03/31/2018
We are very sorry to learn that My Music Store owner, Jim Harms, has passed away. Jim was a heck of a guy, always generous with his time spent with customers and the kind of businessman that not only offered a fair price, but often shared invaluable background information that was both interesting and allowed the customer to feel a closer bond with the instrument.
I spent a lot of time at Jim's store and it was one of the reasons I started this page so that people could easily find his store, especially if they forgot the name of it.
Right before they closed I asked if I could purchase an item on the wall that I knew was quite personal to him. It was a one-of-a-kind yellow, framed sports jersey that said "Kamp Knut-Koupee" on it that was only given to former employees for a reunion in 2005. Jim asked why he was being given one since he not only never worked at Knut Koupee but was also one of their competitors! Owners Errol Joki and Jeff Hill said it was because they had so much respect for Jim, and as one of the last small independent music stores in the Twin Cities they considered him family.
Jim sold me the framed jersey on one condition; that I keep it, along with the original letter, and share this story with others. At the time I had posted it to Old Minneapolis and I will share it again today.
My Music Store closed March 31, 2017. One year ago today. Our condolences to Linda, the Harms family, and everyone else who knew and loved him.
