JAMES F. “JIMMY” ARMSTRONG, age 55, of Berea. Passed away May 15, 2014.

He was the son of Mary Margaret “Maggie” Armstrong and the late William G. Armstrong; brother of William (Clarinda Higgins), Mary Patricia (wife of the late Ron Kuykendall), Jeannie (Bardwell Wiggins) and Carolyn (Steve Dietrich); beloved uncle of Sarah, Anna and Will Armstrong, Rory Kuykendall, Kristin Cope and Kenneth Daugherty, and Hattie and Matthew Dietrich.

Jimmy was an exceptionally talented and popular vocalist, songwriter and entertainer who performed standards and original compositions in greater Cleveland nightclubs and restaurants for many years with his accompanist Eric Elliot. Embracing Cleveland’s rock-and-roll heritage, and helping to shape the New Wave R&B movement in Cleveland, Jimmy and Mr. Elliott formed the musical group Pony Boys, which opened for many national acts and in 1986 competed on the network television program “Star Search.” His work resulted in a successful album, several music videos, and numerous recordings.

He attended Berea High School and studied music at Baldwin Wallace College.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Mary Church.