James R. "Jimbo" Essery

James R. "Jimbo" Essery April 30, 1955 - May 18, 2016 James R. "Jimbo" Essery, age 61, of St. Augustine, passed away on May 18, 2016 at the Bailey Family Center, surrounded by his family. Born and raised in Saugus, Massachusetts, Jim was a graduate of Saugus High School and moved to St. Augustine in 1976. Jim was a talented self-taught musician. He performed with bands for over 40 years as the front man and as a sideman. He toured with Gregg Allman, The Greg Allman Band, and The Allman Brothers in the late seventies and into the early eighties. He has performed on stage with most of the greats of Southern Rock which included: Charlie Daniels Band, Bonnie Bramlett, Derek Trucks, members of Molly Hatchett, Lynyrd Skynryd, The Outlaws, Hank Williams Jr., and Marshall Tucker. Other groups with whom he performed or bands that he started includes: the Vibratones, the Southern Eagle Band, Rotagilla Band. Jim’s last project: The Jim Essery Band is an electric – acoustic band. Jim sings, tells stories and performs with his guitar and harmonicas. The Allman Brothers Band, 1980, Capricorn Records The Road Goes on Forever, The Allman Brothers Band, Mercury / Universal Dreams, The Allman Brother Band, 1989 Martin Scorsese: Presents the Blues: The Allman Brother Band, Mercury Records, 2003.The Greg Allman Band, and The Allman Brothers in the late seventies and into the early eighties. Jimbo has performed on stage with most of the greats of Southern Rock in which included: Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Bramlett, and Derek Trucks, members of Molly Hatchett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Outlaws, Hank Williams Jr., and Marshall Tucker. During this period Jimbo has recorded on several albums. They include:In St. Augustine, Jim was a local legend. He was loved and appreciated by his peers and fans. Jim was also an avid fisherman, grill master and cook. He was especially known for his Minorcan clam chowder and salsa. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his companion, Sharon Graham of St. Augustine; his mother, Norma Carver of Jacksonville; brothers, Benton J. "B. Jay" Carver, and his wife, Tracie, William B. "Billy" Carver and John David "JD" Carver, all of Jacksonville, FL; a sister, Lori Scott, and her husband, Ronald, of Manchester, NH; a son, Eric Essery and a daughter, Lisa Essery; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held from 5 to 9 on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at the Trade Winds Lounge. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.