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BORN
1975
DIED
2015
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James SOMMERS Obituary
Bainbridge "Jimmy"
James Bainbridge "Jimmy" Sommers, Jr., beloved son, brother and friend, passed away on May 15, 2015. James was born in Charlotte in November, 1975. He is survived by his mother, Susan Oast Tompkins of Charlotte and his older sisters Susan Sommers Crisp of Atlanta and Ruthie Sommers of Los Angeles. He is preceded in death by his father James Bainbridge Sommers, also of Charlotte. James is also survived by his dear and closest companion Robin Sanders of Austin, Texas, and their dogs (Stella, Lily and the late Gracie); he was a devoted caregiver to his Austin family. His nephew Sellers and nieces Shepherd, Martha, Eloise, Bailey, and Posey loved their "Uncle Jimmy."
James graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of NC at Chapel Hill and completed two National Outdoor Leadership (NOLS) programs. He was an avid lover of nature, hiking and biking. He loved to travel with his father and fished with him from Argentina to Apalachicola, Florida. In Austin, he was a professional artist and videographer, and his works were shown in galleries and are showcased in many homes across the country. He was an excellent cook and a connoisseur of fine foods. He enjoyed nurturing his friends and loved ones. Most recently, he was employed at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Austin.
James will be remembered as a caring, generous and forgiving friend, with an eye for the beauty in each of us and a gift for compassion and empathy. He touched many lives with his warmth, generosity and personal courage. He was renowned for his wit and good humor, which were enhanced by his ready smile and dancing eyes. His memory will be an inspiration to the many who love and miss him and hold him always in their hearts. He reminds us to be kind, have fun and make of our lives our finest works of art.
His ashes will be interred in Charlotte at a private garden service on May 28, 2015.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James SOMMERS
Sponsored by CLOSED-McEwen Funeral Home & Cremation @ Myers Park.
May 29, 2015
We, Jimmys classmates and old friends from Brewster Academy send our deepest condolences to his loved ones that he left behind. We remember him as someone who always smiled, made people laugh and someone who never forgot a face. We will remember him as always being a part of our community. RIP Jimmy ~Classmates from Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro NH
brent morris
May 29, 2015
So sorry to hear this tragic news. I hope you find peace and comfort with friends and family. Our thoughts are with all of you.
The Faircloth Family
May 29, 2015
Remembering Jimmy and sending prayers and hugs!
May 28, 2015
Susan and ruthie, just saw this post and all I can say is I'm so so sorry. I lost my sister in nov 2013 and it's so hard when someone goes before their time. Sending you lots of love. xx- Raymur
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Bill
May 28, 2015
I knew James and I got to know him very well. He was a human comet! A soul like James did not need to be around too long in a chaotic world. He came and he taught us how to look through the eyes of a true artist. His humor was like no other, and although he knew he was entertaining his audience with the wittiest of comments, to the point of making me laugh to tears, there was another side to him. He had a pure soul, despite human obstacles, and I will always remember the light in his eyes.
One of Jimmy's many great paintings...
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
My thoughts are with you, Susan, and your girls. I remember playing soldiers with Jimmy when he was eight years old...so long ago. We had many more years of his charm and talent, for which we are thankful. One of the most cherished things in my house is a painting I bought from him in Austin. It's a sail boat in a vast sea of color. It will always be precious to me, as he was. x.x.x.Mary Lou
May 27, 2015
Susan, I am so very sorry. One can lose a spouse but the a child going before the parent is unfathomable. My heart is heavy and my prayers are for you and your memories of him.
Jan
Lance Orchid
May 27, 2015
All of my thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you continue to be comforted by the support of your family and friends.
Ben Johnson
May 26, 2015
On Jimmy I have been thinking a lot about him. He was a great friend, and a very hard person to eulogize as he will not be easily summed up. So rather than try, I will share a memory that captures his spirit to me. When he was first in Chapel Hill he crossed Franklin St and Airport Rd diagonally when the turn lanes were on green lights. He just walked out between the cars turning toward campus and those turning towards Carrboro from Airport Rd. It was a perfectly safe and an invisible pathway to everyone else in town. It was genius, it was hilarious, it was rebellious, and creative. It was totally singular like there was a light saying "walk" that only he saw. I followed him across that road. It was amazing, and i would do it again. Miss and love you.
May 25, 2015
I have not seen James in years. I always wondered what he was up to and was so happy when I read a couple of years ago about him being a great painter in Austin. I knew he was gifted and had a keen eye for the subtle aspects of beauty. It is so true as written in his tribute that he was a forgiving person. I also feel blessed I got to experience his cooking. May his spirit always remain with us. His life will always remind me to live with positive intention. My heart goes out to his loved ones.
May 25, 2015
I can't wrap my brain around this. He is a beautiful spirit and loved by so many. My heart goes out to you all.
Betsy Bilger
May 25, 2015
Oh Susan and Ruthie--too many losses too soon. How sad to have your brother gone--especially someone as playful as Jimmy. I hadn't seen him in so many years but know that he had been a sweet, sweet boy--mischievous but sweet. I am so sorry for all of you and sorry that the world has lost such a good spirit.
Ashley Rawls Gelber
May 25, 2015
Sommers family, Thinking of you all at this time. I am remembering so many happy times with you Ruthie, Susan, and with Jimmy. My prayers are with you.
Laurie Clark
May 25, 2015
James, your humor and kindness carried me through some very difficult times. Robin and you always welcomed me so warmly into your beautiful home. I know you will be missed by all those whose lives you touched.
Laurie Clark
May 25, 2015
I met James while visiting Austin for ACL Festival. I stayed at the Travis Heights house so lovingly run by Robin and James. James' obituary is a spot on, lovely description of the man he was. Any time I found myself in Austin, I couldn't help but stop by for a chat. James' wry but hopeful advice carried me through a dark time. He and Robin were blessed to have each other. I moved from New Orleans to North Carolina recently and saw the obituary in the Charlotte newspaper. I send my most sincere condolences to Robin and to James' family.
May 24, 2015
James was a kind person and a friend. He will be missed in Travis Heights here in Austin. Be in peace my friend.
Janet Nelson
May 24, 2015
Dear Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Jennifer Webb - MBC '91
May 24, 2015
Susan,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your brother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca Rencher Kelly
May 24, 2015
Loved Jimmy!!! Babysat for him when he broke his leg at 3 yrs old. Loved working for u, Susan Thompkins. My heart goes out to all of you. Such a terrible, terrible loss. He will be sorely missed by so many! Prayers for everyone!
Kristin Broderick Daggett
May 24, 2015
I am sorry to hear about Jimmy!!! I loved growing up with him and always seeing his smiling face!!! Prayers your way!
epic smile
Chase Allen
May 24, 2015
Jimmy was a massive personality with a huge heart.
Jeff Villarreal
May 24, 2015
James was so much fun to work with and hang out with. I loved his style of clothing, especially his hats. He loved meeting new people and was very social. I miss him and am so grateful for the times we got to spend together.
Lauren Hall
May 24, 2015
Jimmy was a special special human. His spirit will always be in my heart. My deepest sympathies to all members of his family in Charlotte and in Austin.
Anonymous unknown
May 22, 2015
I'm so very sorry for the loss of Jimmy. I'm holding space for his soul and for all of his family that he left behind. His gifts that he brought to the world will always be remembered.
Much love to you all.
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