SUGG, James Ferrell

James Ferrell Sugg was born in Dunn, N.C. June 17, 1931. Following high school, he attended Minister College for one year. He transferred to Baylor University in Texas where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance. Shortly after entering his senior year, he received a draft notice from the USA Army. He chose an alternate path for himself and entered the Navy for four years of service. After this tour of duty, Jim did not have enough money to finish his degree in Texas so moved to Europe and lived and studied in Vienna for three years. This was followed by intensive study in Venice and Yugoslavia. His return to the United States took him to New York City and he worked for Cobert Artist Management for eight years. This firm was considered the jewel box of classical agencies and included some of the most prestigious vocalists in the music world, including Joan Sutherland, Marilyn Horne and Dietrich Fischer-dieskau, among others. Here, Jim’s literacy in German and deep knowledge of art song and opera allowed him to be an asset and liaison between the Cobert Artist Management and these opera stars. Because of his warm personality, he was frequently asked to deliver scores, contracts, and travel itineraries to these great artists. Jim kept everything, including invitations to Joan Sutherland and Elizabeth Schwarzkopf debuts at the Metropolitan Opera House. At a post-performance dinner party, Marlyn Horne heard him sing and advised him to go back to school and complete his degree. He started thinking about this and began to save money and returned to Baylor to finish his studies with Lois Smith. He graduated with a masters and his vocal thesis is still requested for reference. He then finished studies with Annette Havens in New York City and applied to teach at Acadia University. He fell in love with Wolfville and taught at Acadia for 22 years. After a few years in Toronto, he was encouraged (he’d say bullied) by Mary Knickle and Craig Ferguson to come to Lunenburg, which he did. Jim happily lived in Lunenburg for 14 years and continued his teaching. He passed away peacefully in Ryan Hall on November 29, 2020. Jim was predeceased by his mother, Kathrine Caroline (Hodges) Schwill, and his father, James Ollie (JO) Sugg. He is survived by many cousins on both sides including Donna Ruth Ennis Scott, Beanie Strickland Roberts, Nancy (Sugg) Johnson, Martha (Sugg) Flemming. He is also survived by his adopted family, Mary Knickle, Craig Ferguson and Tessa Ferguson. A special mention to dear friends of Jim’s that were a big help to him right to the end including Reid Campbell, Laurel Darnell and Patricia Watson. Jim touched many people and had many friends, to name a few, that lived away but kept in close contact with him including Richard Elder Adams, ("New York Calling") Janet Kirkconnell ( The Oracle of the Valley) and Gilles Leblanc (his eyes and ears of Toronto). Funeral arrangements entrusted to Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy. No. 3, Lunenburg. A memorial service for Jim will be held in the spring of 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Acadia University School of Music in Wolfville, would be appreciated by the family thru the following links: general instrument fund: https://www2.acadiau.ca/custom/donation/index.php?prgram=School%20of%20Music%20Instrument%20Fund or the SOM memorial bursary fund: https://www2.acadiau.ca/custom/donation/in-dex.php?program=School%20of%20Mu-sic%20memorial%20bursary www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca