James Louis Judd

James Judd, 64, of Scranton, Pa., passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Aug. 30, 2021, after a brief illness. James was the son of the late Robert and Ruth (Waltzer Katz) Judd.

As a youth growing up in Scranton's Hill Section, James worked as an assistant to Dr. Bertram Doloff in the repair and restoration of antique clocks. This started James on his lifelong vocation as an antiques and art dealer.

After graduating from Scranton Central High School, James traveled west like the pioneers and embarked on an adventure of nearly 50 years, in which he bought and sold art and antiques with enthusiasm, integrity and uncanny ability. This pursuit led him to San Francisco to Berkeley to Venice Beach to Miami to New York City back to Scranton and, finally, to Buenos Aires.

Through hard work and dedication, James built his business to the extent that he had established accounts with many of the major art auction houses and brokerages in the U.S. and Argentina. In 2009, he conceived and published a definitive study of the works of Gertrudis Chale, an important figure in the cultural and artistic life of Buenos Aires during the mid-20th Century. This noted achievement was well received and helped advance recognition and appreciation of Chale's modernist art, much of which depicts the lives of indigenous women in the Andes region.

Research for the Chale book led James to Argentina, and his love for the country and its people continually brought him back over the last 14 years. During his time in Buenos Aires, James had a close relationship with Samanta Romero, and he cared deeply about her well-being. Previously, James shared 10 years of marriage with Mira Jovanovich, with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship.

Throughout his travels and career, James developed a unique understanding of and appreciation for art and creative expression in all its many forms. He was always searching for the hidden treasures life had to offer. James would enthusiastically share these finds with his friends, family and associates. With a twinkle in his eyes and music in his voice, he would say ... "Yeah, yeah, yeah, just try this dish" or "Look at this painting" or "Listen to this recording. It's not just good … no, no, no …it's the absolute best!"

Whether it be antiques or paintings, places or people, food, music or language, James had an innate ability to find aesthetic beauty where it had long been overlooked by others. And he shared this bounty with those around him … if you would just take the time to look and listen, to see and hear, to live and to love.

On Sept. 2, 2021, James was laid to rest at La Chacarita Cemetery in Buenos Aires, not far from the resting place of Gertrudis Chale. He is survived locally by cousins, Sara Eisner and Faye Bishop; and several other beloved family and friends. May his memory be for a blessing.