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BORN
1953
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
James Filgate Obituary
James Patrick Filgate, 65, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 30, 2019. Jim was born on May 5, 1953, in Stamford, CT, the son of Agathea and John Filgate. His family moved to Ridgefield, CT in 1962 and he graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1971. He was a prominent guitar teacher and longtime owner of Apple Studios in New Milford, whose talent and knowledge helped hundreds of students realize their musical potential.
He was known for his love of music, his tender heart, incredible generosity, and hilarious sense of humor. Perhaps the biggest Beatles fan on the planet, he played George Harrison in The Cast of Beatlemania for more than two decades. He was a multi-instrumentalist and played the guitar, drums, bass, and piano. Jim was a member of several well-known bands throughout the tri-state area, including New Joy, Pelican, Lytes, Cinema, Revolver, Future Tense, and Downhill Tangerine. Every Sunday during football season, you'd find him on the couch yelling at the TV. He was famous for flinging out his favorite quotes from all his treasured movies and TV shows, including "I like the Tin Man!" Jim's family called him their sunshine because any room he walked into was immediately filled with joy and laughter. Always a jokester, he had a knack for making everyone laugh. He was a notorious performer even when he wasn't on the stage. A kid for life, there was never a dull moment when Jim was around. He was the most generous, bighearted friend and family member we could ever hope for. He enriched every life he touched.
He is survived by his mother Agathea Filgate, three brothers, Michael (Nancy), of Pawling, NY, Gary (Alison) of Barrington, NH, and Roger (Bernadette) of Danbury, CT and seven nieces and nephews (Jennifer (Nate), Michele, Colin (Kate), Emma, Jessica, Winston, and Harrison as well as 3 great-nieces and nephews: Jack, Molly, and Joey, and more friends than we can count. Friends will be received on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will be private.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Filgate
Sponsored by Kane Funeral Home - Ridgefield.
Alan Z
June 29, 2025
Jim was my guitar teacher back in the '70s when I lived in Wilton. The only teacher I ever had, and though our association lasted but a year I'm still playing songs he taught me. Thanks for fostering a lifelong passion Jim. My condolences to your family and all who loved you.
Rocky
March 27, 2025
"While mi heart gently weeps". Miss you Jim
Rocky
Jay
January 13, 2022
Thanks for the guitar lessons way back in the 80s. Rest in peace. Sorry that I am so late.
Rocklin Stone
March 26, 2021
Remembering that great smile. As well, the great performances we shared together. Jim on stage and Joanne & I in the audience. We miss you Jim. Rest In Peace
Gael Filgate
March 27, 2020
GodSpeed
Gael Ann Filgate
July 9, 2019
RIP cousin
Daniel MacRae
May 11, 2019
Jane and I are very sad to find out that Jim is passed away. Jim taught our two boys. We send our deepest sympathy to all of Jim's loved ones. He was a wonderful guy and a pleasure to talk to.
Dan and Jane MacRae
F&D
April 22, 2019
We are saddened to learn of your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God collects our tears and is ready to sustain us during our time of need - Psalm 56:8.
Jan Owen
April 21, 2019
A friend recently told me about Jim's passing, and I thought it was a bad joke. I am so sorry to hear that he is gone! Because he was one the most full-of-life people I've ever known. My point of reference with him was being the "Paul" bass player to his "George" lead guitarist in a great, though somewhat short-lived Beatles-band in CT called REVOLVER, in the mid '90's. He not only nailed all the Beatles' Guitar intro riffs & Lead breaks, but could improvise new guitar bits like George might have done, and cleverly snuck them into some of our songs as we were performing live. One night, as we were near doing the "fade-out" ending of "She's a Woman", where I am singing the title line repeatedy, Jim ad-libbed a bit and threw in the iconic lead riff from "She's a Woman"'s B-Side, "I Feel Fine"! It was so unexpected but somehow fitting. The whole band smiled for a moment when he did this, and it reminded us of, and underscored how great and imaginative a guitarist he was, to think up a bit like that and casually insert it into the song, just at the right moment. It was an honor & privilege to play music with him! Oh yeah.... And Jim Filgate was a great guy and great friend, for the time I knew & played with him in Revolver. Although we didn't stay in touch after Revolver dissipated, I'll still miss him and his brilliant "life force" a lot. -Jan Britten Owen
Karen Brown
April 5, 2019
Jim, if you can read this from the other realm, you were such an inspiration to our family. You showed me how to play songs from "Bread" and "The Beach Boys" and every week my husband Mike and son Jeremy looked forward to their weekly lessons where they could rock out with you. Our son Scott also studied with you, and the whole family enjoyed your Beatlemania concerts year after year. We will miss you Jim, so much. Words cannot express our sorrow.
Rest in Peace dear friend,
Karen, Mike, Jeremy, Scott, and Richard Brown
John & Laurie McMurray
April 5, 2019
We send our sincere condolences to the Filgate Family. There will never be anyone quite like Jimmy, and to know he's jamming with Ricky now gives us comfort. Remember-the parting will be short, and the reunion sweet. God Bless Jimmy Filgate.
Mack Reid
April 5, 2019
Very sad to hear this. I regret I didn't see the obituary in time to attend the services.
Jimmy and Mike helped provided the soundtrack to my high school years. Their bands were so good. I heard Jimmy later when Cast of Beatlemania played at the RIdgefield Playhouse, and that was great, too, also heard Jimmy and Mike and some pals at The Ancient Mariner a few years back. Still really good.
Everyone leaves a legacy of some kind, and a big part of Jimmy's is that he left really a lot of people with memories of listening to great live music. Hard to beat that.
Rock on, wherever you are.
JoAnne Stuart
April 5, 2019
My heart just breaks with this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Jim was a very big part of my life and will forever have a place in my heart.JoAnne Merriman Stuart
gc
April 5, 2019
My sincere condolences to the Filgate family. May your many fine memories of James and loving words comfort family and friends during this very difficult time and the days ahead (Isaiah 57:15)
Sara Taylor
April 4, 2019
To the Filgate family our condolences and love. So sad and shocked to hear of Jims passing. Sebastian, Oliver, and I have such great memories. My sons taking guitar and piano lessons and I sitting on the sofa listening to the lessons and enjoying Jims incredible patience and love of music and all things Beatles. Being British we greatly enjoyed comparing bands and music. My sons appreciation for music now as adults was fostered by Jim and his enthusiasm and generosity in his teaching.
Rest easy, Jim and thank you. You will be missed but not forgotten.
April 4, 2019
Best wishes and prayer to Jim's family. He along with his brother Mike, Garr
y, and Ricky filled us with a lot of music and Joy.
Grant Peacock
Charles & Andrea Fox
April 4, 2019
Our thoghts and prayers to the Filgate family. He was one of the finest guitar players I have ever witnessed and a better human being. He will be missed.
April 4, 2019
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was my guitar and bass teacher 25 years ago and boy was he patient, generous and so kind...even through all the punk rock I bombarded him with! We had a deal where I'd learn one Beatles song then he'd teach me a punk song. Thanks for the memories Jim, rest (and rock out) in peace.
Jessica (Sentementes) Trammel
Garry Johnson
April 4, 2019
Jim was a great friend and an even greater musician. He will be sorely missed all who knew him.
Al Bruhn
April 4, 2019
Shocked at passing away of James Patrick Filgate. He was a great man according to Bernadette and daughter and together his family, friends will miss him dearly. RIP:James Patrick Filgate
Brian Coates
April 4, 2019
Jim has been my friend for more than 25 years, from the time I was a 16-year old guitar student, and he will continue to hold a special place in my heart all my life. Through his patient instruction and selfless encouragement, Jim has been the number one influence in my musical development, which (while being nothing compared to his own mastery) is one of my proudest achievements. I am so grateful for you Jim. I will pass what I can of your magic onto my boys and they to theirs. Now cracks a noble heart. Goodnight sweet prince; And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Cathy, Colm, John , Olivia and Garred Farrell
April 3, 2019
I was so saddened to hear of Jim's passing . He was such a vibrant guy and seemed to really know how to enjoy life . His love of music was truly infectious! What a wonderful gift he had to generously share his passion with so many . I always looked forward to picking my kids up from practice.. Always had great conversation with Jim and he always had a big smile on . You shall be missed Jim. My deepest condolences to all his family
Kathy Gold
April 3, 2019
So sorry to hear of Jim s passing. Our family saw The Cast when my oldest son Austin was 7 or 8 and from then on wanted to learn to play guitar. He took lessons with Jim for many years. Jim was always patient, kind, and enthusiastic.. the perfect teacher. He taught children to play popular songs they knew and wanted to learn... a true teacher, he encouraged and supported his students always. Austin, now 21, still plays today, and is in his 5th or 6th band). There is always music in our house and will always be music in our hearts, thanks to Jim. Our sincerest condolences to the loved ones he leaves behind. . The Gold Family, New Milford, CT.
Brian Schwenger
April 3, 2019
There are no words to express the sadness I feel hearing of the loss of Jim. I am honored to say that Jim was my guitar teacher for many years and due to his teachings, inspired me to continue learning after we left CT. Jim was an outstanding musician, an incredible man and a truly wonderful friend. I will always treasure our Christmas Tree adventures. Our thoughts and love go out to the Filgate family. Brian Schwenger and Family.
Amelia Brown
April 3, 2019
To Jim: We will always love you, think of you and miss you. The Brown family has treasured the relationship with you, as a teacher, as a performer, as a friend. For the Filgate family, our condolences. Amelia Brown
April 3, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort from the loving promise of seeing your dear loved one again (1Thessalonians 4:13,14). Please accept my deepest sympathies.
-AW
Joseph Buderwitz
April 3, 2019
Jim truly was an inspiration! I first started taking guitar lessons with you back in 2007 and out of all those hours spent playing, the most important thing you told me was to put my heart into something I am passionate about and to go after it! Thank you for every lesson and every moment! You will be missed by the entire Buderwitz family!
Ron Davis
April 3, 2019
I can't believe we lost Jim. I was searching Mop Tops to see if Jim was still playing with them and found this.
Mike, Mom, Whit and Roger I am so sorry for your and all of our loss. I have great memories of flying Jim to Nantucket and his company along with Whit helping me sail to the Cape.
Love you guys.
Please get in touch with me.
Frank &Tammy D'Amato
April 3, 2019
Rest In Peace Jim.
It was an honor to know you and to call you our friend
You are one of the best
Love and prayers for your family
Millicent Craig
April 3, 2019
I am so sorry..... I am sitting here in shock.... Jim was an amazing man...I will never forget him....Thank u for your kindness and smile....Millicent Craig
Dan Sawyer
April 2, 2019
Oh man. The music community will miss you, Jim. Wishing the entire Filgate family peace and love.
Doug Kessler
April 2, 2019
Such a loss.
Jim was my first guitar teacher and he was fantastic: warm, funny, inspiring and always super-encouraging.
I think of him often, not just when I play one of the riffs he taught me. And I'm sure he's the reason I still play, 45 years later.
Sorry for your loss. He gave a gift to so many people.
Madaket
Mary Mack (O'Connor)
April 2, 2019
To all the Filgates,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I first met Jim at aged 14 when I started guitar lessons at Ridgefield Music. Soon after, he introduced me to The Yes Album and my mind was endlessly blown and greatly expanded. He continued to teach me the best guitar licks ever!
I am very sad and devastated for you all.
This picture was taken in Madaket, Nantucket, MA when Jimmy was out for a visit 2 summers ago.
Bill Kimball
April 2, 2019
There is so much to be said about Jim. He was a passionate teacher and musician who inspired so many of us to elevate our playing. His instruction was always delivered with a large serving of humor. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from him. Jim was an amazing musician and a great guy.
Jimmy Mulvaney
April 2, 2019
God Bless the entire Filgate Family at this sad time. Always remember that Jimmy was a gift to us all and will be missed and loved by many.
Jimmy Mulvaney
April 2, 2019
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Sharon Boyle
April 2, 2019
I have very fond memories of Jim and the band Lytes playing many shows at The Foundry and around the area. A true showman, talent and fun loving guy. Sincere sympathies to the entire Filgate family for your loss.
Sharon (Murtha) Boyle
Jim performing "Something" with The Cast of Beatlemania 8-31-14
Paul Lasko
April 1, 2019
I met Jim through seeing The Cast of Beatlemania many years ago. I've attached a frame from video I recorded last time I saw them perform in 2014. My family and I extend our condolences to Jim's family, friends, and band members.
Joan Peters
April 1, 2019
There is no category for ex-spouse so I'll settle for friend. Although our marriage didn't go as planned, I never stopped caring for Jimmy for all the reasons mentioned in the obit. Such a bright spirit. I always assumed we'd see each other again and rekindle a lost but not forgotten friendship. I'm truly desolated. Love to all the family. I do think of you all often. I have always missed him and I will continue to miss him. Godspeed. Go join that band in heaven. You will stand proud next to all that went before you. I'll always love you, Jimmy. I never stopped.
Debbie Heinecke
April 1, 2019
My deepest sympathy
Debbie Berg Heinecke
Rocklin ( Ricky ) Stone
April 1, 2019
To Jimmy's Family,
I met Jimmy whilst enjoying The Cast of Beatlemania first time during their performance @ New Milford H S. many years ago. His professionalism, style, wit, and warm greetings were always there. He would often after a performance seek me in the audience and ask how was the show. "It was brilliant", which was always the case!!
I shall miss his playing, singing and friendship.
I would like to think Jimmy has joined George, and they are both jamming in that band in Rock n Roll Heaven.
Peace,
Rocky
April 1, 2019
Let our sadness be turned to joy knowing you will now be playing in that amazing band in heaven... Charlie White
April 1, 2019
My deepest sympathies for the family and friends
I hold you in my prayers for peace in your souls .
as Peace is with Jim.
Hansel Cobelle Scherwenik
Jim Edighoffer
April 1, 2019
Mike and family I am so sorry to hear about Jimmy I've known him since Jr High and always enjoyed hearing him play We were always friends and fellow musicians You all all in my prayers So sorry I couldn't be at the services, but I live in Ohio now
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