Christopher John Giles

Christopher J. Giles, 55, of Toledo, passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 18, 2012 at Perrysburg Care and Rehabilitation Center, from complications of multiple sclerosis. Chris was born in Toledo, Ohio, September 6, 1956 to Paul and Audrey Giles. He graduated from Maumee St. Joseph Catholic grade school and in 1974 from Maumee High. Chris’s early aptitude for music led him to purchase, at age 13, a $30 electric bass, form a 3-man rock band, and play his first gig at his brother’s wedding reception in 1970. He continued to play rock, pop, disco through the 70s with such groups as Swift Kick and Solid State. His musical interest then shifted to jazz, and he taught himself to play acoustic (upright) bass, and began appearing regularly at Fifi’s Restaurant with pianist John Mast. Chris always credited Mast with teaching him the fundamentals of the jazz style. Toledo pianist Jim Gottron was another important musical influence during these formative years, and would also become a lifelong friend. During the 1980s Chris’s accomplished style led to a 7-year engagement as house bassist at Rusty’s Jazz Café, playing alongside pianist Eddie Abrams. He would also have the good fortune of playing with several other jazz luminaries, including Ernie Krivda, Johnny O’Neal, Eddie Russ, and Bill Heid. In 1986 Chris formed his own jazz group, Line One, playing numerous gigs throughout the Midwest. In 1988-89, the group performed at Keihan Fisherman’s Wharf on Yoshima Island, Japan. In 1990 Chris moved to Chicago, where he was discovered by jazz pianist, John Wright. The two performed at a variety of Chicago venues, but “home base” was the cozy atmosphere of Philander’s Restaurant at the Carleton Hotel in Oak Park, Illinois. Chris and John continued their collaboration until 2006, when the progression of Chris’s MS ended his performing career. He continued his day job as a data analyst with the US Dept. of Labor in Chicago, finally returning to Toledo in 2008 to be near family and friends. His passion for music and listening to live jazz never waned. Chris was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his brother Mark (Mary Kay) Giles, two nieces and two nephews. A memorial gathering will be held at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S Reynolds Rd on Saturday April 28, 2012 from 1-5 p.m. Interment will be private. Memorials may take the form of a contribution to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Christopher John Giles

September 6, 1956 - April 18, 2012