James D. Armstrong

Born in Pasadena March 11, 1937, James Darsie Armstrong passed on to his new life early Sunday morning, January 5, 2014.

He leaves behind four wonderful children, eleven grandchildren, his ex-wife Michele Armstrong, his brother, Peter Armstrong, his elder brothers wife, Ingrid Armstrong, many other close relations, and his wife Lynn Conrad Armstrong. We will miss his unique approach to life - his amazing capacity to keep it exciting and enriching, and most of all, the endless depth of his mind and character.

A month before he died he wrote down the points about his life he wanted mentioned in his obituary. They pertain to his extensive career in the art world - his all-consuming passion in life.

After graduating from S. B. High School, he attended the L.A. Art Center, traveled through Europe for many months and then plunged into a dizzying schedule of art-related activities. They include founding the S.B. Art Institute in 1964 with Douglas Parshall, Joe Knowles, Ray Strong. During this time he was also a staff Sargent with the Calif. National Guard. From 1973 to 2013 he was an art instructor with S. B. City College Adult Education. He truly enjoyed the time spent with his many students - some attending his classes for over thirty-five years.

From 1966 to 1984 he was Curator at Gallery de Silva while also doing all the background sketches for the Mary Worth comic strip. He painted several hours almost every day of his life and had 17 one man shows in professional galleries from Calif. to Texas, four awards with Calif. Watercolor Society. And, most importantly, he loved his work with the Santa Barbara Art Association. (Past President 1972-3)

Our gratitude to Hospice is immeasurable. Jim requested there be no memorial service, just remembrance to Hospice for their saintly dedication to the ill and dying amongst us.

To leave online condolences please visit www.wrhsb.com