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BORN
1947
DIED
2016
James McShane Obituary
January 29, 1947 - July 22, 2016
Arrived in Bridgeport, Connecticut - Departed in Palm Springs, California. Jimmy served in the US Navy as a signalman during the Vietnam War (in the Mekong Delta) and was decorated with a National Defense Service Medal. He claimed this is where he 'grew up'.
His longtime career as a maitre d', captain and sommelier spanned far and wide. The Ocean Reef Club - Key Largo, FL; Silver Gull Club - Breezy Point, NY; Café St James - Palm Springs, CA; Biga - Rancho Mirage, CA; Melvyn's - Palm Springs, CA. and Scalini - Delmar, CA are a few of the esteemed spots he graced with his talents.
Jimmy was a forever advocate of medical marijuana. Through his compassion and knowledge, he was able to help many people including himself. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1995, he opted for traditional treatment in the beginning but ended up extending his life with RSO aka cannabis oil and other nontraditional methods. In this arena, he was a tireless warrior for the cause, operating Purple Sage Collective until his departure.
Jimmy was indeed a one of a kind model, truly a legendary human being.
He had a brilliant mind that housed stats, trivia and information on an amazingly vast group of things. Jimmy did not think outside of the box, there simply was no box.
This man had an infectious love for life, incredible personality and the gleaming toothy smile of a Cheshire cat. Nobody laughed as much, or could make you laugh as much as Jimmy ... the consummate entertainer. His wit was incomparable.
He is survived by Bozo & a plethora of friends which were his family.
Jimmy is going to be terribly missed and thought of fondly for all the days to come.
Peace be with him now and with us all.
ONE LOVE
A funeral mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe, El Segundo, Palm Springs will be held Wednesday August 10, at 2:30pm.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit desertsun.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James McShane
Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.
Audrey
April 11, 2020
Dearest Jimmy, I will always remember your smiling face, it always put a smile on mine. You were such a unique man with such a kind soul. You sure knew how to brighten a room. May God Bless You. I Love You, Jimmy.
Joy Meredith
July 22, 2017
Tom Carlin
August 17, 2016
Creative, spontaneous Jimmy. My good fortune sharing laughter. Prayers for Peace from another Stratford Irish ' boomer.'
August 11, 2016
LOVE YOU BUDDY
Matthias Anthony Granic
August 11, 2016
jimmy,
you will be missed buddy .it was great knowing you ......willy (BROOM) rizzo
JSK
August 10, 2016
Rest well my friend.
pat rizzo
August 10, 2016
gonna play some music for you today ! my pal
August 10, 2016
Hey Baby! I miss you! I'll NEVER forget you!
Tara.
My golf and boxing buddy.
Leslie Dunn
August 9, 2016
It was an honor being friends with Jimmy, and to be part of his close circle; to be able to absorb his infectious love of life. Jimmy always felt larger than life being around him. I always learned something new while engaging in conversation with him. I am so happy I was able to spend his last days on earth with him. He was still able to make me laugh, even when things looked so grim. Plus that smile was priceless every time I walked in. I'm really going to miss my buddy. Palm Springs doesn't feel the same without him. RIP my friend.
June Noel
August 9, 2016
Jimmy it was good to know you. We had a few laughs with Christopher, Kate and Carmel. I know you will be greatly missed.
June Noel
Harmony Quaiver
August 9, 2016
Standing on the moon with nothing left to do... A lovely view of Heaven. But I'd rather be with you... GD
Jay Lewis
August 8, 2016
Wow - It's difficult to believe you're not here. I miss you pally , but I know at last you are pain free and once again rockin'. I've never known anyone to take such a gigantic bite out of Life like you Jimmy. You always remind me how important it is to have fun while you can ! It goes by fast. Love you brother - Jay
Mark Piccone
August 8, 2016
I can hear you saying it now " Yeah Baby" with a laugh behind it. We will miss you for now and celebrate your life with vigor.
Jessica Wallen
August 8, 2016
No one was quite like you, Jimmy! You burned bright and colorful to the end.
PAT RIZZO
August 8, 2016
MY PAL ! I LOVE YA!
Erena Witrowych Donovan
August 7, 2016
There is a time in everyone's life that we cross paths
With a kindred Soul....... A Spirit that touches you in such a way that leaves you with a Smile In your Heart ....... Jimmy was that Kindred Soul that has left a lasting impression on many ....
Untill we Meet Again
David Yaquinto
August 7, 2016
Jimmy Mac-
The world is a lot sadder now that you are gone from this world, but I know you're in a better place now. There are many great memories that I have of us just having fun and I wish I could share a good laugh with you now. However I will toast your memory with a bottle of Chateau Palmer 2005. RIP my friend your journey has ended.
Jaymee Swain
August 7, 2016
Jimmy, you will be missed. Rest in Peace. My Deepest Sympathy to your Family and multitude of Friends.
Marilyn Kauffmann
August 7, 2016
A very Special Person ,and a one of a kind, You will be missed!
Armida Pedrin
August 7, 2016
Sorry we have lost such a bright smile ,but we know that he will still continue in Heaven!!!
Love you Jimmy,
Armida
Bonnie Taylor
August 7, 2016
Such a bright shining light in my life. Will always treasure our times together, always the love baby! Always the love....then, now, forever...
Joy Meredith
August 7, 2016
Jimmy McShane - Some friends will always have a permanent spot in my heart. Jimmy was one of them. A truly one of a kind person. A warrior for all that is good in the world. A daily inspiration of love and courage. Gone too soon. Never forgotten.
August 7, 2016
You were a great force of joy and strength to so many! Love always jodie! xoxo
Janis Kraft
August 7, 2016
RIP Jimmy,
I was so sorry to hear of your passing.
You truly were one of a kind. You put others needs before your own and your amazing humor was never at anyone's expense - and that is a rare talent.
Your outlook on life always brought joy to others.
You were loved by many and will be truly missed.
Jimmy, you may rest in peace, knowing your time on earth was well spent.
God Speed Jimmy, until we meet again!
Snake Jagger
August 7, 2016
Jimmy, you will be remembered with great fondness and truly missed by all of us who knew you.
I am proud to have known you and be counted as one of your friends. Rest in peace bro!
Bill Buckens
August 7, 2016
Truly One of a Kind. One Love Brother! I miss ya
Fugetaboutit!
billy klingman
August 7, 2016
A great guy and neighbor. Had a thousand stories to tell... and told them all! Always smiling, always loving life.
See ya again some day pally.
Mikki Moore
August 7, 2016
What a guy! I remembered his smile from twenty years ago, at Melvyn's. Then last year, when I started coming back to P.S., there was that infectious smile again, and laughter lighting up the room. He made me feel so welcome, and was there to bring hope....and information for my son in law's battle with cancer. Literally, one of the most uplifting conversations I have ever had.
I am so lucky to have had him grace my path, even for a short time. Honored, to have been in his presence ...... A true gift.
AL Mazzonetto
August 7, 2016
Jimmy I'm tipping a FINE WINE to you my brother remembering the good times Salute'
steven helland
August 7, 2016
" I will never forget the first time I met you . I truly think of you and miss you every day.
One thing is certain, I will see you on the other side.
Godspeed my friend.."
-Steven Helland
Diane Krekorian
August 7, 2016
Dear Jimmy, Thank you so very much for bringing so much Joy to everyone's life, for helping so many people and for your service. I can still hear your wonderful laugh! Fly high and spread peace on earth with your new wings. My love and prayers of strength to all of us you leave behind as we all look forward to seeing you again someday... Jimmy, you will never be forgotten. Love Diane Krekorian
Dee Young
August 6, 2016
Sincere condolences to all Jimmy's CA friends. Remembering great partying times back in the mid 60's with his Stratford friends.
I'm sure he's still smiling and at peace.
Nancy Ulatowski- Ritz
August 6, 2016
Many Friends in Stratford CT will miss you also. RIP
We will remember the good times!
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