Jim Turley (deceased) - lead vocalist

Founding member - 1989 - 2007

Jim died of cancer in the fall of 2007. The Dangerous Guise will miss him greatly. We have a saying in the D-Guise; "Friends first, Music second." We believe that is why we have stayed together for so long. Jim's friendship was golden. His wife Kathy stated that "Jim loved being in the band, and couldn't wait for the next gig."

As a musician, Jim had a great talent. He had a genuine smoky, bluesy singing style that the audience identified as a rarity. Jim's timing and phrasing were impeccable. When he sang, he gave his all. Jim never just mailed it in. When Jim wailed on a high note, he pushed it to the breaking point, while audiences stared in slack-jawed amazement.

Jim was rarely seen without a cowbell or tambourine in hand. He would also turn from the mic and smash a cymbal for extra emphasis. In most bands, this would raise the ire of the drummer, but Jim got away with it for 18 years.

We will truly miss our brother. Farewell Dangerous Jim.

If you would like to write a tribute to Jim, we will gladly post it here, in his honour. Click here to send email tribute.

Number of times quitting the band: 0

 

Tributes to Dangerous Jim Turley

I want to thank all the members & former members of the Dangerous Guise for their unwaivering support & encouragement shown to Jim & I during Jim's illness and subsequent passing. Jim was truly touched by the many visits and conversations while he was ill. Jim always said that the band meant everything to him. He felt that he really belonged & was proud to be a member of the band. Jim's life was his music and there was very little that could keep him from ensuring he made it to all the practises and gigs. I admired & loved Jim for many things but I truly admired his dedication to the Dangerous Guise Family. A huge thank you also goes out to all of you who attended Jim's Celebration of Life Service. It meant a lot to us to see so many people who loved and cared for Jim & his family. I know that Jim was looking down and appreciating all that was said and done in his honour. Jim was an honourable, generous and loving man and we will cherish his memories forever.
Jeff (Amanda & Cole), Adam & Kathy

Sorry to hear about your loss. I know there were a lot of good times and great history with Jim and the band. I know the band will soldier on - Jim wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Greg and Max
Edmonton, AB

Who’s going to keep the world informed on the comings and goings of the Werewolves of London??? That’s only one of many songs we’ll fondly remember Jim for. We’re looking forward to seeing Dangerous Guise carry on and doing him justice! See… as requested, no mushy, teary stuff.
Lynn & Keith
Beaumont AB

So sorry to hear about Dangerous Jim's passing. I remember him as a real gentleman with a big heart and big voice. What a talent! He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Gord Steinke
Global TV
Edmonton AB

Jim, there aren't words to fully describe how much I enjoyed playing music and spending time with you this past 18 years. One of my favorite things about playing in the band was the amazing 3 part harmonies that you, Freddie & I would sing together. We used to joke about how good your vocals were, saying that they were "as if sung by the angels themselves". Now I imagine that you'll be giving the angels a lesson or two. Love you, Jim, and I'll miss you dearly.
Your Dangerous Brother, Chris

What a pleasure it was, to spend time with you in the mid-seventies with Andromeda. You kicked the cymbals in those days as we smiled in awe of your vocal magic and stage presence! I learned so much from you, not only musically, but from your attitude and perspective. I am grateful that a few years later, we were colleagues in the field of youth work. Your calm, patient compassion was inspiring. I am so thankful that we were able to be band brothers again in the Dangerous Guise from 1989 to 2007. The past and recent efforts of Kathy, Chris, Bruce and Keith have allowed us to have recordings of you and the band. Thank you, Jim, for saving those rehearsal and gig tapes. Recently, listening to those recordings has brought some sadness. As time goes on, however, the sadness is transforming into more warm memories, smiles, and an even greater appreciation of how blessed we were to have you with us for all those years! And thank you for asking us to have a memorial celebration and for encouraging us to continue as a band! Honoured to be your friend, colleague, band brother and drummer. * OK, you played with other drummers in the U.S., and in Canada with Gaetz Avenue Dance Band and Andromeda; and Robin and I usually had the two goalie system in the Dangerous Geezers. But you know what I mean!
Dang. Chuck
Edmonton, AB

We shared some amazing times together on stage and off. I'll always remember your talent, passion and wit. In the past, during our 3-part harmonies, we've acheived that magical 4th voice. When I here that 4th voice again, I'll know it's you, Jim. Oh, yeah. If you're gonna step on one of our harmonies, please make it Chris's. Thank you for all you've brought to the Dangerous Guise, and to me.
Your brother in music, Dangerous Freddy.
Stage-Right

It is with a smile on our faces that we remember Dangerous Jim and the unique sound of his voice and lets not forget the cow bell. Although we never had the pleasure of knowing Jim personally we truly enjoyed every Dangerous party we went to. Our hearts go out to his family and of course the remaining members of the band. What a great tribute it is to Jim that the band will continue and how lucky for us the fans that we will be able to continue to enjoy.
Rick and Helena Arsenault,
Devon, AB

My thoughts go out to all of you in the band who have played with, and enjoyed Jim's great vocals over the years. It has always been an honour and a treat to be invited up on stage with you all over the years. Jim will be greatly missed by all of you and whoever got to hear him sing. Please support each other and know that there are great many Dangerous Fans out there supporting all of you as well. Take care of each other.
Bruce Hayne
Vancouver BC

I became a Dangerous "Groupie" the first time I saw them a few years ago. I will never forget dancing the nite away with Dangerous Jim on the cowbell and singing with his heart and soul. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, bandmates and friends.
Debbie Cox
Devon, AB

We are deeply saddened to hear about Jim. The most memorable times in years past were when we could get to a Dangerous Guise gig (and there were a few) and just dance the night away. We always loved to hear Jim sing as his voice was so unique and soulful. We will dearly miss him and his persona that he had with the band. What great times and memories. He's playing with the legends now! A couple of big fans.
Anita & Patricia
Edmonton, AB

I will always miss sharing the huge number of books Jim and I traded over the years and the long character discussions we had. We enjoyed many of the same authors and I was fortunate enough to have been introduced to new favourites by Jim. I will miss that most among the many things that Jim shared.
Allen Jackson
Edmonton, AB

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