If you play the ukulele, chances are you’ve been touched in some way by the generosity, humor, and musical brilliance of Jim D’Ville. For years, Jim has dedicated his life to teaching and performing, traveling across the country to bring workshops, performances, and joy to ukulele festivals, clubs, and communities everywhere.

Jim’s work has inspired thousands of players, and he has given so much of himself to keep the ukulele world vibrant and connected. But this lifestyle, living on the road to share music, is not easy.

Recently, Jim invested in a Mercedes Sprinter van to make his travels more sustainable, but this new chapter has come with challenges. His van (which is also his home) has run into serious and costly repair issues. Right now, he is in Dover, New Hampshire with broken electricity, no propane, and no way to cook food (and unfortunately the extended warranty he purchased was for engine related problems, and doesn’t cover electrical nor propane issues).

Our goal is to raise $4,500 to cover the immediate van repairs Jim needs to get back on the road. But of course, keeping a mobile “pop-up uke-mobile” running isn’t easy, and any support beyond that goal will help Jim handle future maintenance and unexpected costs along the way.

Jim would never ask for help himself, but his friends and community know how much he has given, and now it’s our turn to give back.

Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward getting Jim’s van back on the road so he can keep doing what he does best: inspiring and teaching through music.

I hope we can come together as a community to show Jim how much he means to us and help him in this time of need. Thank you for helping support our wonderful friend who has supported so many of us through his music and teaching.

He also has a Patreon which you can join to support him and receive access to his exclusive lessons there:

https://www.patreon.com/u27327180?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan

Lastly, if you would prefer to donate through Venmo, Jim's Venmo handle is @Jim-DVille-4

Thank you and much love to all!

-Gracie Terzian