James Dart, Sr.: Drummer, Educator, and Leader of The Jimmy Dart Orchestra

James Dart, Sr. (1924-2016), born in Helper, Utah, was a talented drummer who started The Jimmy Dart Orchestra while in junior high. During WWII, he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, serving as an office clerk and drummer in a War Department's Dance Band, which was changed into a commissioned band so the members could remain stateside. James married Ruth Redd in 1943. After the war, he returned to Price despite opportunities to perform elsewhere, earned an Associate degree in Accounting from Carbon College, and managed the parts department at Redd Motor Company. James's first love was music, and he continued to lead The Jimmy Dart Orchestra at gatherings across Utah, with several of his children performing in it. He was fully committed to music, taking train rides every Saturday morning from Helper to Salt Lake City for lessons with Adelbert Beasley, who played with the John Philip Sousa Orchestra. James became the youngest inductee into the National Association of Rudimental Drummers (NARD). He taught many young drum students and served as the Drum Section Coach for the Carbon High School Marching Band for their 1966 Tournament of Roses Parade performance. He also supported other local school and college drum sections and performed in the Eastern Utah Wind Symphony. In 1995, he received the Eagle Award from the College of Eastern Utah for outstanding community service. Richard Dart, his son, recounts that music was central to their home and that James gave all his children a foundation in rhythm on the drums before they moved to the piano. Richard also recalls playing in his dad's dance band in the eighth grade alongside his two band teachers, Fifield and Siggard.