James Jimmie Enright's Obituary
James “Jimmie” Enright
Born August 23, 1959.
Met Jesus face to face on
July 31, 2023.
At when, words cannot convey the wholeness, peace and joy that was waiting for him. (Also the most magnificent grand piano, top of the line … we can only imagine!)
Private Family Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee.
Celebration of Life Memorial Service to be held Wednesday August 23, 2023 from 7-9pm.
2633 Altruria Rd, Bartlett, TN 38134. (Mazusa St. Church, formerly Crossway Church)
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to be made to a favorite recovery organization, support group or charity.
Jimmie Enright was born in St. Louis Missouri and moved to Memphis Tennessee as a young boy.
Not just gifted musically, he attended Memphis University School where he maintained top grades.
He was a Merit Award recipient and went on to receive a full scholarship at Rhodes College. Jimmie enrolled, but promptly dropped out to pursue his musical dreams.
It is difficult to list all of his musical adventures and accomplishments. Jimmie was best known as a master of all things keyboard, but he was also a talented guitarist, bassist, drummer singer and song writer.
Incredibly, he was only 14 years old when he began playing professionally as keyboardist for Memphis Soul legend Rufus Thomas. Jimmie was deeply involved in the Memphis music scene in the 70’s and 80’s.
He and his brother Mike formed The Suspicions to great acclaim and local success. He and Mike also played together in the Bat Racers. During that time he performed a solo act called Jimmie and the Machines. He was ahead of his time in running a successful home studio. He produced and recorded all genres of music and commercial jingles. Some of his clients became his very good friends.
Over the years Jimmie had the opportunity to play on many projects. He was blessed to have a circle of talented friends. He took joy in his ability to uplift the music with his excellent signature style.
Jimmie really enjoyed his years as a member of the Memphis ensemble Even Odds. He often recalled fun and crazy stories of out-of-town gigs and his talented band mates. In recent years Jimmie had the pleasure of reconnecting with his old friend Terry Wall and resuming his place as a Wallbanger. He also enjoyed the opportunity to play a few gigs with the Eddie Long Band.
In 2002 Jimmie began serving at Crossway Church in Bartlett Tennessee. For 15 years he played keyboard in the Worship Band. Humbly, faithfully and skillfully offering up his incredible talent to God and for his church family. He wrote several songs and played on 4 recordings for CWB. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for one of those recordings.
He experienced great love, acceptance, support and the keys to life and freedom in those years.
Jimmie, a natural born salesman was proud of his sales career. Intuitively, adeptly assisting budding musicians and longtime pros with their music needs. He was always in his element when designing fresh displays and revamping showrooms.
He started off by making a name for himself at local music store Strings n Things. Long after he left, customers came looking especially for him. Notably, he spent many years as Manager of the original Consignment Music Store on Park Avenue.
To say he was an integral part of its unique vibe and success is an understatement.
Most recently he had the honor of working at Circle Music, where he truly enjoyed the family atmosphere and genuinely loved his coworkers. He felt valued and at home.
(Thank you to the Lane family, Chuck, Jason and crew for being so supportive!)
He is proceeded in death by his Mother Mildred Pugh Enright Fraser, Father James Michael Enright, and his beloved Brother / favorite band mate / partner in crime Michael James Enright.
Jimmie leaves behind his sister-in-law, Janet Enright, nieces, Millie and Jessica Enright, great-nephew, James Michael Davis, Niece, Anna Enright-Richardson and great-niece Charlee Richardson.
Jimmie will be truly missed by his many longtime friends, family, band colleagues, customers. All of us, his fans.
We love you.
Jimmie…
Consummate gentleman.
Witty, funny, genius. Brave.
Articulate. Master of the spit take. Comedic timing.
Business acumen. Dreamer.
Sports fan.
King of the sparkle jacket.
Human.
… and we will never forget you.
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