Better known as Big Jim, was a well known, self taught lead guitarist.
Jim started playing as a very young child, doing Hymns. At about age 13, he started playing with Yodeling Ike and his band. They had a radio show on Saturday mornings on WTVL for quite some time. He also toured around this area with Doc and Chickie Williams.
Jim later had another radio program with Eddie (Gibson) Beaudoin. Eddie and he cut a record called the “470”, a story about the train in Waterville. And “Why Oh Why”.
He played many establishments in the Waterville, Augusta and Skowhegan areas and was well known and still remembered for playing at Waterville’s Silver Dollar. He also played with Dick and the Counts as well as other well known musicians.
In later years, he formed his own band called “Big Jim and His Harem” with many close friends for mostly fun, where he played at private parties, family gatherings and others, just to have a good time. They played Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home frequently, which all the residents enjoyed and looked forward to. His band consisted of Kitty Plisga, Joan Roderigue, Joanne Quirion (better known as Little Jo), Joyce (Gibson) Beaudoin and Gerry Durell.
His biggest passion was to entertain his family and friends. This was when he was the happiest.
Big Jim has passed in 1985.
Jim Doody was inducted into the Maine Academy of Country Music's Hillbilly Heaven on September 24, 2006.
