After the “FABULOUS FIFTIES” series there will be only three original members of the RCBB left in the RCBB. Jim Stillwagon has announced his retirement from the band effective at the end of the series.

Jim (known as ‘Squirrel’ to his friends) studied tuba with Matty Shiner at Duquesne University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1970.

Jim taught music in the Pittsburgh Public Schools from 1975 until his retirement a few years ago. He and his wife Natalie have two sons, James and Jeremy, tuba players both (James Jr. is subbing with the RCBB this month, by the way).

In addition to the RCBB, Jim has performed with the Kennywood Park Circus Show Band, the Bucco Band, and Dixie Doc and the Dixieland Allstars.

Stories are told and re-told around the RCBB water cooler about Jim and his legendary sense of humor. I remember talking to him before a rehearsal about 10 years ago and, quite in passing, asking if he would be willing to ‘dress up’ and sing “I Feel Pretty” on a series. Without the least hesitation he agreed, and his subsequent performance brought the house down.

Jim and his great sense of humor will be missed.