Since Mr. Jim Mills passed a few months ago, can anyone tell me what is happening with his Banjo Showroom?
thanks
More like a year ago...
very helpful response...
Unless his estate was wrapped up in a tidy revocable trust with a clear succession plan, probate could lock things up for years.
Why would it have needed a revocable trust? He could have simply left the business to someone such as a spouse or relative for them to operate or liquidate.
Edited to add: He was in fact survived by his wife. Maybe he left everything to her.
Also: His website is down and the domain name is for sale.
Edited by - Old Hickory on 04/27/2025 20:58:17
I would contact luthier Richie Dotson. He was a close friend of his. He might know
What is the purpose of this thread? are you interested in the banjos or the real estate, he was survived by his wife and family. Who knows or ha the right to know the status of his estate other then them? He and his family have great connections to the banjo community and if they want to sell the banjos they can easily do that if your thinking you might be able to swoop in and get a deal or something.. you’ll pay fair market price im sure. Reaching out to his friends unless there's some other legit reason for info is tacky and hurtful, im sure his death is still painful for friends and loved ones.
Edited by - kyleb on 04/28/2025 15:24:32
I think he asked for information, not judgement or motive.
That escalated quickly….
Indeed
I am strictly speaking for myself here, though I suspect others may feel the same. I never had a chance to visit Mr. Mills showroom/museum while he was alive. I have no interest in trying to “swoop in” on Jim’s banjos. Couldn’t afford to anyway. But my interest in this topic is to see if his showroom/museum will be preserved so maybe I will be able to visit it someday. That is all
quote:
Originally posted by techmanSince Mr. Jim Mills passed a few months ago, can anyone tell me what is happening with his Banjo Showroom?
thanks
Having watched a few videos posted occasionally by Jim Mills of his banjo showroom and general interviews he has given, it is readily apparent that he has some very important banjos and banjo related items in his showroom.
I think there are many banjo enthusiasts here on BHO who are genuinely interested and curious about what will happen to Jim's banjo's and related items that are importantl to banjo history, if for no other reason than natural curiosity.
quote:
Originally posted by kyleb... he was survived by his wife and family. Who knows or ha the right to know the status of his estate other then them?
According to an obituary, his wife is his only surviving immediate family. His parents and two brothers are gone. No children. In the unlikely case he had no will, his wife gets everything.
I can't imagine he didn't leave a will and plan. Or as Joel said, a revocable trust -- which I now understand avoids probate and the public filing of a will. It keeps the private business of who gets what private.
So another way to answer the original question is: as curious as the banjo community might be about what's become of Jim's banjo showroom, we can assume that those with a legitimate reason and need to know do know. Curiosity doesn't entitle the rest of us to know.
quote:
Originally posted by CaseyJonesI am strictly speaking for myself here, though I suspect others may feel the same. I never had a chance to visit Mr. Mills showroom/museum while he was alive. I have no interest in trying to “swoop in” on Jim’s banjos. Couldn’t afford to anyway. But my interest in this topic is to see if his showroom/museum will be preserved so maybe I will be able to visit it someday. That is all
Jims show room was in the basement of his home, so not likely to become a museum
I haven’t been there, but I have seen a lot of video from his basement.
Sure looked like a museum to me.
Dictionary
Definitions from Oxford Languages:
noun
a building in which objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited.
….And he hosted events there educating people about these old banjos. Pretty sure that’s what they do in museums.
