Born to Mix
DJ Jimmy Jim’s 48 Year Spin on Iowa Dance Floors
I’ve always believed that music has a way of finding the right people—and the right people finding the music. That belief was confirmed again when I sat down with Jim Bollard, better known as DJ Jimmy Jim, for a recent episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast.
I’ve known Jim since 1987, but I never fully grasped the depth of his journey until this conversation. Back then, I was playing dance records on the radio—something pretty rare in Des Moines at the time. Jim heard one of my sets, called the station, and we struck up a conversation. That call led to a friendship, collaborations, and eventually, “Club Z-93,” our radio dance show that brought club mixes to Iowa’s airwaves.
From the Joker Lounge to Technics 1200s
Jim’s story started long before that. In 1977, he landed his first club residency at the Joker Lounge, spinning disco records in a 10,000-square-foot dance room. “Back then,” he told me, “we didn’t even have pitch control. We had to rely on wordplay and creative transitions to blend songs.” It wasn’t until years later that he stumbled across a pair of Technics 1200 turntables—the holy grail for DJs—at a Big Lots store of all places. “I couldn’t believe it,” he laughed. “I walked out of there shaking. I still have those turntables today.”
A Master of Mix and Flow
Listening to Jim recount his journey felt like opening a time capsule of DJ history. He talked about joining record pools in the late ‘70s, hunting down 12-inch singles at record stores near Drake University, and learning to navigate the quirks of live recordings with fluctuating BPMs. “When the first Prince album came out,” he said, “I had to figure out how to mix a song that started at 115 beats per minute and ended at 118.”
But what struck me most wasn’t just his technical mastery—it was his philosophy. “Being a great DJ isn’t just about mixing records,” he explained. “It’s about reading the crowd, feeling their energy, and knowing how to guide it.” He described the delicate dance of pulling back the energy when the room is exhausted, or saving a risky song choice by lining up a “money” track to keep the floor alive.
Still Spinning, Still Energizing
At 69, Jim shows no signs of slowing down. Since retiring from his 34 year IT career in 2011, he’s become a staple in Iowa City’s nightlife scene, spinning at college bars like Brothers, DC’s, and even tailgating events for Central College football. His fans—many of them college students—recognize him on the street, ask for selfies, and flock to the dance floor when they know DJ Jimmy Jim is in the booth. “They might be surprised at first when they see me,” he joked, “but once they hear the music, they’re all in.”
Energy, Entertainment, and Staying on Beat
It’s not just the music—it’s the energy he brings. “There’s no chair in my booth,” he told me. “I’m moving, interacting, jumping, fist-pumping. That energy feeds the crowd.” Even after 48 years behind the decks, he still feels that spark. “If I didn’t love it,” he said, “I wouldn’t be driving home at 2 a.m. after a gig.”
As we wrapped up our conversation, I realized Jim’s story is about more than music. It’s about passion, adaptability, and a lifelong love for bringing people together. He’s the guy who’s bridged the gap between vinyl and digital, between disco and EDM, between generations of dancers.
The Beat Goes On
And as he approaches 50 years in the DJ business, I can’t help but think: Iowa needs to get DJ Jimmy Jim into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! (Click HERE to nominate him.)
If you want to connect with Jim—you can find him on Instagram at @djjimmyjim or email him at born2mix@gmail.com. Better yet, go see him spin live and experience the magic for yourself.
