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Legendary musician Jimmy Dykes lost his battle with COVID-19 on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. Jimmy, a former Excelsior Springs native, graduated in 1974 from Excelsior Springs High School. Jimmy started his music career at an early age learning guitar after seeing The Beatles on television in 1964. He later went on to help create and play in The Solar Eclipse. This band was well-known to a lot of Excelsior Springs youth of the late 1960s and early ’70s. The band played at a lot of school-sponsored sock hops and homecoming dances. Jimmy went on to play with several musicians and bands around Kansas City, including The Blue Riddim Band, Mark Valentine Band, and Thirsty and the Water Boys. In addition, Jimmy was the guitarist for Kansas City’s world-famous Oleta Adams. His passion and love was his family and teaching music to his students. Jimmy was preceded in death, by his parents, Charles (C.O.) and Virginia Dykes; and beloved aunt, Betty Robinett. He is survived by his wife, LeAnn; and children, Anna, Isaac, Charlie and Jolie. He also is survived by former Excelsior native Gail (Clemons) Hammond, and sons Kyle and Nick; grandchildren, Stanley, Oscar, Merry and Kira; and many relatives and friends.
