Jim Ott Passed away on July 8th, 1980 - Spirit of Atlanta

[@tucker.84]

Stunning visual and music program. This goes without saying, but this is one of Spirits best shows ever preformed. So much emotion shown on the field that night. Jim Ott’s legacy will never be forgotten.

[@jbu999]

I marched bass drum #3 that year. I’ll never forget when they told us about the accident and Jim’s passing.

[@drumcorpsfan]

Can you speak about that moment? Where was the corps? Who spoke to the corps? How were the next couple days or the week?

[@jbu999]

@@drumcorpsfan we were in Memphis. The accident happened on our way from the previous night’s show. I remember they gathered us in the gym where we were staying. Ralph Pace (I think) told us the staff van had been in an accident… and then he tearfully said “Jim didn’t make it.” I remember Tom Float just letting out a wail of lament. There was talk of going home, but obviously the decision was made to finish the year. There is a video of our exhibition performance that night in Memphis. I’ll post it as a reply here if I can find it.

[@drumcorpsfan]

@@jbu999 Thats an incredible story! Im so sorry you had to experience that so young....

[@jbu999]

@@drumcorpsfan kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGm1o3hujreXZpYsi=86_uZFVa9S51QMRh

[@jbu999]

@@drumcorpsfan for some reason it will not allow me to post a link to the video in the comment, but if you search Spirit of Atlanta Memphis 1980 you will find it

[@agogobell28]

Wow. What a show.

[@ericdustin4663]

Thank you for posting.

[@MrNoverlee]

This is one of the shows that made me want to March drum corps