James Adair Gans

James Adair Gans was one of the kindest men we will ever know. Born on July 18, 1952, Jamie grew up as the middle child of five children in the great state of New Jersey, a place he longed to escape for more exotic environs. Jamie inherited an artistic sensibility from his mother Adair, whose portraits and landscape paintings grace the homes of many family members and friends. He was drawn to traditional music and eventually found his way to MacAlester College in St Paul, Minnesota, where he played in the pipe band and graduated with a degree in fine arts. Also at this time, Jamie became interested in Irish fiddle music and spent many hours woodshedding with his instrument and playing in various bands, including the Northern Star Ceili Band. Jamie spent the next decade exploring Irish and Quebecois music, in Canada, Vermont, and Minnesota. In 1994, a mutual friend introduced him to his future wife, Tamara Loewenthal, with whom he collaborated on many music & dance projects and performances via the duo, Fiddle ‘n’ Feet. Jamie’s move to Indiana also occasioned his greater interest in, and love for, Old Time Music, and he was beloved by all who had the opportunity to play with him. Jamie had a great sense of humor and a love for North American history. He deeply enjoyed programming his bi-weekly radio show, The Celtic Road, on WFHB Community Radio, where his expertise and knowledge of Celtic music shined. He loved baseball, especially his Minnesota Twins, and excelled at pitching for the Lotus Volunteers softball team. He literally kept the home fires burning, chopping wood with glee every season for a winter he hoped would be snowy. He was also the home chef and sour dough bread baker extraordinaire, long before it became everyone else’s pastime. Jamie is survived and will be immensely missed by his wife Tamara; stepdaughter Serena Loewenthal (John McKinney) and stepson Ewan Schmid (Lyndsey); three grandchildren and the apples of his eye – Everett, Eleanore, and Molly; siblings Robin Logan, Lucy Gans (Les Fletcher), John Gans (Irina), and Liz Gans; and numerous nephews and nieces. A Celebration of Life will be announced in the near future. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 South Old State Road 37, Bloomington, have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

James Adair Gans

July 18, 1952 - January 29, 2023