by
Michael Beason
Dec. 25, 2006 -- James Howard Julien passed away in Schneider Hospital
on Dec. 16, 2006, at 3:10 in the afternoon, after a brief struggle
with liver disease. He was 58 years old, born in Richland, Wash.,
in 1948.
James lived on St. John from 1985 to 1993, moving first to Florida
then back to Seattle, Wash. He returned to St. John in 2002.
In 2004 he had a struggle with cancer of the lymphatic system, but
after nine months of chemotherapy it went into remission, and his
friends had hoped to have him around a lot longer. The hepatitis was
apparently unrelated to the lymphoma.
In 2005 he had recovered enough to sail his boat, Mandolyn Wind, in
the Thanksgiving Regatta, winning in his class.
He was a fine-finish carpenter by trade, an accomplished sailor, a
good actor and an extraordinary musician. He played mandolin, guitar
and piano, and sang leads and harmonies, especially bass, though his
broad vocal range allowed him to sing tenor as well. His unerring
sense of harmony and quick ear made him a sought-after side man, and
he played with almost every musician on St. John at one time or another.
He also sang with the St. John Singers, but is probably best remembered
as a founding member of the St. John Iguanas.
On his return to St. John he joined Epiphany Theater Company, acting
in "Feiffer's People," "The Fantasticks," "The
Midlife Crisis of Dionysus" and "Quarrel." He also
worked as sound technician for "Better'n'Nuttin'" and, most
recently, "Billy Shakespear's Christmas Extravaganza and Traveling
Freak Show." It was in the midst of this last production that
he became ill with the liver condition that caused his death. Sick
though he was, he ran sound for two of the three performances, just
a week before he died.
Down through the years he played at countless benefits, always volunteering
his energy for any good cause. He also donated his time and expertise
to the Animal Care Center, working many hours with Paula Myles to
build relocation cages for their cat spay, neuter and release program.
A benefit to raise money for his funeral expenses will take place
from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at Island Blues. Any money raised
above what is necessary to send him on his way will go to the Karen
Barrett fund to help in her recovery from the tragic accident in which
James was involved.
There will be a memorial service for James on board Silver Cloud on
Jan. 21, time to be announced. All musicians who ever played or sang
with James are invited to attend, along with his friends, to help
us sing him on his way. His ashes will be scattered in the sea he
loved so much.
He is survived by his father, James; his two brothers, William and
Robert; his sister, Linda Bricker; and his countless friends, who
will miss him sorely.
Farewell old friend. We wish you fair skies, the wind at your back,
and a following sea.
-
St. John Source
St. John, US Virgin Islands
