Jimmy Makarounis, owner of a renowned Portland jazz club, died Monday after a battle with cancer. His namesake venue hosted its final shows on New Year's Eve.

Jimmy Makarounis

Makarounis owned Jimmy Mak's, Portland's only venue devoted solely to jazz music. He was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer about four years ago and got word in November that the disease had returned.

Makarounis, 53, had plans to move the business from its home on Northwest 10th Avenue in the Pearl District early this year, but halted that process so he could use his energy and funds to fight the cancer.

Apartment developers bought the property for $3 million last spring, records show.

Jimmy Mak's sold out its final two shows, which featured 12-piece funk and soul band Soul Vaccination and other guest musicians.

Makarounis, his wife and parents opened the club at Northwest 10th Avenue and Everett Street in 1996. He moved the club down 10th Avenue a decade later.

DownBeat magazine has deemed the club one of the best places in the world to hear jazz. Jimmy Mak's was also a PDX Jazz Festival host site.

The club announced Makarounis' death on Facebook, saying, in part: "He will be remembered by those who loved and knew him for his kindness, tenacity and unending generosity."

Oregon Music News first reported his death.

-- Jim Ryan and Robert Ham