James William STOBIE

Every time I ride, when camp is pitched and stories are told around the fire, you always come up in the conversation Stobe! You will live on in legend, spoken over the flames of respite, on adventures most of the world will never understand. Thanks for being you.

Discovered your channel from a Gamer From Mars video. The content you made was an echo of what feels like a previous age of YouTube. Raw and authentic. I wish I had known about you earlier Stobie. Hope you’re doing well wherever we end up when we die.

I really intoned your vidoes and thank you for your service, keep the cold for we will drink a few. RIP

I discovered Strobie after his death. I get a lot of enjoyment watching his travels. He had. a unique way to tell a story. He was obviously very intelligent. God Speed..

RIP Stobe - loved your videos and perspective. Enjoy the westbound ride!

Thank you for these amazing videos that we still are enjoying! RIP Stobe.

Thanks for everything, Stobe. The smallest things can change lives and your videos have certainly changed mine.

Thank you for your art work/videos. Watching your videos helped me through difficult times of depression after loosing a loved one. I still watch your videos today and miss you. God bless you and your family. Such a talent. Semper Paratus my Coast Guard brother.

I still watch your videos every single day. Never felt like I've known someone more personally than I have you Jim!

still thinking of you rail king

You are never far from my thoughts Jim, rest easy brother

Always with us through the darkest hours of the night.

Hope all the rides up north are smooth and peaceful.

RIP brother. May the rails take you wherever you were going. Gone too soon.

Thank you Jim for your great videos and piano playing. God Bless.

Rest Easy James.

God bless you, Jim, and your lovely family.

You had a fantastic talent for music, Stobe! I’ll never forget how much I enjoyed hearing your lounge piano covers of the rock songs I love. You were a very caring and talented man and we miss you.

Lived the life that many of us dreamed of having the courage to live. Good luck out there sir, wherever you may roam.

May your laundry do itself, the craft beer be endless, and the railways be endless up there stobe!!! Your legend will live on the inter webs for ever

Think I already did one 2 years back but can't help but think about you once in a while. You'll be missed friend. Thank you for providing hours of entertaining content that no one else could. Rest In Peace I hope you have all the beer you could ever ask for...

This is a very original man and I (like many) will miss his commentaries and travels. May the rails sing under your feet and the rain kept off your head. RIP Stobe - you have earned it.

Just like many I discovered Stobe after his passing, but somehow it felt like I lost someone I knew and not a stranger. I love his videos and may his memory will live on forever. God be with him and may he rest in peace, amen.

RIP JAMES.....GHOST RIDER

Ride on...

Never knew you but your vids were compelling to watch.
Keep on riding those rails up there

Rest in peace, Stobes.

Stobe is at the beer store in heaven.

I'm still missing you pal. I think about you quite often. Peace brother!

Thank you. You went out there and lived the dream while I just kinda 'got old' in an office. For all of us trapped in boredom due the pandemic your videos kept us going.

Thanks Jim, you are missed Rest Peacefully

Thank you , stobe the hobo, Rest In Peace

I just watched your entire video collection chronologically on YouTube. Thanks Stobe, for being a modern day American original. Thanks for following your path. You lived and died by the Rail, and left your work for us to enjoy.

You've had a profound affect on me through your videos. I remember watching for the first time about three years ago and feeling a sense of freedom within. All these days i wondered what had happened until I discovered this sad news today. I'm sure the trip continues some where, some world. Rest in peace Stobie!

I have recently discovered his videos. After watching several I was saddened to learn that he had passed away. He seemed like a person that I would have liked to have known. May he rest in peace.

My first train hop will be in your honor Stobe. Love to you

Thank you Jim Stobe for sharing a pice of your life with me.

I watched one video and then I watched all - They were very interesting. I am so sorry to hear he had passed. I thought this was a very good documentary that he filmed on his travels. I saw the US in a different light. Did not know how beautiful the country sides were and how quiet some towns were. I had to research here to see if he had really died. My Condolences to the Family and friends. He have left a legacy of his travels so that people like me can learn and enjoy- Thanks A Million. May his soul rest in peace.

I miss you buddy!!! Rest in sweet peace!!!

Would have liked to have met you BM3. Perhaps you will say hello when I pass over. Filmmaking, commentary and music was educational, relaxing and entertaining. BZ Jim. Fair winds and following seas. Out!

Watching the videos that you posted on you tube brings a smile to my face wish I could've met you in person you truly would've been a good friend rest in peace comrade. Staff sergeant St.Claire...out

Thanks and miss u

Not sure how your videos showed up in my suggestions but just watched several of them and was wondering why they were nothing since 2016 only to discover you had passed in 2017 RIP. You can tell you were always looking for something hope you found peace now. Will continue to watch. I lost my brother to train accident in 1992 he was only 24.

Christmas Night, thinking of you and watchng your awesome videos. R.I.P Stobe, no one on this earth will ever be the Hobo that you were. Not just riding the rails, not just being free but showing the beautiful scenery and teaching us some geography and history accompanied by your awesome piano playing. God bless you and your family left behind. I know that 2 years later, the pain is still there and it will never stop, It will just be kept more under control. I know, I lost my son at age 33. Miss you Stobe and Merry Christmas in Heaven.

R.i.p . Thank you for showing us what its like. Aka john stone aka stobe the hobo

Rest in peace, Stobe. Just discovered your YouTube channel, which I'll be watching for long to come. My condolences to your family, and I only wish they could completely understand the impact you had, and will continue to have, all across the world. A true American original.

I really didnt know James but just watching his videos, Gave me a sense of what kind of guy he was.... A very Genuine guy, not wrapped up in the daily cares of life..... I just wish I would have met him in person... His videos are peephole to the way he lived his life, and a mighty good life it was... Rest Easy my friend!!! Have earned it

I have watched all Stobe's videos and enjoyed it all, the snappy sayings were the best and guaranteed to make you laugh, I wish the videos were still coming, RIP.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Thank you for showing me places I otherwise Would not see. Unique, talented, and beloved
For his humor and talent in front of and behind the camera.

Really enjoyed those videos he had a way of getting his description across RIP Jim .

Ive been wide eyed to his videos for a few months now. The country side he saw, the beautiful places he found, all brought to him on two pieces of steel laid side by side. I admire his tradition...

Watched all his videos in a week and was riveted. Almost felt I got to know him in that short time. Can't believe he's gone! RIP

enjoyed your videos RIP

Enjoying his videos and another wonderful soul gone and not meant for this world.

I only knew James through his travels as a TV producer. Amazing scenery at times and he showed me how to enjoy the simple things in life. RIP Stobe the Hobo.

Caught a southbound outta Spokane And There He was Glorious We'll All Miss Ya

REST

I lived in Colorado for 15 years. I believe I bumped into him as paths do cross. RIP

Stobe, I only discovered you a short time ago, but you have touched my heart and spirit in a way I have never felt in all my years. I truly believe you were put on this Earth to bring your adventures and inspirational insight to so many others who don't have the opportunity to find it for themselves.

It is difficult to overstate the joy Jim's videos have brought me. His often melancholy interpretations of familiar melodies - rendered as emotional cues as to what he must have experienced on the rails - and the sensitive record he produced of the tiny towns and undiscovered scenery flitting by, and of his exasperation on those grim times when became marooned, will forever embody his humanity, wit, compassion and the generosity of his soul. Like so many others, I wish he was still here so that I could offer him a place to stay in the course of his travels; a place where the chicken is forever hot and the beer is always cold, all of which, I am certain, awaits him at the end of that last westbound ride. Thanks for being, Stobie Jim Kenobi. And you're out.

it's the darkest hour of the night, only started watching your videos a few weeks ago, but i'm hooked. Sad to find out you passed, but at least it was something you enjoyed doing - there's a cold one waiting in London U.K for you stobie wan kenobi.

Fly high my friend

I will always enjoy your work Stobie..rest in peace and thank you for being you.

Damn man I hate to hear the news. But RIP stobe. I have been watching your videos for awhile now and was shocked when I got to kolonels freight crew rides again. But I'll continue to share your content brother

Stobie, only started watching your videos a few days ago and feel like Ive known you for years. I admired your free spirit dry wit and knowledge. I hope you are having a few beers and chicken in heaven. Rest peacefully. If there are freight trains in heaven Im sure your on one now.

James made the best hobo documentaries, he was a honest hobo with a passion for filming his adventures. I just discovered him this year and he had already passed. Beer and Chicken on me if we ever meet outside the Big Gates in the sky catching a trip on a Grainer with a porch

Each can reminds me of this man - RIP James

Ill be working on a 30 rack tonight just for you brother.

Rest in peace, maybe catch some clouds :)

I only knew you through your YouTube posts, but I admire how you lived your life on your own terms and didnt conform to a conventional way of life. You were a free spirit and I felt you were able to liberate us viewers from the daily grind of life through your interesting and entertaining videos. I would have loved to have donated to your cause and would have gladly put you up if you ever needed a place to stay, but I didnt discover you and your videos until after you were already gone. Rest In Peace.

A free and gentle soul. Loved watching him. I'm very sorry for familys loss. Brother in arms. God bless.

Just finished watching several videos from Stobe and was deeply saddened to read of his death. I was definitely enthralled by his stories and to be honest, the piano music was awesome. He will be missed. Thank you Stobe - you enlightened many of us who cant do what you did..

Having been to all three coast on the freights in my youth and over the years I pleasantly discovered his channel the summer of 18 and after really digging his video and personality I came across notice of him dying in accident out east. Shock and sad tears hit hard that night even though he had already passed on before I even saw any of his vids. I was imagining him hopping around the country happy and being supported by sponsors and monetizing YouTube, which I thought really cool. Then I found out. He was truly a friendly and likable genuine guy and I wished I could have met him. Part of his legacy is bringing awareness of the hobo/tramp lifestyle to a larger part of Americans. R.I.P. Stobe

RIP

As a railroader I wish I would have met you during at least one of those vids you rolled through my yard.

Rest in peace Jim.

Thank you Jim ! You have should us your amazing life as interesting as it was many would have never new how cool it would be to ride a freight train . Rest In Peace Stobe

RIP. So sorry for your families loss. Sending our love and positive vibes to his family and loved ones.
Love Jess & Rory
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

KFC will always be, Rest in Peace Brother, See you again when my time here expires.

God bless you, Stobe. Your videos serve as both an expression of freedom on the open road and a cruel reminder of what involves a life on the rails. May we both meet to guzzle cheap beer, chomp on prosciutto and cheese cracker sammiches as well as trade stories of our lives on Earth.

thank you, Stobie, for getting me through the dark times, you truly did bring joy to my life and for that ill be forever gratful.

Just started watching his videos today very sad what happened would of love to meet him rip

RIP my Friend! KFC forever'

RIP Stobe. Loved your videos. So much beautiful scenery, all accompanied by your dry wit and clever observations. I was planning on offering you a place to crash overnight with food and cold beer if you ever passed through Chicago again. Unfortunately that wont happen now. You were taken too soon brother. Rest easy.

Stobe you will be missed. I know the journey you are on now is filled with free cold beer, hot pizza and easy riding. God Bless You STOBE!

u made cool vids bro

I never met you Jim Stobie but I miss you with all of my heart.

I only recently discovered you while I was searching for current status on a little-used train line where I had ridden Amtrak with dear family as a kid - and now when visiting this sentimental region I only sometimes hear distant diesel horns in the darkest hours of the night - and while searching about this old train line, I kept seeing abundant online references to RIP Stobe.

I wish I had known of you in time to be a friend and welcoming waystation for you. Your artworks are a treasure. You made the best possible use of your eyes and ears and you let us all see and hear what you could. So very beautiful.

To Jims family, I have lost several loved ones over recent years. Jims music helps me cope with that and I wish to send you my warmest feelings of caring to help you cope with your loss of Jim. He created enchanting and ensorcelling beauty and his artwork will live on. My love to all who appreciate Jim Stobie.

I wish I would have gotten the chance to interact with you during your life, but the record you left behind will always be a beacon of hope to me.
Thanks Stobe, ride those rails in the sky.

Thank you, James, for showing us the unscripted side of America, the interesting side.

Rest in the railroad sky stove

R.I.P Stobie.... Forever a legend.

Like others have said, I had recently discovered Jim's videos on You Tube and when time permitted I would "binge watch" several in a row but would also try to view some closer to my home base. As a railroad fan myself I thoroughly enjoyed the videos and also Jim's commentary (especially regarding the poor "service" of a certain rail carrier). Terribly sad to hear of his passing (just learned today 09 Aug 2018), when I stumbled upon an article online & later verified the story on other sites). Prayers go out to his family and his friends all across the country. I'll continue watching his videos and though I'll enjoy them, I'm certain I'll have to deal with the sadness of his passing each time I think about it. Thanks for all your hard work Jim--hope to see you on the other side. Your railroad friend between Mississippi & Florida.

Jim Stobie was a hobo riding the rails just as I am a hobo riding a Harley, going from place to place, seeing the sights, feeling the wind in your face, smelling life as it enters your nostrils. I am envious of his adventures, much greater than my own and am happy for the devotion and enthusiasm of his many followers. He has gained immortality and I will remember him with his videos and music. God love you forever brother!

Im broken hearted that he is gone. I just started watching his videos.

I've only just discovered Stobe the Hobo literally 24 hours ago. I was up until 2:00 in the morning binge watching his amazing work on YouTube. I am terribly saddened to learn of his passing. Godspeed Stobe!

Sorry to hear his passing.

What a man.what a guy.

I hope I live half the life Stobe did. What a real and inspirational fella. Thank you Stobe

I'm grateful for having had the opportunity to watch you live your art. Your films affected me deeply and you leave a big gap behind you. Love to you, your family and friends.