James (Jimmy) Thomas Brimer, born September 24, 1940, peacefully passed away June 4, 2018 at his home in Knoxville. Known as a true southern gentleman, Jimmy was an extremely gifted musician. He was retired from UT where he served as musical director and later house manager in the Theatre Department at the Clarence Brown and Carousel Theatres and at UT's Hunter Hills Theatre in Gatlinburg. While there, and with other community theatre companies, he delighted audiences, inspired performers, and mentored students for over 40 years in musical theatre productions. A quiet man with a sparkling wit, his influence can be seen in the many students and colleagues he trained and encouraged throughout his life. His talents were also enjoyed in Knoxville churches where he served as church organist in many congregations, most recently at First Church of Christ, Scientist.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harrison and Grace Edmunds Brimer and sister Ina Ruth Bounds. He is survived by his partner of 29 years James Newburn; brother Ronny Brimer; nephew Bobby Bounds (Lynda); nieces Nancy Rutherford (Dave), Rhonda Trupovnieks (Jani) and Susan Brimer. Great-nephews Rob, Curt (Allyson), and Drew Rutherford; great-nieces Leigh Anne McPherson (Russ), Melinda Spisso (David), Lauren and Logan Trupovnieks, Madison Evans; several great-grand nieces and nephews and cousins.
Funeral service will be held at 6:00 pm Friday, June 8 at St. John's Cathedral, 413 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, with interment preceding the service and reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the James Brimer Scholarship in Musical Theatre at the University of Tennessee. Send checks payable to UT Foundation, Attn: Andrew Sheehy, 137 Alumni Memorial Bldg, 1408 Middle Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996. On the memo line: BRIME_J02, IMO Jimmy Brimer
