Jimmy Parsons. Photo Credit: Brian O’Connor

Sad to report that JIMMY PARSONS for many years an indispensable figure at Ronnie Scott’s, died after recurring bouts of an illness on the morning of Wednesday March 6th.

Wally Houser writes: 

I have known Jimmy for more than 40 years. He and I were both conscripts in the Ronnie Scott army although I was ahead of him by about 10 years.

Jimmy was the nicest man. He was small and wiry and always immaculate. I know he worked at Radio Luxembourg for some time before joining Ronnie’s.

He was married to Clare, a lady he loved dearly and who died a few years ago. She was the sister of Stella King. Pete King’s wife, so it was all in the family!

For a while Jimmy was the Maitre d’ at Ronnie Scotts. He also ran the door for some time. He did both jobs with effortless charm and great efficiency.

Yet another of the Scott boys (and girls) has gone. I feel poorer for his departure. Wally Houser

Chris King has written:

Thank you to all the people who have sent messages regarding my Uncle Jimmy.

He worked for my father at Ronnies for over 35 years and was one of the first people that all the great musicians from Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich to Roy Ayers and many others welcomed into the club and all the famous faces from the Stones, Eric Clapton, all politicians and Royalty (Princess Di etc) only because my dad and Ronnie couldnt be bothered!!! RIP xx

Georgia Mancio writes:

RIP Jimmy Parsons. A wonderful, witty, generous, kind, loyal man who helped shape the great establishment that is Ronnie Scott’s. He listened to my first demo about 15 years ago when I worked at the club and was so encouraging. He pulled off the unthinkable: becoming the perfect MC after Ronnie died with the same dry sense of humour and crisp enunciation. I can hear his voice still.

We’re all raising our Cote du Rhone to this most charismatic and missed gentleman.

Jimmys Funeral and Wake 

March 20th at 12.40pm Charing Crematorium
Newcourt Wood Charing Ashford Kent TN27 0EB

Then to the Pub
The Dering Arms Station Road Pluckley Ashford Kent TN27 0RR

People wishing to attend should notify Chris King,so that he has an idea of numbers.