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I am sorry to report that Jim Newell, "The Tubameister" of Eugene has passed away at the age of 91. His memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday August 11, at the Central Presbyterian Church in Eugene. He is one of the founders of the Oregon Tuba Association, and his influence will be sorely missed.

Not many people on Tubenet will know who he was. He had a very cool pawn shop and always had tons of instruments for sale. He sold me a Bach 50 with the dependent 2nd rotor in GREAT condition for $500 . Whatta guy he was.

There was at least one photo of Jim with his tuba(s) that appeared years ago in issues of the T.U.B.A. Journal (that's what it was called then). IIRC, one was a large horn with a mock "beer tap" built in.

Very sad,
I met Jim at my first Tuba Christmas in Eugene in the early 80's. He was a very nice man and always a pleasure to speak with. I bought my King 1241 with both bells from him about 5 years ago. At that time he said he'd had to give up playing not because his chops were gone but due to his hearing slowly fadding away. There was more then a bit of sadness in his voice whe he told me this. He said he had other family members that played and would continue to enjoy music thru them. Eugene has lost a real treasure.

I have to report that the "sendoff" given to Jim was wonderful. John Huenink, pastor, tuba player, and longtime friend was the officiant. A group of 27 local euphonium and tuba players (to include a rare sighting of Chuck G), all of whom had known Jim for some time, all played a variety of hymns, all arranged by friends of Jim. It was truly a special send-off.

I believe that our "Tuba Carol Concert" this year will be dedicated to him, and I'd like to invite anyone from Tubenet that is either in the area, or wants to make a trip, to pencil in December 5th for our rehearsal and concert. You can contact me via PM on Tubenet, or find me as Ally House on Facebook.