Richard Ames, 97, Dec. 28, near Fayetteville, NY. He played in the brass sections of bands during high school and college during the ’30s and ’40s touring at one time with the Playing Parsons. After a hiatus he formed the Dixie Dandies in 1957. They played major festivals, changing the name to the Bear Cat Jass Band around 1970. The band continues to play into it’s 61st year.
In 1972 he founded the Jazz Appreciation Society of Syracuse where he currently held the status of President Emeritus. In 1987 he helped to found the American Federation of Jazz Societies where he served on the Board of Directors for many years.
