The piano man

Born blind and disabled nearly 70 years ago, Jim Fossum learned to play the piano at a very young age. Today, his music brings joy to young and old alike at churches, nursing homes and events.

Jim has lived in a group home for persons with disabilities for most of his life. Since 2003, he has lived in the same home in Preston operated by Maple Leaf Services. When I visited Jim, he had just got home from his job at the Developmental Achievement Center (DAC). This job gives him the opportunity to use his musical talents to entertain nursing home residents throughout Fillmore County.

Deneen Trogstad from Maple Leaf Services greeted me when I arrived at the ranch-style home located in a nice residential area. A couple of residents were curious and Deneen told them I was there to interview Jim for an article in the newspaper. She introduced me to Jim. We sat at the kitchen table. Jim was shy and didn’t want to talk too much. But when I asked him to play me a song, he stood up and waved his hands towards the piano.

With Deneen’s help, Jim was guided to the beautiful upright piano in the living room. As soon as he sat down, his fingers found the keys and he was off in his own world. It was as if he was transformed into another person—a musician! He started off with his favorite song — “How Much is that Doggie in the Window” and then went right into “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Jim sang softly while he played, but never looked up. Head down, he looked intently at the keys as if he could see them. His final song was “Amazing Grace,” my favorite. When he finished playing for me, I applauded and he smiled ever so slightly.

Deneen says it’s such a joy to have Jim in their lives. “It’s absolutely amazing to hear him play,” she said. “He is completely blind and has had to learn each song by ear and then memorize it. He so enjoys playing for others and has a portable keyboard that he uses if there isn’t a piano on site. What a gift and inspiration he is. It goes to show how every person can contribute and have a meaningful life.”

According to his half-sister, Kim McCabe, Jim learned how to play piano by ear when he was very young, maybe around four years old. Their mom guided him. The family grew up in rural Harmony. Jim attended the Faribault School for the Blind and then for a short time went to a blind school in Rochester. He lived in group homes in Arkansas and Austin, before coming back to this area and settling in Preston.

“He is the only one of us four kids who has any musical talent at all,” Kim said. “He plays the piano beautifully! The thing that amazes me most about Jim is his incredible memory for the people he meets. He remembers birthdays and what happened the last time he saw you, no matter how long ago it was. This is probably how he is able to remember music so well too!”

Kim is grateful for the staff of Maple Leaf Services and the DAC. Both are nonprofit organizations. DAC’s mission is to provide planning and service delivery that allows for individual ability and interest in employment services, recreation, socialization, and community engagement so that all persons receiving services may maintain and improve their enjoyment and quality of life.

Maple Leaf Services has provided support to people who have disabilities since 1977. They offer a wide variety of services, including Supervised Living Services (SLS). Each SLS home (like Jim’s) is typical of homes in the neighborhood with one to four people living in each. Sites are located throughout Fillmore County with licensed residential sites in Preston, Harmony, Rushford and Spring Valley and in-home support in additional communities and rural areas.

If you are interested in having Jim play for a gathering, contact Maple Leaf Services at (507) 765-2494.