Jazz drummer and educator Jack Mouse died on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024 at age 79. Born and raised in Emporia, Kansas, he began playing drums at age four, and longtime friend Karen Sommers told KVOE News that he was a “true child prodigy.” By his late teens he was performing with such musical greats as Tex Beneke, Ralph Flanagan, Buddy Morrow, Ray McKinley, Bob Crosby, Sammy Kaye, Ray Eberle, Les Elgart, Lee Castle, “Peanuts” Hucko, and Red Norvo.

Following his graduation from the College of Emporia, Mouse spent three years as a featured soloist with the Air Force Academy’s jazz ensemble, the Falconaires. Mouse’s career saw him share the stage with such jazz greats as Stan Kenton, Clark Terry, Herb Ellis, Joe Williams, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, Bobby Shew, Doc Severinsen, Kenny Burrell, Johnny Smith, Mundell Lowe, and many more.

In 2016, Mouse and his wife, Janice Borla, launched the non-profit organization Flashpoint Creative Arts to promote understanding and participation in the art of improvisation on a global scale. The couple were also mainstays in the Emporia music scene, organizing and performing several concerts for Emporia State University, the Emporia Granada Theatre, and the Emporia Arts Council. Mouse was inducted into the Emporia High School Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Frank A. Beach Hall of Distinction.