James (Jimmy) W. K. Lytle
1910 – 2005
Secretary Emeritus, Secretary of Local 180 from 1953 to 1980.
Originally from Winnipeg, Jimmy played trumpet with bands throughout Western Canada during the ’30s, and for a while worked on cruise ships up and down the BC coast before coming to Ottawa with the Mart Kenny band in the early ’40s.
He spent some time in the Air Force Band and was active in the nightclub scene with engagements at the Glenn Lea and the Fairmont, before assuming the duties as Secretary in 1953. He brought this local through the transition from big bands to rock and roll and negotiated the first National Arts Centre Orchestra agreement.
He died on March 17, 2005, at the age of 94.
Source: The News Harp, June 2005
Jimmy Lytle pictured in the Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc., on November 6, 1956. The event was a benefit show at the Chaudière Rose Room for the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund. Pictured from left to right are performer Buddy Greco, Local 180 President Frank Bonner, Alan J. Saunders, Local 180 Secretary Jimmy Lytle, Diane Stevens (door prize winner), and Alex Sherman. Photo by Newton.