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James Castagnola Obituary
The family asks that instead of flowers or donations, prayers are always appreciated...and if you know anyone who smokes, take this opportunity to encourage them to quit.
Jimmy was too young and too happy to leave us...and while we miss him, we will always remember him.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Castagnola
Cristina
March 5, 2023
Jimmy, my sister Carmen can´t write because of her stroke, but she remembers you every day. You were one of her best friends. I will never ever forget you either, you made me laugh and you made me mad when we worked together, and it was only later that I learned what a good good person you were. You made the life of those around you (people and animals) much better. We love you, Jimmy.
Pat McLoy
March 15, 2020
It was a year ago today, on your birthday, that I discovered your name on this website. Through a random and fleeting idea, my spirit told me to look. I didn't know you were entertaining the angels, just beyond this world, where the breath of reality slips into the permanence of mime, My heart plummeted to the base of my existence, Jimbo. Despair, confusion, and guilt quivered against my chest. In the last years, I saw you rarely: kids, family, shows, new jobs, master's, tournaments, traffic, other obligations, and the things that make plans seem like a monumental task. I'm in the process of forgiving myself, in the search for finding the meaning. You were exactly what this young man needed to find, a spirit who could offer simplicity and joy in a world that seemed dangerous and deadly, a gentle man that didn't have to prove his incredible strength, a creative mind that was unafraid to acknowledge limits of naivete. You were a kindred spirit of a different kind. We possessed not opposing forces, but complementary, overlapping in moments. Today, I drink my Jack and Coke, perhaps some coffee, maybe some chess and Scrabble. My back hurts too much for racquetball or tennis, perhaps some pool. I might enjoy some Moliere or Chaplin, Avital or Marceau. Today, you are on my mind. I hope you feel that. This older man needs that.
Patrick McLoy
February 7, 2020
I miss you so much. The void is great, Jimbo. I have a Jimbo-shaped void in my life.
Playing chess
October 22, 2019
George Small
October 22, 2019
Jimmy was the sweetest guy I ever knew. I'm just finding out about his passing after many unanswered texts. I am deeply moved and shocked at this news. He never judged others and was always up for life. We knew each other for over forty years. We went to acting class together, he taught me to box and my first life lesson, relax under pressure and wait for your opportunity. Besides girls and night clubs, we shared many interests like billiards and chess. For the last decade or more we played chess. We liked to meet at the coffee bean on Main Street in Santa Monica on Saturday or Sunday. During the week too. He was better than me mostly but we enjoyed each other's conversation while we concentrated on our game. I always kept a chess board in my car for Thoes spontaneous afternoons. I know he loved his cats and had great affection for my white shepherd Arlo. There is so much to say about this gentle giant of a man and his easy ways. He will be so very much missed.
Dear Jimmy - my dear Charlotte and you passed away only three days apart - but your loving friendship lastest for almost 40 years.
Iben Plesner Joensen
March 25, 2019
Iben Plesner Joensen
March 25, 2019
March 19, 2019
Jimbo was the best man at my wedding. We met at CSULB in the Theatre Department. Who knew two mimes would find each other? From those early days of shows and classes, to my wedding, to my kids birthdays and holidays, to long nights of fun, you were one of my very best friends. I love you and will miss you immensely.
Mike Stella
March 19, 2019
I'll always remember the Thanksgiving dinners we spent together at my mom's house. Jimmy, you were a great friend to my mom and you'll be dearly missed.
Carmen Stella
March 18, 2019
Good bye, Jimmy. My heart is broken. In the same month I lost Charlotte and I lost you. Remember the Three Musqueteers? You were a beautiful soul. Charlotte used to call you 'her angel'. We met more than forty years ago at the Rose Cafe and since then we remained best friends. I will miss you all years to come.
Cristina Perez
March 18, 2019
I'll always remember the laughter at The Rose Cafe. You are a great guy, Jimmy. Love from Sticky Fingers.
John Flaherty
March 17, 2019
I met Jim through a mutual friend. While I didn't know him like others did, he always struck me as a kind and gentle man, and I was always glad to see him and spend time with him. I wish him peace, and I wish comfort and happy memories to all who knew and cared for Jim.
Vanessa Little
March 17, 2019
Vanessa Little
March 16, 2019
Vanessa Little
March 16, 2019
Patrick McLoy
March 15, 2019
Christine Bruno
March 10, 2019
My condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy's who was a year behind me at St.Brigid's School in San Francisco. ...Christine Bruno
Vanessa Little
March 10, 2019
Jim was my best friend. I am devastated and paralyzed by grief. We met twenty years ago in a UCLA teacher credentialing class. I knew something was wrong last week when he did not return my text. Over the years we shared tears and laughter. Whenever we got together, I felt a deep sense of connection, peace, joy, and being present in the moment. He was always there for me and through him I learned to open my heart and heal emotional wounds. I hope I did the same for him. I cannot express the grief I feel over losing him, his laughter, wit, and soulfulness.
Dino Ghilarducci
March 9, 2019
Aw George, so sorry to read this. My deepest condolences to you and Jimmy's family. I remember when he would join us at the Presidio Beach. He was a good kid. So sorry to read this. Take care, George!!!
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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