Jim Aikin, who recently relocated from southern California to Olathe, Kansas, died unexpectedly on August 4, 2023. Jim was born on February 24, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri, to George and Mary Lou Aikin. Jim's sister Candy died in 2014. Jim is survived by his brothers Ron and Curt and by his nieces and nephews, who loved their Uncle Jim. A gathering in celebration of Jim's life is being planned. Following graduation from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1966, Jim attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. It was there that he became involved with the men's glee club. When Jim and some fellow members of the glee club decided to form a folk group, Jim approached twin freshman students Jan and Jill Bunker and asked if they could sing. They could, and a new singing group was promptly formed – The Burgundy Street Singers. The group quickly found success, playing gigs on campus and throughout the state. Shortly thereafter, they entered the Intercollegiate Jazz Festival and won the national title for jazz singing group. Budweiser beer was a sponsor of the festival and the group was subsequently invited to California to become youth market ambassadors for Budweiser beer. As a result, The Burgundy Street Singers became the face of Budweiser beer, touring for Budweiser and appearing in dozens of print and video ads. If you remember the Budweiser beer jingle "when you say Bud"… you've heard Jim Aikin and The Burgundy Street Singers. The group appeared on numerous television shows including the Carol Burnett Show, the Red Skelton Show, the Jimmy Rodgers Show, the Joey Bishop Show, and others. The Burgundy Street Singers also opened for a number of top stars in Las Vegas including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Anthony Newley, and recorded for several top record labels. Naturally charming and witty, Jim became the de facto spokesman for The Burgundy Street Singers. He was also a gifted dancer and always appeared cool and composed performing elaborate choreographed moves with the other singers. Following his years in show business, Jim settled in Manhattan Beach, California, and commenced a second career in real estate sales. Jim's chief passions, however, were travel, surfing, volleyball, golf, and spending time with his friends. Jim was a talented, upbeat, fun-loving, and immensely entertaining individual. His outgoing and positive outlook on life affected everyone who knew him. Truly, to know Jim was to love him. He will be terribly missed by his family and many friends. Rest in peace, Jimmy.