Blue Knights mourns passing of Jim Strong, former Drum Major

DENVER, CO – Jim Strong, former member and Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps drum major, passed away at age 60 on February 19th, in Lakewood, Colorado.  Jim is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne, children, Lia, Jaime, Jessie, Jason, Jay, and John, grandchildren, Thyssen, Aidan, and Jaycee, he was the 6th of 7 children, born to Dick and Mary Ann Strong.

Jim was a gentle and humble soul whose kind heart impacted the lives of thousands of people, children and adults alike. His love of family and tradition shone through in the way he treated everyone he knew. Between volunteering at Lasley Elementary for 16 years, and with Winter Guard International of over 20 years, Jim met, taught, and helped thousands of children and young adults across the country, and even internationally. Along the way, he also made hundreds of friends around the world.

Jim met his wife, Jeanne, while they both marched in the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps in the early 1970’s. Their time in the Blue Knights laid the foundation for their journey in life together, particularly as they continued to support music and the arts with their children and grandchildren. His family roots, love of history, reading, music and arts, and the number of people whose lives he has impacted, is a true testament to the man he was, and will always be in our hearts. Heaven’s greeting of “Cead Mile Failte” was heard ’round the world, when Jim was welcomed home.

“We are saddened by this loss within the Blue Knights family,” said Executive Director Mark Arnold. “Jim made an indelible impact on the Blue Knights with his dedication and passion for the performing arts.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd from 4-7PM at the Vista at Applewood, 14001 W. 32nd Ave. Golden, CO 80401. The family asks that you please wear green in honor of Jim and his family traditions.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (here: http://bit.ly/1ycb6Vx) or send a check to: 1137 S. Jason St. Denver, CO 80223, 303-777-1937 or to the WGI Scholarship Foundation (2405 Cross Pointe Dr. Dayton, OH 45342, 937-247-5919).

*Read more about Jim at WGI.org here.