Darrell Lamont Jumper

Darrell Lamont Jumper was born July 19, 1954 in Charleston, WV. He died unexpectedly on January 2, 2021 after suffering a Covid19 related stroke. Darrell was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Julia Jumper and his father, Berley Geiger, Jr. He is survived by his son, Daryl Jumper, Jr.; Kelly McCamey (the love of his life); his brothers, Rodney (Patti Clark) Jumper and Marcus (Latrena) Geiger; his devoted cousins, Donna (Larry) Rispress, Larry Jumper, Debra Manns, and Tina Calloway; his step-mother, Myrna Geiger; aunts, Beverly Geiger, Rose McCoy, and Connie Beach; uncles, Harry Geiger and Marvin Geiger. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews and his close friends and colleagues: Ray and Sheri Fuller, Glenn “Manny” Manuel, Patrick McLaughlin, Rick Collura, Scott Thompson, Teeny Tucker, Richard “Doc” Malone, and so many others who dearly loved him. Darrell “Tutu” Jumper had a special light. He was a gifted drummer and had a beautiful voice. He always said he felt lucky that he was able to make a living playing music. After being spotted performing at a Columbus, Ohio club while still in high school, Darrell was quickly hired to back up the legendary singing group The Four Mints. Their musical director had profound influence on his development as a drummer. He mentored him on the finer points of listening and being able to play for the song. Darrell immersed himself in a variety of styles from jazz, rock, soul, and funk and used the Blues as his foundation. His greatest influences were Lenny White, Dave Garibaldi, Billy Cobham, and Rayford Griffin. He traveled extensively through the US, Canada, and Europe while playing with many bands including: Ray Fuller and the Blues Rockers, Teeny Tucker, Terry Davidson and the Gears, The Patrick McLaughlin Band, Willie Pooch Band, The Dave Workman Band, The Columbus Jets, Hot Rod and the Blues Devilles, and so many others. Darrell graduated in 1974 from Central High School in Columbus, Ohio. He most recently worked part-time for the Salvation Army from 2015 - 2019. He also worked for Discover Card from 1988 – 2009 and with the Canteen Company from 1982 - 1987 at their Ohio Bell and Rockwell locations . Most of all he loved playing drums, singing, and sharing his gift with the world. We may have lost his earthly light but he will live in our hearts forever. There will be a private service followed by burial.