James Patrick McNamara, a local San Francisco Renaissance man and raconteur, has passed away at the age of 49 after an extended illness. He will be sorely missed.
As a child, James was curious and gifted. At 2 he took apart and rebuilt his parents' telephone, and by age 6 he had moved on to dismantling and rebuilding the family TV set. He enjoyed films and playing golf for Brophy Prep. in Phoenix, AZ. Midway through high school James moved to La Jolla, California where he discovered punk rock, skateboarding, and surfing. He graduated from La Jolla High School in 1985.
James developed life-long interests in computers, history, fashion, and the arts. After high school James moved to San Francisco where he embraced the city's history and culture. Driving his vintage Lambretta scooters and Rambler cars, he scoured its neighborhoods.
He collected Jazz guitars, played impromptu gigs and frequented North Beach, which he identified as the heart and soul of the city. During a trip to Europe in 1988 James immersed himself in music and began playing guitar in the style of Django Reinhardt. His exquisite taste extended through many forms of artistic expression.
In 1991, James graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute with a degree in filmmaking. His creative contributions include The Origin "Bend" music video, and music directing for a Hollywood video project currently in development, as well as many unpublished short documentaries.
James will be remembered fondly for his intelligent, inquisitive spirit, tender friendship, passion and humor. He lived eccentrically but always maintained an outspoken interest in life and people.
He is survived by his sisters Joan McNamara, Nancy (McNamara) Chaboun, Cindy Wright-Jones, and Bryanna "Breezy" McNamara. James was a lover of all animals, and Miss Kitty, his beloved Siamese, also survives James. He was preceded in death by his parents Ollie and Gerry McNamara.
A memorial service will be held on March 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Duggans Funeral home, 3434 17th street, San Francisco

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 24 to Mar. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for James McNamara

Sponsored by Duggan's Funeral Service - The Duggan Welch Family The Duggan Welch Family.

34 Entries

Mike Kupietz

July 5, 2024

Oh, no. I knew James very well back in the 90s when we both frequented North Beach haunts. I didn't see much of him after I moved from there and over the years wondered how he was doing. Somehow he crossed my mind tonight and I googled to see if I could find him and see how he's doing. This was not what I was expecting or would ever want to see. So sorry to get this news. Countless evenings in Specs would not have been the same without him, as well as Edmund, Lisa, & my friend Claire, and an occasional acoustic guitar. He left an indelible impression. Oh, this is such sad news. Very belated condolences to his friends & loved ones. He's still thought of and missed.

Cindy Jones

February 18, 2021

Thank you all of James’ friends & family ❤ Such beautiful photos ❤

Lisa Dieffenbach

March 26, 2017

James. I'm so sorry to know you are gone. You were one of my closest friends back in the late 90s. I was just thinking of you. Googled and found this as a result. Your loss has yet to sink in. Sorry we never got to say goodbye. You meant so much to me. Thanks for being a good friend. Much love to you and your family.

Roisin Cassidy

March 17, 2017

James was one of my first friends in San Francisco, and we quickly developed a close friendship. My times with James was so special to me, he cared deeply for all his friends. James smile, gentle sounding voice and wonderfully funny, quirky personality will always make me smile when I think of him. My condolences to the family and friends of James, and also my condolences to San Francisco the city he loved, I cannot imagine San Francisco without James.

Rick Panson

March 12, 2017

My cousin James was unique individual who followed his many passions with skill and style. I will remember him as fun and full of intellectual gusto. I will keep his memory with me always. I wish his family and friends peace and love. . Rest In Peace my beloved cousin.

March 12, 2017

Dearest Cindy, Joan and Nancy,
It is with great sorrow that I reconnect with you today. My only memory of Jamie was on a vacation from studies in St. Louis. My father, J.Arthur, would not allow me to go to New Orleans for Spring break but quickly arranged a vacation with Gerry and Ollie! Jamie was just a baby...very chubby and the only male cousin. I feel that our family missed out on knowing this wonderful person. Rest assured that all of the McNamara clan were waiting for him at the Gate with Irish eyes smiling and arms open wide.
With my condolences,
Geraldine McNamara

James at our birthday celebration

Erika Weisbrich

March 10, 2017

Jefferson Parker

March 9, 2017

I met James in the early 80's while in high school. He at Brophy and I at Central High just across the canal. We went to see punk rock shows like Black Flag and Meat Puppets.

He moved to California and I followed a few months later. He offered up a place to stay at his flat on Larkin and Washington and we explored our new city with gusto.

We had many good times together. He quickly pulled ahead of me skill wise on the guitar. I was impressed!

I lost contact with him over the last fifteen years and really wish I could have seen him at least one more time.

I can't believe he's gone. We were both born in 1967.

Love you James.

Road trip with James and Lynn

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

James with Muddy and Hollywood Fats Blues

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

James and Lisa

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

Potrero Hill house

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

James at my birthday party

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

Punk Rock style

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

Road trip with me and my friend

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

James after a skateboard crash

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

just James

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

James visits with friends at Jeana's house, Potrero

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

Jeana Goan

March 9, 2017

I met James at Art Institute and we became immediate friends regardless of our age difference. Our birthdays were two days apart and we thought we looked like brother and sister sometimes. He was completely brilliant and loved writing, reading/ poetry, debate, Super 8's, smoking beautiful girls, his mom, dad and family, his friends, his cat, history especially of San Francisco, astronomy, arts, blues, music...especially punk rock and the likes of Django Reinhardt. He had a great sense of style which was a DNA download from his parents. He loved a good Brooks Brothers or Cacherel shirt, good black shoes, corduroy pants and a well made jacket, of course everything spiked with his own flavor. Thank you James for the many good times we shared, your friendship that never failed, your unique and curious ways, your brilliance, your song, yourself. May you rest in divine light and peace now and forever. You will always be a big piece of the pie of my life, punk rock style. Peace, blessings and love to you. Love! Spirit!

To James family and friends, find peace that passes all understanding and remember all the very best parts of him.

James proudly displaying old medals

Grant Miller

February 28, 2017

City Lover James Camping on Angel Island (here with Erika Weisbrich and Adrian Boulton) 2004

Erika Weisbrich

February 27, 2017

Alphonso

February 27, 2017

To the family of James McNamara, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure you will miss him dearly. Please find comfort in knowing one day we will see our loved ones again. John 6:40. Matthew 5:5.

February 27, 2017

My condolences to the McNamara family and friends. There will be room for a man of curiosity and love of life like him in a world where no one will say "I am sick". Isa. 33:24

Shelley Weisbrich

February 26, 2017

Shelley Weisbrich

February 26, 2017

Shelley Weisbrich

February 26, 2017

Shelley Weisbrich

February 26, 2017

Im very sad to hear this. Back in the late 90's and early 00's I used to serve James frequently at Caffe Trieste and Specs. I always appreciated his presence, so much so that I often bought his drinks for him. Though i didnt know much about him outside of these establishments, I could always tell that he was a very complex and passionate human. Cheers James, I will see you on the other side.. rest well old friend.
Jeremiah Maddock

1991 J&S road trip

Shelley Weisbrich

February 26, 2017

James at Home in San Francisco

Erika Weisbrich

February 26, 2017

Marek Oltarzewski

February 26, 2017

James was my closest friend and the loss is immeasurable. My condolences to his family, other friends, and the entire city of San Francisco, all 3 have lost a true treasure.

February 25, 2017

Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one.And may the God of all comfort give strength during this difficult time.2 Corthians 13,4.

Erika Weisbrich

February 24, 2017

Rest in peace, dear James. Ride that Rambler into a peaceful realm. We will not forget you. Thank you for your kindness to me.

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