Today is the 52nd birthday of Jim Parker, who’s been a fixture in the Colorado, national and Oregon beer scene for over 25 years. He founded the Mountain Tap Tavern in 1992, in Colorado, and also worked for the IBS (formerly part of the Brewers Association), was director of the American Homebrewers Association, editor-in-chief of Zymurgy and New Brewer, Executive Director of the Oregon Brewers Guild, as well as starting and working at mant different breweries. Jim was also the first person I know to put Tot-chos on a menu, and for that alone he gets into heaven in my book. Jim is a terrifc person and very passionate about beer. As you may, or may not, have heard, last month Jim suffered a sever stroke and is currently in rehab, with a long road to recovery ahead of him. Today at Belmont Station, co-owner Lisa Morrison is hosting a fundraiser for Jim, who is expected to be there. So if you can make it, please support Jim’s recovery. Jim’s family has created a GoFundMe page to help out with Jim’s large expenses for his treatment. Please donate generously if you’re able. And by all means, let’s raise a toast to Jim today, as we we wish him a very happy birthday.
Jim and me over ten years ago at the Full Sail Smoker during OBF.
Late night adventures in New Orleans, when the Craft Brewers Conference was there in 2003, stacking burger boxes at a local fast food joint.
At a different Full Sail Smoker, talking with Dave Hopwood, whose birthday is also today.
Happy Birthday my friend. Wishing you a full recovery.