Jim was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He and his dog, Ozzy, are lifelong Greater Clevelanders. They grew up together, romping and playing as a boy and his dog do. They were, and still are, inseparable friends.
Jim’s enduring love of music began with learning to play the trombone in elementary school. Throughout junior high, high school and college, he played trombone in various school bands. Ozzy would curl up at Jim’s feet every afternoon after school while Jim practiced. Ozzy had to stay alert to dodge the trombone slide, but he could relax as Jim did his homework. Jim still plays the trombone in several bands, and Ozzy often accompanies Jim to the concerts.
Ozzy was right there when Jim graduated from college with a degree in Civil Engineering. In addition to starting his career as an engineer and project manager, Jim began to study and play the guitar.
In due time, Jim met his future wife and Ozzy served as the ring bearer at their wedding. Within a few years, Jim and his wife were blessed with a baby girl. Once again, Ozzy was right there to watch over the new baby.
In 1993, just for fun, Jim and Ozzy did a sing-a-long program for their daughter’s kindergarten Daisy Scout group and, later, for her first grade class. Everyone who was there enjoyed themselves, especially Ozzy.
These programs were so well received that they started getting requests for programs from other teachers. The requests for programs snowballed from there -- Jim and Ozzy then went on to provide children’s programs for many other schools and numerous libraries throughout the northern Ohio area. Since then, they have grown to providing family-friendly programs to people of all ages.
Jim and Ozzy have provided many programs for family audiences, community groups, senior citizens, nursing homes, and anywhere they can bring enjoyment, laughter, music, and joy. They have also made appearances together on television. In 2008, Jim left the engineering field to devote himself (along with Ozzy, of course) to continue bringing quality family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages and in all walks of life.
In his spare time, Jim is a member of the Puppeteers of America and Mensa. In the Toastmasters International public speaking program, Jim attained the level of Advanced Toastmaster Bronze. Jim also enjoys continuing his studies toward mastery of the trombone and guitar.
Ozzy, in his spare time, enjoys treats and long walks in the park. In Toastmasters, Ozzy and Jim won several public speaking competitions together. Ozzy enjoys singing but leaves the music to Jim, because Ozzy’s legs are just too short to play the trombone and guitar. Ozzy is, as always, Jim’s faithful companion.
