Dr. James F. MABRY III

MABRY III - Dr. James F.
Dr. James F. Mabry III, composer, conductor, performer and teacher, died on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Garden Gate Health Care Facility in Cheektowaga, NY. Dr. Mabry retired as Professor of Music at Buffalo State College in 2003 after 26 years as director of bands, teacher, recitalist and supervisor of student teachers. He had previously taught in Texas public schools and at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, Doane College in Crete, Nebraska and the University of Rhode Island. Beginning in 1954 he toured Europe for 18 months as a trombonist with the prestigious Seventh Army Symphony Orchestra and afterward played with orchestras and bands in many states. Active as a jazz musician, he led his own very popular Jim Mabry's Nightlife - the Big Band. A highlight of his career was the 1999 premiere of his Flute Concerto by renowned flutist Carol Wincenc and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He wrote many other works for soloists and ensembles. He earned both Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Music Education from the University of Texas at Austin and a Ph.D. in Music Composition from Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Mabry is survived by Linda (Grosland), his loving wife of 48 years; three daughters, Rebecca Mabry Ing, Cynthia (Robert) Mabry Hughes and Katherine (Waldo) Mabry Garcia; one son, James F. Mabry IV; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson; two brothers, John and David; one half-brother, Joel (Audrey) Mabry; and one half-sister, Zettie Mozelle Mabry. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Sue Ellen; his mother, Hattie (Adamick) Mabry; his father, James (Ramona) F. Mabry, Jr.; and his sister, Billie (J.T.) Mabry Long. A family gathering will be held in Texas at a later time. Donations in his memory may be made to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra or Buffalo Toronto Public Media. Arrangements by: ERIE COUNTY CREMATION SERVICE, 824-6435. Please share your condolences at: www.eriecountycremationservice.com