Lasting Memories
James Stephen Stutsman
Aug. 3, 1964-Dec. 12, 2015
Eureka, California
Submitted by LIZA ENRIQUEZ
It is with great sadness of the sudden passing our beloved James Stephen Stutsman on December 12, 2015 at a young age of 51, born at Mercy Hospital in San Mateo, CA on August 3, 1964. He was also known as Jim or Jimmy through his family and friends. He was a former “May Day†King during his elementary years where he resided in Woodside, CA until he was 18 years old; attended nursery and later on to high school from Woodside High School. He took courses at College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State University to study music. After college, he spent his adult years in Eureka playing music and although he started in high school his tenure in the musical industry made him one of the VERY BEST Bass Player and Vocalist in Humboldt County through parts of Oregon. He was loved by everyone not just because of his music but also with his smile, kind and giving personality; and always ready to give someone a helping hand when needed. He was predeceased by his older brother Wayne at a very early age, followed by his sister Lara Van Dongen in 2012, and then his parents Connie and Dr. Edward Barthold in the early 2014. James is survived by his sisters Christine Ryland, Leslie Stepp, and Holly Sichel, his brothers Gordon Ringold and Jeff Ringold, nieces, nephews, grandniece (Elin Rose) whom he was looking forward to meet someday, his "Big Brother" Marvin Holtzberg, and his fiancée Liza Enriquez. He also has many friends who loved him just as equal and when he is away from his immediate family his long list of friends in his hometown of Eureka primarily Bruce Briscoe, Darrla Paquin, Don Wilson, and Shannon Warner and to James, they were his family too. With his love and compassion we will miss him dearly as our hearts heal for the loss of an amazing person we loved.
Jan. 4, 2016
I have fond memories of numerous holiday parties with James - particularly enjoying his bass playing and singing. The following quote was shared with me when I lost my brother and it gave me great comfort. I hope it does for all who loved James, as well. God Bless! "Feel no guilt in laughter, he knows how much you care Feel no sorrow in a smile that he's not here to share You can not grieve forever, he wouldn't want you to He'd hope that you can carry on, the way you always do So talk about the good times, and the ways you showed you cared The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared Let memories surround you. A word someone may say Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here And fills you with the feelings that he is always near For if you keep these moments, you will never be apart And he will live forever locked safe within your heart." -Anonymous
Dec. 30, 2015
Dec. 30, 2015
This video is just one of the best song that James Stutsman performed while he was with Taxi band. I recorded this during their performance at the Bear River Casino.
Dec. 30, 2015
I may not have been in touch over recent years but I will always cherish the enthusiasm James presented especially with his signature greeting " Olé". My condolences to Liza and all of his family and friends.
Dec. 30, 2015
It is hard to believe that Jimmy is gone. I have know him for so long I can't remember a time that he wasn't in my life. As kids he was always, "Smiley", the class clown, the one that could drive certain teachers to the brink of exploding steam out of their ears. In high school he was the fun guy, life of the party. As an adult he became more an more engrossed with his music. As distance and time grew I enjoyed our long phone calls catching up. I recently came across a College paper I had written about Jimmy as a youngster, I mailed it to him so he could read it and we laughed about it. In a life time you come across very few friendships that last a life time, I am so glad that Jimmy was one of mine. To his Family, Liza and her family I give my deepest sympathies. Ole' Smiley