John Mumford

Paid through 2024

Manage investment portfolios. Still working by choice since I like what I do.

Pasadena City College A.A 1968
University of Denver B.S.B.A - Marketing 1970
Metropolitan State College B.S.B.A - Accounting 1981
University of Colorado M.B.A - Finance 1985
University of Colorado - Denver - B.S. "Music Performance" 2002
Certified Public Accountant
Certified Financial Planner

South Pasadena Junior High
Other Non-SP schools: 10 different schools before SPHS

California, Oregon and Colorado.

Moved to South Pasadena in 1961. I left to go to college in Colorado and I never came back.

Jeanne Mumford (63) Deceased
David Mumford (74) Deceased
Doreen Mumford (76)

Tom Chavez, David Ekstrom, Geri Murphy, Eric Chase, Sarah Cleary, Dennis Graue, Jim Hallock, Claude Stewart, James Cogan and Jim Clark.

Football, Track, dances and being part of the band called "The Fifth Generation."

I Played Ice Hockey at the University of Denver. I still play twice a week and ski about a half dozen times each winter.

I always wanted to try a run on an Olympic Bobsled track and finally did it in 2019.

Since leaving South Pasadena life has been a world a varying experiences. Its amazing how one act can change a person's course in life. By moving to Colorado I've learned to appreciate what nature has created. In doing so I have met some wonderful people along the way and I've seen some amazing places. The greatest lesson in life I have learned is not to prejudge people. Listen to their stories because that's more important to them. I learn a lot more from what they have to say then listening to myself talk. If you find someone you fear or dislike, make fiends with them. Its amazing what the outcome will be.

I wish I knew all of this when I was in high school.

Fear is what keeps us from achieving our dreams. Its amazing how fears disappear when you take the first step to achieving what you want. A few years ago someone told me of a man who became homeless because of health reasons. I took it upon myself to help this person by getting him into the system to get health care and housing. I did this for three years before he died. I was the only one at his bedside. People told me that I was a saint for what I did and there would be a place in heaven for me. My reactions was why is everyone else afraid to commit to help others. I did nothing unusual. By doing this act I learned of another world that exists for the poor and disabled and how they are victims of circumstances that are often out of their control. I also made a new friend in life.

As I write this I have just returned from attending the second funeral in five days. Today they call funerals a celebration of life and not a time to grieve. I only have a sister left in our family of six. A celebration of life should take place every day for those that you love and are still with us. I can say that is how I have lived my life, knowing that tomorrow may be the last day for any of us.

One last observation is to do what makes you happy. Do not try to out do others for that reason alone. I became a musician in high school when someone asked me if wanted to be in a band. Since then I have learned there are lot more musicians better than me and what I do makes me happy and those I perform for. This philosophy applies to any skill that you develop, life is not a contest.

Somehow, in all of my endeavors, I did play Carnegie Hall once in my lifetime.

Ice Hockey, Skiing, White Water Rafting, Golf, Wood Carving, Painting and Music.

Over the last ten years I have developed a strong interest in photography. This has been combined with traveling the world now. There are so many beautiful places to see. Ecuador and French Polynesia are fascinating but I have to say my favorite country is Norway. The people and landscape are so beautiful.

I recently have travel to Papua New Guinea and Madagascar. You really get an appreciation for what we have when you see how people in other, undeveloped parts of the world live. Even though their lives are different they are happy and content peoeple.

Classic Rock, Surf, Bluegrass, Hawaiian.

With the pandemic I spent more time creating music videos of myself.

I read books now through audio books. I like biographies. I also like documentaries. I wish they made more Minion movies. Those guys are so funny.

Building a Tiki Bar. Performing at Banjo and Ukulele Festivals. I play Hawaiian Steel Guitar and Dobro as well.

I'm now focusing on spending more time on travel.

Things you probably don't know about me: I collect animation art.

My writings, articles, & books: Online magazine for ten years called Jazz Banjo Magazine. I now have a Patroen page at: https://www.patreon.com/Jazzbanjo

I teach banjo and use the proceeds to pay for an Internet radio station.
https://live365.com/station/Jazz-Banjo-Radio-a57039

You can see me on my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JohnMumford