We are sad to report the passing of a dear JoMS family member, Charles Parham, on November 20 at age 80.Charles was a volunteer piano teacher at the School dating back to 2008. He stopped teaching last spring due to the Covid disruption. He was father-in-law to longtime former JoMS staff member Russell Fuquay, who delighted in seeing Charles every time he came in to teach lessons over the years. Julie Carter, Director of Music Education, had a heartfelt response to the news. “Such a dear sweet soul – he will be sorely missed by me and our Joy of Music family. He gave us so many years of smiles and jokes along with a kind, steady hand with his students and a deep belief in the power of music. I will always treasure these memories.” Charles was a talented organist and pianist who gave hundreds of hours teaching kids at the School over the years. His charm and sense of humor were always on display. Charles interacted with everyone in the halls of the School, sharing stories, complimenting his fellow teachers, cracking jokes. He lovingly taught piano to many students, including Jarvis, Mobin, Pippa, Taelor, Alexis, Fiona, Lauren, Ella, Ryan, Aaliyah, Chloe, William, Daniel, Miriam, Nadia, and David. He also accompanied our soloists in recitals, kids who were not his students. He performed with Alex, Maya, Cody and sisters Caitlandt and Shaianna, in addition to his many performance accompanying the Joy of Music School Choir. “You can’t replace Charles Parham,” notes Executive Director Frank Graffeo. “He was more than a volunteer, more than a teacher, more than a mentor. His goodwill and enormous spirit lifted everyone he met.” The School extends our hearts to his spouse of 57 years, Patty, to Charles’ daughter, Holly Fuquay, and their families and loved ones.