Jam session members launch musical scholarship in honor of Lawrence "J.R." Strickland

Friends and fellow musicians are raising money to start a musical instrument scholarship for a Gainesville music student in memory of Lawrence "J.R." Strickland, a longtime Ozark County resident and the original organizer of the Ozark County musical jam sessions. Those wishing to contribute can submit their donations to Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville or mail a contribution to Clinkingbeard Funeral Homes, JR Strickland fund, PO Box 65, Gainesville, MO 65655. 

Funeral services for Mr. Strickland will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Organizer Pam Whisnant told the Times that the weekly jam session members contributed $100 to start the fund at their gathering Tuesday evening. They hope to continue to raise money for the scholarship and present the funds to purchase a musical instrument for a Gainesville student each year.