It had taken nine years for the revolution which established the new government, to reach their rural agricultural area. The fact that Ivan Fras had brought rural electrification to the area well ahead of its introduction in other parts of the world, including America, made no difference. In a few short months , the old social order and the way of life for residents of the remote region were changed drastically. The neat row of white houses with picket fences was destroyed. The only buildings left standing were the mill and one house where all the remaining workers ate and slept under the new system.

At the age of six, Jim began to develop a talent. The idea came to him one day while he was watching a visiting cousin, Liuba -- a "big city girl", he called her -- play her guitar and sing folk songs. He stayed home alone the next day and tried to match her performance. By the time his sisters and cousin returned from shopping, he had learned to accompany his own voice on two or three songs. He was so small that he held the guitar in a flat position on his lap while playing it. Maria was so impressed with her younger son's newly-found talent that she sold shoes, clothes, and other needed family belongings to buy Jim an old guitar.

At Christmas time, Jim devised a way to capitalize on his talent. He trudged through blowing snow to the homes of secretly religious families where he played the guitar and sang Christmas songs. On these illicit excursions he performed for a piece of bread, or a piece of coal for heating and cooking. He would hide the contraband in the snow and keep moving from house to house and play for alms of any kind. Later Nikolai, his older brother would go with Jim to help hunt for the items.
 

 

                                                 The Early Years  -  page one