and hope to see you come back soon.