James Motlow

1949 - 2022

James Motlow
March 26, 1949 - September 8, 2022
Locke, California - James Motlow of Locke, CA, died suddenly in Walnut Grove, CA, on Aug. 8, 2022. He was 73. He graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento, received his AA from Sacramento City College in 1969, and attended the Glen Fishback School of Photography in 1970.
In the 1970s James lived in Locke as one of the few non-Chinese residents. Slowly, through his patient attitude and willingness to lend a hand, he earned the trust of Locke's elderly Chinese residents. In 1987 James and his co-author Jeff Gillenkirk published Bitter Melon: Inside America's Last Rural Chinese Town which immortalizes these residents through their oral histories and James' photographs. The book received the Commonwealth Club of California Silver Medal award. Additionally, James' images were shown extensively throughout California including the Crocker Art Museum, Chinese Cultural Center of San Francisco, California Living, and New West.
He was a deckhand for the Blue and Gold Fleet in San Francisco from 1979-1983 and a captain from 1983-2012. During this time he raised two children in Piedmont, CA. Upon retirement he moved back to Locke full-time.
James was extremely popular as the signature docent for the Locke Foundation Historic Walking Tour Program and a much-sought-after lecturer on the history of Locke. In recognition of his efforts, The Locke Foundation created The James Motlow Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to worthy local high school seniors. James was also committed to the preservation of the Delta and part of local advisory groups.
James was an avid golfer and loved cooking for his family and friends. On warm summer nights he would gather with friends in the Locke community garden to share food and drinks around the fire. His memorial ceremony was held Saturday, Aug. 13, in the community garden in Locke with more than 100 friends and family in attendance.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ellen Gerner; father, John Doc Motlow; brothers, Trevellyan Motlow and Matthew Motlow. He is survived by his son, Wesley Motlow; daughter, Mary-Sophia Motlow; long-time partner Maximilienne Ewalt; brother, John Geoffrey Motlow.
Cards may be sent to James Motlow, c/o Russell Ooms and Deborah Mendel; PO Box 1192, Walnut Grove, CA 95690. Donations in his honor may be made to The Locke Foundation-James Motlow Scholarship PO Box 1085, Walnut Grove, CA 95690.