Storied pipe organ finds new home

[KB7DQH]

  Editor's note: Linda Coleberd wrote the following story about her late husband, James C. Coleberd.

The family of the late James C. Coleberd, originally of Liberty, continues to support William Jewell College. His beloved Quimby Opus 62 now resides in the music department of Pillsbury Hall.

This two-manual, five-rank pipe organ will be instrumental for students' practices and recitals.

Coleberd grew up in Liberty, graduated from Liberty High School, attended William Jewell College and then graduated from the University of Kansas with a major in zoology and a minor in pipe organ.

As a child, Coleberd heard every fire alarm and chased every truck during the week, and on Sundays he played the organ at the Liberty Methodist Church. This continued until his days at William Jewell College ended. Those days ended when, while taking a test, he heard the siren, and the professor gave him an ultimatum. He followed the firetruck.

He went on to KU, lived at the firehouse, did chores for room and board and continued to minor in pipe organ.

His love for firetrucks and pipe organs played a huge part in his life. After retirement, he requested Quimby Pipe Organ Co. of Warrensburg to build him his very own residential organ. This pipe organ now has been relocated to his alma mater for many to enjoy.

A dedicatory recital was held Sunday March 25, at Pillsbury Music Center.

http://www.kccommunitynews.com/liberty-tribune-news/30787434/detail.html

Eric
KB7DQH