Jim X. Borzym

News of the recent unexpected death of Jim X. Borzym will sadden those in the Santa Barbara Contra dance scene who remember his special enthusiasm as a dance caller, organizer, musician and central figure in founding the Santa Barbara Country Dance Society. As co-founder of the original Oak Park Harvest Moon Contra Dance Festival he and his original dance committee created a popular event that has lived on for many years to delight many local and out-of-town participants who may never have heard his name.

After his short 3 year residence in SB Jim ultimately settled in Boulder, Colorado where he melded his licensed mechanical engineering skills and passion for music, dance, architecture, and performance into a rewarding career as a freelance acoustical engineer. It brought him a dynamic mix of ever-changing work and dance opportunities across the country and throughout the world. This combo allowed Jim to do what he really loved – creating community by devoting himself to working with the dynamic Boulder dance collective in the state of the art Avalon Ballroom multiplex ‘The Place Where Dancers Meet’ a much loved venue which he helped create and manage. His goal was always to offer dancers highest quality dance experiences with live music to match. Organizing fancy dress holiday extravaganzas was his forte and adding that special touch was his delight. Dance on in our memories dear Jim.