Obit: Stan James of Washington (Nov 2008)

Subject: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 01:25 AM

I know I said I would not be on Mudcat for a while but I will pop in to start this thread and check it. Stan James has died. He lived in Seattle for a long time and recently moved to the Arlington area.

His ex-wife will be going to his cabin to retrieve certain items. She might need some help if anyone lives nearby and could perhaps store guitars, tools, etc. for a while.

They also need help in contacting two sons of Stan..his oldest son, Jeff, and a son in Canada...some of you might know his mother.

I can be reached at 360-642-8049 until 10:30 or so tomorrow evening and then after 9:30 p.m. I will give his ex-wife's number to people I know and trust. They were still close.

We were just talking again about his plans for a folk-opera or something concerning the docks of Seattle int he 30s or so...centering around the Wawona. If someone is able to retrieve any of his archival materials and photographs that would be very important.

Call me if you want the phone number. mg

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 11:11 AM

Mary ... thank you for posting this sad news. I have left my number with Jan and offered my help and truck in dealing with stuff. Bob Nelson

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 12:06 PM

Oh, this is so very very sad. He was still a relatively young man, and I expected many more years of hearing Stan's great songs.

Please keep us posted on anything that seems prudent to post here.

I'll send a PM.

Maggie Dwyer

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 12:17 PM

Can you log on to read PMs, Mary?

If they need a photo for his obit I have at least one good one of Stan that I posted in my photos here at Mudcat. It's from Rainy Camp in 2004. The newspaper would need a larger version than the web one, and there may be something more on that roll of film.

Does Bob Nelson have your email? I'll have him send you mine.

Maggie

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Stewart
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 01:21 PM

Bob (Deckman) called me this morning to tell me this sad news. It is indeed sad. Although I only knew Stan for 7 or 8 years, I enjoyed his easy-going camaraderie, his knowledge of folk songs, some quite obscure, and the way he sang them, his tales of his early work on the restoration of the Wawona and the folk music coffeehouse venues he ran in the '60s in Seattle.

I enjoyed the times my wife and I joined with Stan to sing at the retirement home on Vashon Island, and the times he came to our house jams and other music events, and Rainy Camp and the Seattle Song Circle where I first met him. All that will be sorely missed. But they are good memories. Another bit of the folk music history of Seattle is gone with him. Yes, that is sad.

S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Don Firth
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 02:55 PM

That was a jolt when I opened Mudcat this morning!

I've known Stan since the late 1950s. I have a flood of memories about him that are all kind of swirling around right now. As I said, a bit of a jolt.

When he sang, he did so with a sort of "got to hell" quality and always with a smile in his voice. The last time I heard him sing, which was just recently, he sounded just as he had some forty-six years ago when he sang at the United Nations Pavilion at the Seattle World's Fair in 1962.

Stan in action in 1962.

And here he is again, with a sort of "signature song." He was forever getting request for this, and the last time I heard him sing it was at the 2008 Northwest Folklife Festival at the end of May.

Soggy Saga, also from the 1962 U. N. Pavilion concerts.

He bought "The Place Next Door," one of the nicest coffeehouses in Seattle, in 1962, redecorated it, and renamed it "The Corroboree." Stan was very much into Australian songs at the time. As "The Place Next Door" it was a very good place to sing, but under Stan's proprietorship it was even better. Being a singer himself, he made everything smooth for the singers he hired.

Stan James was one of the mainstays of folk music in this area. He will indeed be sorely missed!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: mg
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 05:39 PM

I am hoping people involved iwth Victory Music etc. can get something out in time for the next deadline.

I am sure there will be some sort of musical commemoration but don't know if I can attend, much less plan. But it probably will happen one way or another. mg

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 06:56 PM

I talked with the cops ... no foul play. I need to hear from his family ... I've left many messages for Jan. bob

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Barbara
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 07:50 PM

I am really sorry to hear about Stan. It is a loss to us all.
mg and Bob, you might want to take some of the logistic discussion into PM or email.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: mg
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 08:03 PM

True. There are security and privacy issues here of course. I can't be reached until after 8 but my email is [e-mail]. mg

---

Several of the preceding posts were edited by a temporary mud-elf to take out some comments, as requested by thread author.

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 08:33 PM

This is indeed sad news. I first met Stan at Expo Folklife in 1974 where he was building over the course of the fair (May-November) a Friendship sloop with Ken and Pat (both now dead too, in I think fishing accidents), and later with David Jackson. He was an inspiration to me.

Jon Bartlett

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,wap
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 10:03 PM

What a Great Guy. He seemed in good health and performed many of his great songs in September at our NW Seaport Chantey Sing. We need to do something special to honor him. I am fortunate to have interviewed him in April about his role in the restoration of the Wawona during the 1960s. I thought I would have plenty of time for a follow up. Fortunately, there is an unpublished CD of him singing his mermaid song and other classics.

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: redjoy
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 10:09 PM

Thank you Jon Bartlett for phoning to let me know about the sad news of Stan's passing. Nigel Brooke Turpie (called Brooke to Stan) is his son in Canada. I would like to me in touch to his first son Geoff and his daughter Carrie. They are both very special people as was their dad. Nigel is studying in Korea right now. He teaches ESL.

I don't know if any of you remember me. I used to be Joyce Turpie. Well, I still am but I go by Joyce Holmes now. My email address is [e-mail]. My home number is 604-581-4065. My work number 604-437-0471.

Please can someone let me know of any memorial event for Stan?

Stan used to sing 'The Moon Man' -- i sing that to my grandchildren.

I remember Stan with fondness.

Joyce

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 10:22 PM

I'll inform you if I can locate them. Bob

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 10:29 PM

I found a few photos from 2004 Rainy Camp.

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,John Ullman
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 08:59 AM

Irene and I were deeply saddened by this news. We met Stan and Kirby around 1967 as our children were in the parent co-operative preschool at the University Friends Center. He became the second president of the Seattle Folklore Society, getting me off the hook around 1969. We loved Stan a lot!

We would like to help in any way we can, of course. If anyone is writing an obituary, I hope we can publish it in the SFS Flyer, and maybe a Folklife newsletter, and I suspect Paul Dorpat would help get something in the Times or PI. If someone isn't already doing it, maybe Paul would?

I suspect there are a lot of SFS people who would help with a memorial gathering, and perhaps something could happen at Folklife.

I can be reached at 206-545-4460, or [e-mail]

John

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Genie
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 12:05 PM

I think a Stan James tribute concert at Folklife would be great and very fitting.

Bruce Baker sent the news out to the members of the Seattle Folklore Society yesterday.
=======================================================

Its with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Stan James in the past day. Stan was found in his Granite Falls Home by a neighbor, details are sketchy at this time. As plans for a memorial are known, they will be sent out.

Stan was a long time folks singer in Seattle, and performed at many coffee houses. His travels to Australia decades ago helped bring that musical tradition back to North America. His picture at Rainy Camp graces the web page of Seattle Song Circle.

Please forward this on to the music community, he certainly will be missed.

=======================================================

The last time I saw Stan, in fact, was at Folklife in May.   He was on the panel with Bob (Deckman), Don, et al. sharing songs and stories of the history of folk music in the Pac. NW.   Then, in the hospitality suite, I was showing Stan and a couple others how my new iMac with the built in camera can make instant videos, so I 'shot' him and the others for a few seconds.
It was just a demo of the equipment, and I recently deleted it when I was trying to clear out space on my hard drive.   Now I'm sorry I did that.   Of course I never dreamed that would be the last time I'd see Stan.

Stan was involved in the SFS weekly song circles a number of times when I first started going to them, in the mid 1990s.   He was always a delight, usually sharing a very moving or, more often, very funny song I'd not heard before, or a new (to me) twist a familiar folk tune or lyric.
Of course, Stan had a wonderful, strong voice and his performance/presentation was always most engaging.    I'd love to have been around Seattle back in the days when Stan was running the coffee house.

This comes as another great shock, like the untimely loss of too many Pac. NW folkies (Bob Kotta, Jinx Davis, Jim Hinde, Dave Carter - just to remember a few), not to mention others (e.g., Rick F) we didn't get to hear in the NW as often.    From a musical standpoint, I can only hope they've got a great jam going on somewhere.

Genie

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: johnross
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 01:48 PM

Genie, Jim Page is alive and well, last I heard.

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Lisa -a Niece by marriage
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 01:54 PM

Thanks for putting these songs up on here. My husband told me a lot of Uncle "Stan the Man". Here is a link to the beginnings of a website that I am making for Jerry, Stan's nephew.

Jerry's site

It is by no means done but you can click on the songs on the left and hear the similarity in their voices. I hear the same clear ringing tone. Jerry's music is of a different Genre and his CD is not done. Jerry was very interested in contacting Uncle Stan just a few mos. ago. We all get so busy. I'm sorry that I never got to meet him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Randy
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 02:39 PM

Stan was my uncle (my fathers brother) and honestly one of my favorite people throughout my life. He even officiated my wedding, what a character he was too! He was well loved by many and will be deeply missed. Thanks for posting this. If anyone has more recordings and/or video of uncle Stan you would be willing to share I sure would appreciate it as I do not have any myself. Any photos would be great too.

Thanks

My world just got a little smaller.

Randy
gliderflyer at hot mail dot com

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,paul dorpat
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 02:44 PM

I talked with Stan on the phone two saturdays ago - the 25th of Oct. We had a good long conversation and I sort of drilled him on replaying for me some parts of his life, like the coffee house next to the Guild 45 theatre in Wallingford, the Hootenanni bookings after Century 21, and so on. Stan was going to come to town (Seattle) the next day to lead the singing of Ivar's theme song, The Old Settler Song, for a birthday party at the Acres of Clams that some friends put together for my 70th. And since Ivar's was also 70 we did it there, and sang the song and listened also to Ivar singing on tape but without Stan who did not show. This mystified me, but I decided that it was probably because he may have not been feeling as well on Sunday as he was on Saturday. We had also discussed his health. I also expected to hear from him anyway with an explanation at some point. That I never did suggests that he did not live very long after I talked with him. I have some video of Stan from a few years ago in connection with the Hallibuts. I'll search for it this evening. Jean Sherrard will put some of it up on our shared blog dorpatsherrardlomont. I love Stan a lot. It always felt good to be with him. He had great zest. It is a loss for sure. (If you want to hear Ivar - not Stan for now - singing with a clean and powerful lyric tenor voice from the early 40s then I'm going in for an interview - by coincidence really - at KUOW this afternoon for about ten minutes on Ivar the singer. I'll try to find a way to make note of Stan. I think it airs tomorrow afternoon - sometime.
Paul Dorpat

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: mg
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 02:47 PM

That is a good idea..a web site with links to photos, songs, a place where people could share memories. It is good to see some family of his pop in. mg

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Lisa -a Niece by marriage
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 03:21 PM

I joined your cool website here at Mudcat.com
My new handle is Flicka [I think...;)]

Uncle Stan also has another nephew who may post.He and I would be able to get up a site in no time. He is the computer genuis.

I see that there are more than enough people to gather up videos, audio, photos etc...

If anyone is interested...
unabri at centurytel.net
lisa

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 03:32 PM

Hi, Randy here again,
I just got off the phone with Stan's oldest son Geoff. We've been talking since yesterday and he would like me to post his phone # here. Geoff is deeply appreciative of all the folks in Stan's life and is pretty much the go to guy for any solid info at this point. The family is still trying to get their hands around the situation and make some plans. There was no foul play, and from my understanding it looks like he passed peacefully. It sounds like there will be a wake coming and a memorial in a month or so. This is all very fluid at this point and details may change. You can contact Geoff at 206-696-0970.

Thanks
Randy
gliderflyer at hot mail dot com

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 03:38 PM

Sounds good. THanks, Randy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Stewart
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 04:02 PM

Guest Paul Dorpat,

If you're out there I'd like to talk to you about Stan
email me here
or phone me at 367-0475

S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: mg
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 04:41 PM

I have asked the Master Clone to remove some of the more personal and logistical things I posted on this thread. There was some haste needed to contact family members etc. and now it sounds like they have gotten the sad news and I don't want anyone to be uncomfortable. mg

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: flicka
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 05:15 PM

MG,
I appreciate your concern. Just to let you know his littlest sister is over there in Seattle, as I understand, taking care of some of his business. His other two sisters know...of course that's how I found out. You're a sweetheart.
Lisa

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 07:00 PM

Hi,

Stan is my uncle... not only a musician but a boat builder. Make sure his kids and his ex wife get his things so that they can be distributed legally in accordance to his wishes. It sounds like everyone is trying to make sure that all his things are safe. I hope that is the case. They hold sentimental value for those who love him.

Not that any of them are all that important without the hands that brought them to life.

Fare Well Stan, I wish you had seen the canoe that I am trying to build, I thought of you throughout the process.

To all of my cousins.... I am here in Oroville, would love to hear from all of you. It has been so terribly long.

Ed Naillon

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: reggie miles
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 07:32 PM

So, sorry to hear this news. I met Stan via some of the many musical gatherings that have been held by local folk music enthusiasts in and around the Seattle area. What a grand smile he always seemed to have on hand for everyone around him. He had such zeal for singing. His voice was bold and strong. He easily made a huge impression on any song circle when he'd take his turn offering a ballad at the hoots. I'll remember him best for his strength and confident poise during his performances, his deep vocal range and his love of folk music.

Reg

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,AL Hirsch
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 08:32 PM

Hearing Stan passed on took me by surprise. He called me a few weeks ago to let me know about the contest Ivar's restaurant was having. Stan and played together last at the Wooden Boat center last spring. We continued on playing some of the songs from "The Halibutts". Stan taught me many of his collected maritime songs.   He was the skipper and I just the land lubber.   He's now amongs the many mermaids an old folk singer joins upon leaving this old earth

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Nigel
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 09:03 PM

Hello, I am Nigel, one of Stan's sons. Honestly, I know little about Stan, as he hasn't been in my life; however, I am grateful to see all of these comments about him. I am happy to see so many people celebrating his life and offering his music, photos, and other details so that Stan may live immortalised in people's memories. I look forward to more information and the talked about website.

I wish I had known him closer while he was alive, as he seems like such a great man. Even though he hasn't been in my life, I can see so much of him in myself. I am sending the warmth of my heart from Korea as I empathise with his family and close friends. I can only imagine how hard this is for you, and encourage you to be strong.

Anyone may communicate with me through my mother, Joyce, who has spoken further up in the thread (604-581-4065), or if you wish, you may send me an email at [e-mail]

Thank you all for gathering around my father and remembering him dearly.



Kindness,

Nigel

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Jerry Naillon
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 09:42 PM

I'm Jerry, Stan's sister, Margie's, son.

I loved Uncle Stan and remember what an impact it had on me to see him building the replica ship at Expo '74 in Spokane. Does anyone have info or recollection, or maybe even photos, of the ship and the building process? I believe the ship was a replica of the Nina: of "the Pinta, the Nina and the Santa Maria".

I think that my brother Ed will agree that Uncle Stan was an immense inspiration to anyone who knew him and sought to develop their creative gifts.

It's been a comfort to read these posts and to hear and feel the love that family and friends express.

Best wishes to all,
Jerry Naillon

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: flicka
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 09:51 PM

Hi again all,
I'm Jerry's wife and he wanted me to also put a contact for you to reach us...sorry I forgot. I'm a bad secretary, don't hire me for that.

Here is our email jnaillon at centurytel.net.
Also 509-935-4602 PST: NE WA state

I am building a site so I'll put the link up asap. I have no photos but I thought perhaps I could take some of the comments from here and compile them, at least for one part of the site. What do you think?

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: flicka
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 10:10 PM

O.K. Here's what I have so far.
Stanley James Memorial

Mind you this is a template and so the text and the images are all just representations of what could be. The links, of course don't go anywhere yet and as far as video I will have to ask Ed to help me...Ed?

But send me what you have and if you don't know how just email or call and I can certainly walk you through inserting or attaching any kind of file to an email.

In addition, other ideas for such a site are welcome. My feelings will not be hurt in the least. I mean, i.e. what if Uncle Stan didn't like these colors? I could change that too.

Oh, and Genie. That file, of the video, that you said you deleted may be located again. Files are not deleted unless you reformat your machine. We may be able to get that video back.

That's all for now.

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Genie
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 11:20 PM

flicka, I think I deleted that file in late September, just before the Getaway. If anyone knows how I might retrieve the file without paying for hours of tech-nerd service (at $100 per), please PM me.

G

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 11:27 PM

Lisa,

This is how it starts here at Mudcat sometimes. You, Jerry, Nigel, Randy, Ed, and others dropping in to share memories of Stan, and poking around to see what else is going on at Mudcat. And getting hooked.

My father was a great friend of Stan's, by the name of John Dwyer. They were both active in the Seattle Folklore Society, Song Circle, and many performances and events around the Pacific Northwest. When my father died in 1997 Mudcat was a glimmer of a site, but it didn't take too long before it grew, and a year or two later Bob Nelson and Don Firth both contacted me to tell me about this place called "Mudcat" where people were sharing stories about my dad. And here I am still all these years later!

It's a sad way to enter into this community, and like most families, it has it's moments, but at times like this it is one of the most nurturing and welcoming sites in all of the Internet (I do declare!)

I have a few photos that I'll reduce for web use and see if I can't post at Photobucket as PNG files (they're larger than JPG but you can save them and not lose the clarity and detail). Otherwise, I'll save JPGs and you can contact me through PM here if you want a larger version. I wish I had more photos, but I only find three so far. I do have boxes of Dad's photos from over the years that I haven't looked at recently, so I may find something more.

As to recordings, there are some of us who have what might politely be termed an "embarrassment of riches." Shelves and shelves of cassettes from many years of Song Circle, in particular. I'll see what I can come across.

As to memories of Stan, a strong one that occurs to me at this time was his incredible kindness when our father died. We spoke for a little while down at the song circle that Jean Smith set up a couple of months after Dad died. I was living in Texas, and Jean knew (pardon the pun) where all of the bodies were buried. She and other Song Circle folks got the word out and we had quite a crowd there to celebrate Dad's life. Stan told me that over the years there had been some schisms in the folk community, for the various organic reasons that large groups experience. Some of these people hadn't been together to sing for many years, and he was so pleased to see them all set aside old issues and come together for that event.

For me, and I'm sure, for my siblings, it was like a blast from the past, the pleasure of seeing old friends and a chance to share the laughter and tears at the mix of sweet and bawdy songs that he and his friends loved. And Stan, he let-er rip--after first singing a request (I loved his mermaid song and he treated my request as a command performance--so kind!) he sang a very funny bawdy song, as I recall (though I can't remember what it was now--I have a tape and I'll have to go back and give it a listen).

My Dad was not one to mince words or sentiments, and those friends who knew him well knew that they could (and should!) sing all of his old favorite songs, regardless of the content. And I think Stan would have the same expectations. Make it a good, rip-roaring sendoff. And give plenty of advance notice for those who have to travel to attend.

There's time to sort out the kinds of folk-community activities to honor an old friend, and there are plenty of people, many who have posted here already, who can advise and assist when the time is right.

My best to you all. I'll keep an eye on this thread and any new ones that come up, and when I come across any of Stan's recordings, I'll let you know. Sorting Dad's tapes is not something I've been doing as a regular pursuit, but this is one more reminder why I should step up the pace. Memento Mori.

Maggie Dwyer (Stilly River Sage)

Stewart, you can use any or all of this in your article if you want.

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 11:29 PM

Genie, I wonder if you could do a System Restore to before you deleted it? Maybe it will reappear?

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Genie
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:29 AM

Just a SWAG, but I don't think my hard drive has enough space to handle a restore to where it was in late September unless I delete most of what I've added since then (and wouldn't deleting those things make it harder to retrieve the old stuff?).   I'm really not terribly savvy about these things. But when I accidentally deleted half of the Singtime Frolics concert I had recorded, in the process of learning how to use iMovie, I checked into the question of whether I could retrieve those video files. Basically, the tech people I talked to seemed to think it would require a lot of tech service time and still might not work.   (I think they told me then that the best bet was to keep as much space open on my hard drive as possible -- in other words, don't use your computer much, and especially don't save many files, until you've retrieved the old stuff.)

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,GUEST, Casey robello
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 04:51 AM

I am stans daughter and I read that there was a recording of him singing the mermaid song if someone could maybe help me to find it that would be very helpful please email me at [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 09:48 AM

I have a copy of that album--it came from the Seattle World's Fair, I think. I'll look up the particulars and post them.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: flicka
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 09:57 AM

Got it Casey. I emailed you the link.

And Genie,
THanks for the info. Ed woukd know more than I about getting that file back to the place on your HD where you can view it. I may be able to dig up some software... an exe file that I could either give you a link to or send you through email. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to post it. Most sites block exe files 'cause unless you know where they are from they are not safe.

I would take you a long time probably just to sort out all the new stuff that you put on your PC since Sept. But any Word doc. or image files, video, will not be undone. As far as my experience goes files that were put in the "recycle" bin are not going to come back. Ant software you installed will need to be reinstalled though if you do a restore.

Hang on for a bit.

Lisa, Flicka

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Margie - Stans Baby Sister
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 10:19 AM

Stan couldn't save the world, e'en tho ordained..so he did what he was born to do, gave merry mirth and love to all he could..a child of the depression. .. wealth wasn't his goal..he did what he did for passion. Guess he didn't need another one. All folk singers are a deeply passionate and insightful group .. Good at survival and improvisation ..

One time he and his brother John.,a great hang-glider, by the way, and also a gifted musician, decided to take mom and me fishing. We walked a long way to some lake; no car. Got a rowboat and it started out well.. then came the rain. I have a memory of   a very tender   and humorous scene .. he couldn't stand mom getting so drenched so he got a   supply of the biggest lily pads he could drag up and protected her with them, then used evergreen branches, on the trek home...must have been around 13 at the time.

Times were tough but I have that sweet memory in my heart forever. Cant remember any fish for supper tho...... he went a round like quicksilver so we didn't get to spend as much time with him as you, his fellow mudcats did...

One of his legacies is the great sense of joy his whole family feels at having a connection with him no matter how   disconnected we were at times due to life's business. Your group has certainly made an impact on me ...such kind and just hearts, to do so much for each other..I would call you a very righteous bunch....thank you for being there.

From the sincere depths of my heart, you have softened the pain.

STAN'S PESKY , BABY SISTER,

MARGIE..naillon2 at aol.com

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: Divernoir
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:45 AM

Greetings from Stan's Kids!

Thanks to all of you for all of the thoughtful attention. It's Geoff James here. All of his kids are communicating and those of us (5 of the 6) who could met at the 13 Coins last night to go over plans. So far it looks like we'll have a small wake for immediate family very soon and then a Memorial in a few weeks so we can include the rest who loved our father. We all want to be as inclusive as possible and the CWB on the South end of Lake Union may be the perfect venue!?!?

I will do all that I can to keep this forum live in my communication.

Take Care,


Geoff Wescott James
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Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Chris, Niece (my mother was a sister)
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:46 AM

That wasn't good news - Uncle Stan was an inspiration to many. So talented, I have many happy memories of folk tunes and Uncle Stan "strummin on the ole banjo" when we were growing up. I was so proud to say "that's my Uncle Stan" when he was performing under the flag pole at the Seattle World's Fair. I have a few family pictures

Blessings to the family - Chris in Twisp

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Alice
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:55 AM

I am delighted that Don has posted Stan's signature song, which we called "The Mermaid Song." Listening to it, I see Stan clearly in my living room, tossing his head back, eyes twinkling, million-dollar smile, enjoying singing his heart out to an appreciative audience.

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Chris (Niece)
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:26 PM

Because of Uncle Stans love for boats and restoring them I always wanted to have a real Tug boat in my yard for a playhouse. He found me one about 20 years ago but I couldn't figure out how to get it home plus I wasn't in a permenant living arrangement and didn't want to ever have to give up my tug. Well, I have two little grand children now and still have the dream of a (real) tugboat playhouse in my yard for them. Just another memory - there was always a smile for everyone - and his laughter - that was good.........chris

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Janis James Stans Niece
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:48 PM

I am the youngest of Stans brother Johns children. Honestly I have not cryed until I began to read through this. I remember sitting listening to uncle Stan and my dad make music together. Oh how I loved when he would come over. Last time I saw him was at Kates wedding still the same warm loving and incredable man that I remembered growing up. I agree with my big brother Randy that our lives just got a little smaller.
Love to all my family..

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,Wendy Joseph
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 01:09 PM

This is very sad. Stan was a good friend. Last summer, when I was very broke, Stan invited me up to Granite Falls to help him do some paid work on his boats there. (I'm a former AB in the Merchant Marine) I found out that he rarely worked on them anymore due to his health, and was only doing this to help me out. While we were sanding in the focsle, he mentioned his conjestive heart failure problems and that if he ever got sick again, he wanted a definite Do Not Resusitate order on his chart, and no extraordinary means used to keep him alive. He wanted to go short and sweet; looks like he got his wish.

The CWB venue for a memorial sounds great. Geoff - Let me know if you need help there; I've volunteered there for many NW Seaport events. What is going to become of Stan's boats he was restoring?

Wendy Joseph
[e-mail]
[phone]

Subject: RE: Obit: Stan James of Washington has died
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 01:27 PM

It has been nearly half a century since I came to the northwest as a young G.I., stationed at Ft. Lewis. I had brought my guitar and, since it was peacetime, had opportunities to play and sing here and there, mostly at The End, on South Tacoma Way. I ventured to Seattle on weekends and visited clubs there. I recall 92 Yesler and The Place Next Door, among others. The one time I visited the Corroboree, after the ownership change, I remember a young fellow singing songs from Australia. He had a robust delivery and a sort of boistrous spirit, as I recall him through the mists of time. Seattle was quite a "happening spot" in those heady days during the fair. By all accounts, Stan was one of the people who helped make it so. All good wishes and condolences to his family and many friends.