​James Dolber

In short life, James touched so many with his introspective nature and gentle spirit.

Though his adulthood was spent battling addiction, his love for music connected him with others and helped him in moments to stay sober. In addition to playing the baritone sax and guitar, James enjoyed time outside kayaking, hiking and in his earlier years, climbing mountains with his dad. He had a passion for fishing and worked on a number of charter boats on both the east and west coasts. James loved the New York Islanders and was even featured prominently in one of their television commercials! In the months before his passing, he made significant strides reconnecting with his family, especially with his nieces, nephew, and his Boston terrier, Maya, who he loved so much.

A Message from Andy:

James

My experience with James had many twists and turns and ups and downs. When we met, we hit it off pretty good, we talked for about an hour and a half about his life, good times and bad. We talked about music, our favorite genres and groups and players.Every year in September we have a picnic at the Lodge, it was always such a great day filled with families, alumni, food fellowship and live music. James got to jam with a special group that day. A well-known blues artist and some really great musicians. He came up with his sax and started blowing, it sounded so great, we kept him there for several songs.

James and I spent time talking about life on life’s terms and dealing with the demons of addiction. The ongoing mental and physical struggle and the physical destruction of his body because of what addiction does to it. Sometimes it was difficult for him to take suggestions, we would but heads on the disciplines of recovery but never had a cross word with each other.

He loved his family and told me of his gratitude for their love and support. He made strides in reconciliation with mom and dad but still carried the dark past in his back pocket. I’ve seen him at his best and his worst. James was a very loveable guy, charismatic, funny and very smart.

I pray for his spirit we will miss his Prescence.

Andy Pace