'He leaves behind a tremendous legacy': Tributes paid to founder of Cork Jazz Festival

The founder of the Cork Jazz Festival, Jim Mountjoy, who died this weekend, has been described as a man who leaves behind “a tremendous legacy”.

Mr Mountjoy, who spearheaded the idea behind the Cork Jazz Festival in 1978, died peacefully on Saturday at Cork University Hospital.

He is survived by his wife Pat, children Brendan, Michael and Jim, and extended family.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival shared their sympathies with the Mountjoy family, saying that Mr Mountjoy will be “sadly missed”.

“We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Mountjoy, the founder of the Cork Jazz Festival,” they said.

“Without Jim, there would be no festival.

“He leaves behind a tremendous legacy that is felt not only in Cork, but by friends and musicians all over the world.

”We would like to send our condolences to the Mountjoy family and friends at this time.”

A spokesperson for The Metropole Hotel also shared a post on social media, which said: “It is with great sadness that we remember the visionary behind the Cork Jazz Festival, our former marketing manager, Jim Mountjoy.

“Back in May 1978, a cancelled bridge event left our hotel with empty rooms over the bank holiday - Jim, ever the innovator, saw an opportunity.

“What started as a sudden spark of inspiration quickly took flight with help from local jazz lovers like Pearse Harvey and Ray Fitzgerald.

“From those humble beginnings, a world-renowned festival was born—one that continues to bring life, music, and joy to the streets of Cork every year,” they added.

“We celebrate Jim’s remarkable legacy - his passion, creativity, and love for music shaped an event that has become part of Cork’s cultural heartbeat.

“Thank you, Jim, for your vision and enduring contribution to our city - your music will live on forever in every note played at the Cork Jazz Festival - rest in peace.”

Mr Mountjoy will lie in repose at the Wilton Funeral Home on the Sarsfield Road on Tuesday, from 5pm to 6pm.

Requiem Mass will be held at 11am on Wednesday in the Church of the Real Presence Curraheen, with funeral afterwards to St James’ Cemetery in Chetwynd.