Jim Differ (James Frank Differ)

August 11,1956 – November 7, 2018

Jim was born in Toronto in 1956 and, at the age of ten, first received the snare drum from Swansea Public School that would set off a deep love for drumming and music that continued throughout his life.  Jim began playing drums professionally in Toronto at the age of 17. He played with successful bands Lynx and PHD, as well as several other ensembles, and spent many subsequent years touring North America. When he settled in Thunder Bay in the late 90’s, Jim began to make an immediate impact on the city’s music scene, one that grew to be immeasurable to the musical community as the years went by. Jim’s passion for performance and desire to continually learn and take musical risks led him to playing and recording with music ensembles of every genre, from flamenco to folk, rock and blues to classical. In 2005, he was co-nominated for a Juno award with his brother, John “Jake” Differ, for Jake’s children’s album.

Jim was a self-taught drummer. He had immense natural talent and creativity, coupled with a keen desire to study the best in his field and forever improve on his instrument.  A warm and generous person, Jim was seen as a mentor to countless musicians, young and old, and spent many years informally teaching those who were truly interested in learning.  Two of these young mentees went on to study at Humber College and point to Jim as their inspiration.

Donations to this award will support students from the School of Creative & Performing Arts.