James Woodward Philbin

James Woodward Philbin
February 12, 2022
Loving father and grandfather, loyal brother, James Woodward Philbin died unexpectedly Saturday, February 12th at his home in San Rafael, California of natural causes. He was 71. Born in Glen Cove, New York, Jim grew up in Lawrence, where he attended Lawrence School with his two brothers. The family moved to Northern California in 1957. Jim graduated from Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts in 1968 where he was captain of the football team. Jim graduated from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo with a degree in Agricultural Management, and later obtained a BA in Psychology from Cal State University, Northridge.

After working for many years with the Federal Soils Conservation Service throughout California, Jim settled in Sebastopol with his wife Maria, and their two young daughters, and started his own landscape construction business.

In his middle-age, Jim engaged in service work, including work with the Wilderness Youth Project in Santa Barbara and Inner Light Ministries near Santa Cruz. He became passionate about Native American culture, specifically Lakota traditions which would influence his spirituality for the remainder of his days.

After retiring, Jim was industriously creative. He was a disciplined man who meditated, gardened, sculpted stone, and labored on domestic construction projects daily. When spending time with Jim, the world was left behind. Family and friends lived in the moment with Jim, cooking, eating, gardening, drinking tea, and laughing with him. He loved to laugh.

Jim's many family members are mourning a profound loss. He is survived by his daughters, Katie and Hanna; his former wife and lifelong friend, Maria; his devoted sons-in-law, Blake and Michael; his brothers Cavin and Ewing; his step-sister Theo; his sisters-in-law Misty and Bonney; his grandchildren, George, Isabel, and Eleanor; and many adoring nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SF-Marin Food bank.