James Paul

James G. Paul, 58, passed peacefully on November 9th. He was the loving son of George and Helen Paul, brother of Eric Paul and uncle of Joseph Paul. He also spoiled his cats Miles and Mingus rotten.

To many more he was JP - a treasured friend, creative collaborator and colleague. A native of Buffalo NY, he was talented, well-respected director and producer in NYC and Los Angeles. A constant stream of creativity, his greatest influences were Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Stooges (you can't make that up).

Working for MTV, VH-1, Bravo, Showtime, Comedy Central, Noggin and Style Network he put his creative stamp on such shows as "The Awful Truth," "Beat The Rich," and "Trigger Happy TV" as well as the indy comedy feature "Terrorists" and scores of VJ segments and other programming for MTV where his career began. His forte was comedy and in his accomplished career he worked such varied talent as Michael Moore, Graham Chapman, Anne and Nancy Wilson, Larry Storch, Al Lewis, David Johansen, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Martha Quinn, Lynn Shelton, Kevin Seal and Adam Curry. He also generously donated his talents to such worthy causes as the advocates for justice in the murder of Kelly Thomas.

Like his favorite movie hero, James Bond, he was a world traveler and lover of life's finer things - beautiful women, fast cars, tailored suits and fine scotch. He was also an intelligent, gentle and deeply spiritual individual - a seeker on a constant quest for all that's good and meaningful in life. He explored everything from the Eastern art of reiki healing to the next great food joint with equal passion and humor. He loved music, especially discovering new artists who carried on the best of the jazz, rock, pop and classical traditions he cherished.

Above all was a great friend who made time for everyone and never refused a favor. He was the "Mac Daddy" - the patient computer and tech guru to a generation of artistic lunkheads. Warm, open and giving, he loved to laugh. LOVED to laugh. Being JP's friend was the easiest thing in the world and that says it all. He touched so many and made it look so easy. They truly broke the mold when they made him. He will be missed more than words can convey.