Legendary entertainer deals with difficult diagnosis

A Branson entertainer is facing an uncertain future due to a medical diagnosis.

James Tarver is a legendary vocalist with an amazing musical history. Tarver's career has spanned more than six decades. A significant part of the Blues Circuit, Tarver has shared the stage with many musical greats, including ZZ Hill, Bobby Bland, Big Mama Thornton and Chubby Checker. Tarver entertained the masses around the world. A favorite memory was traveling to 57 military bases in Germany and 10 bases in Alaska, as part of USO Tours, to boost the spirits of the troops.

Tarver (Photo via Facebook)

In 2004, Tarver relocated to Branson to share his music with the many visitors who travel to the area. He starred as Sammy Davis Jr. as part of the Rat Pack at the Branson Variety Theater and later the Icon Theater, and went on to share the stage with Chico Vega's Drifters at the Hot Hits Theater.

In recent years, Tarver and his wife have dedicated their time and talents to serving those who served. They perform at AMVETS, VFW halls and American Legions to entertain, encourage and support our nation's veterans.

This year, James received a devastating medical diagnosis that has left him and his wife, Lisa (aka Yogi), uncertain about their next move.

"James was diagnosed on May 22. He has Stage 4, Non-Small Cell Carcinoma Lung Cancer," Lisa explained. "It has metastasized to his lymph nodes, his bones, his lower spine and his upper left shoulder blade area."

Like most entertainers, Tarver did not have employer-provided insurance. He was also denied Medicaid, so the entire financial burden of Tarver's treatments, scans, tests and procedures falls solely on James and Lisa.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help the couple during this very difficult time. Go to Gofundme.com and search "Donate to Stand with James Tarver Stage 4 Lung Cancer."

James and Lisa remain grateful to the friends, family members and fans who continue to offer their support.  

Said Lisa, "Every donation, every share and every prayer means more than words can say. This journey has been filled with so many unknowns, but the love, kindness and support from everyone around us has helped carry us through some of the hardest days. If you can help, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you can't donate, please continue to pray for James and share his story so it can reach people who may be able to help. We appreciate every prayer, every message and every person standing beside James during this fight."