Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Tommaney Obituary
Tommaney
1930-2014
Jim Tommaney was born in New York City; he and his twin were forced to dress alike and participated as flag-bearers in St. Patrick's Day parades. He graduated from Yale University in 1952 and served as a reporter in the Korean War. After successful careers in advertising in New York and Chicago, he moved to South Beach, FL in 1995. There he formed Edge Theatre and went on to produce 150 plays; 50 of them directed by Jim. He has written 25 plays, including The Final Hours of Norma Jeane, Viv!, Couturier and Antonio. Jim moved to Houston in 2010, and worked as a writer/critic for the Houston Press from 2011 until his passing.
He is survived by nieces and nephews Susie, Jim, Tom, Bill, Peter and Liza. He is preceded by his parents, Tom and Peg, his twin Joe, and his brother Jack.
The family asks that Jim be remembered through your acts of creativity, and your support of the arts.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Tommaney
Sarah Lynn Dawson
October 17, 2020
Jim was a lovely man. After I emailed him several times wanting to work with him, he cast me in his theatrical production of 'Men'. Since I didn't have a drivers license he would pick me up and drive me to the theatre. We had many nice conversations about the theatre and when I asked him where I should study acting, he told me to go to New York where the best teachers were. I did and studied at The Lee Strasberg Institute there. Thank you Jim for everything, you were an inspiration and a great light.
Kimmy Swain
October 15, 2020
Jim was a great man he published my first short story in the south beach publication the Wire. I worked with him doing various design projects both in the theater as well as his real estate properties. I learned a lot from this man and think that he genuinely cared for the progression of my literary career. It saddens me and I have great regret that I let him down in certain ways. He is and will forever be a great inspiration in my life.
Paul William "Bill" Smart
April 23, 2017
April 21, 2017
Remembering Jim Tommaney,
I have just learned of the death of Jim Tommaney, a theatrical legend in our time. My wife and I and several Yale alumni attended his creative productions in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, often followed by dinner. I have forwarded 3 of his signed scripts, South Beach, Reality TV, and Couturier to my grand-daughter, a student of theatrical production for her inspiration.
April 22, 2016
I was Jim's classmate at Yale, and shared some theatrical activity with him. I was thrilled to bump into him later in Korea, where we both served. Following the hostilities I managed a chain of NCO clubs and had access to "the Locker Fund", i.e. purchase of real beverages. Jim liked the idea he could pick up a case or two for his outfit at embarrassing low wholesale rates---no doubt making him more popular than he needed to be. We once hiked up into a rare protected wooded mountain and marvel at its lofty Buddhist shrine. I saw Jim again at our 60th reunion in 2012, and was later distressed to learn of his passing in 2014.
GUS VASILIADIS, Yale '52
Brian McCormack
March 24, 2015
You were truly a man of the theatre. Your humanity, passion, talent and enthusiasm inspired me. Thank you for the opportunities you gave me to step out on the boards and live my dream. I have very fond memories of being directed by you at Edge Theatre in "I Take Your Hand in Mine", "Fit to be Tied" and a play you wrote, "The Tarnished Bell". You were also responsible for my being cast in Edge's production of "The Cocktail Hour". For all of the aforesaid, I am eternally grateful. Rest in peace. You will be missed.
Jerry Jensen
March 2, 2015
You gave me a first opportunity to perform in South Florida, one of my favorite roles as Peter in ZOO STORY. And then do other shows, and direct THE COCKTAIL HOUR with my good friends Joel, Joanne and Brian. Thank you for giving your all to South Florida Theatre. Even though the venues and audiences could be small at times, you were always the "energizer bunny" of our theatre community.
December 14, 2014
Will miss you my dear friend, your words will always live on.
Helen MZ Harwood and Alvaro Garcia
Jim Tommaney at 65, before actors aged him
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Jim Tommaney recently acted in "Detroit," at Houston's Catastrophic Theatre
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Jim Tommaney brainstorms the Audit Bureau of Circulations
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Jim Tommaney, Manhattan advertising executive
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
From left, Tom Tommaney (nephew) and Jim Tommaney at the Yale 60th anniversary reunion
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Jim Tommaney and Carol Fryd, Miami
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Jim Tommaney, aka St. Francis, playing with all the rescues from Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Jim Tommaney acting as Eisenhower in Houston, Texas
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Jim Tommaney demonstrating strategy and skill at Dominion
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Jim Tommaney directing at Country Playhouse Theatre in Houston, now Queensbury Theatre
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Breakfast D with Uncle Jim; we literally played hundreds of games of Dominion
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Susie and (Uncle) Jim Tommaney at South Pointe Condo in South Beach
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Dear Uncle Jim, I miss being your stage manager and set painter. You were my favorite person in the whole world and I hope to honor your life through my acts of kindness and creativity. Say "hi" to daddy for me. Love, Susie
Susie and (Uncle) Jim Tommaney at South Point Condo on South Beach
Susie Tommaney
December 14, 2014
Dear Uncle Jim, I miss being your stage manager and set painter. You were my favorite person in the whole world and I hope to honor your life through my acts of kindness and creativity. Say "hi" to daddy for me. Love, Susie
Jim Tommaney in South Beach, FL
Susie Tommaney
December 13, 2014
Susie with her favorite uncle, Jim Tommaney (South Beach, South Pointe Tower)
Susie Tommaney
December 13, 2014
Jim Tommaney with rescue dogs from Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas
Susie Tommaney
December 13, 2014
Manhattan Advertising Exec and Audit Bureau of Circulations
Susie Tommaney
December 13, 2014
Jim Tommaney recently acted in "Detroit" at Catastrophic Theatre
Susie Tommaney
December 13, 2014
Manhattan Advertising Exec and Audit Bureau of Circulations
Susie Tommaney
December 13, 2014
Jim Tommaney (from left) and nephew Tom at Yale 60th reunion
Susie Tommaney
December 13, 2014
Jim Tommaney and Carol Fryd in South Beach, FL
Susie Tommaney
December 13, 2014
Jim Tommaney in South Beach, FL
Susie Tommaney
December 13, 2014
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in James Tommaney's name
Memorial Events
for James Tommaney
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Tommaney's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
