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James Tobin Obituary

Age 52 of St. Paul Died unexpectedly July 14, 2011 of a heart attack. Survived by parents, John and Marie Tobin; sisters, Lisa and Amy Tobin; nephews, Ian Tennant and Liam Tobin; other relatives and friends. Purveyor of puns, wizard of witticisms, and icon of intellect, James was treasured by all who knew him. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from UW Madison and his Master's from the London School of Economics. A lover of great literature, theatre, music, and sports with a special fondness for Gilbert & Sullivan and Shakespeare. He was a regular attendee of the Guthrie and had a personal library nearly as vast as his heart. He was a consummate conversationalist, inviting all into his lively discourse. Kind, non-judgmental and humble, he was blessed with the rare ability to respect differing opinions while holding true to his own. He will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. Gathering 11AM Thursday (July 21) followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon at the BASILICA OF ST. MARY, 17th Street at Hennepin Ave., Mpls. Interment Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials preferred to American Heart Assoc. or Donors choice.


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Published by Pioneer Press on Jul. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Tobin

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Liz Buck

November 1, 2016

He loved this song, and hearing it now brings tears to my eyes. http://youtu.be/4Np_Ud4KA08

Liz Buck

October 31, 2016

Such heartbreaking news - and I just now found out, doing a web search.

Jim was my college sweetheart and perhaps the closest friend I've ever had. We met at Carleton. We lived in the same dorm and his room was on the floor above mine. He used to sit up there on the stairwell singing Gilbert and Sullivan songs, which I found both strange and intriguing. One day as I was on my way out the door, he started singing, "I have a song to sing, o", and so, unable to resist, I sang back, "Sing me your song, o". I will never forget the look on his face as turned around to peer down at me. And so we met and soon thereafter we began to date.

After our sophomore year we moved to Madison where we spent three years together. Jim was my soulmate and closest confidant. We had many heart to heart talks, often into the wee hours of the morning, about everything under the sun. He was generous and open-minded and he had such a pure heart, I felt safe being myself with him. He helped me to overcome many of my inhibitions, somehow he was able to make me sparkle and he made me feel so smart. After graduation, life kind of pulled us apart, but Jim will always be very dear to me. I love him and miss him terribly.

Farewell, my dearest friend. Thank you for all that you gave me and taught me.

Amy Tobin

May 22, 2012

I miss you dear brother.....

November 26, 2011

It was a sad day when I returned to Astro Empires to learn that James(Logos) had passed on. Logos was a great friend, battle buddy, and was always there when help was needed. May he rest in Peace...

Gary (Kilkenny)

Anthony (Bushwacker)

October 9, 2011

james Who I new mainly as Logos in Ceti Astro Empires was a great friend in game and out of Game may he Rest In peace and never forgotten alway did want to come vist you one day.

Selene Turner

August 3, 2011

James was also on Ceti in Astro Empires and his screen name there was Logos , I had gotten to know him and loved him . I enjoyed our talks on msn and will miss him very much .

Stewart (Death Walker)

August 3, 2011

James was one of the first WOLVES and the best there has ever been, known as Dark Logos and then Logos he was both my friend and my hero in game and out.

Miss you bro, battle brothers to the end.

Ace Hawk

August 1, 2011

Most of us here on Fenix, Asto Empires (An on-line Space Game), only knew of James by his screename, As he called himself "Temp999" on the Fenix server, and had been a member of our guild called "NOISE".
We recently received an announcement on his passing, and are deeply sadden, and extend our utmost sincerest condolences for your loss, he will surely be missed by us in our small community.
Here is a recent statement;
From Date
Mary, Queen of Derbs Quote - Msg - Report 2 Aug 2011, 00:20:34
I feel real grief and pain right now. And I miss my friend.
Other guild mates has expressed equal sentiment within our forum.
and speaking on behalf of our guild, I would like to take this opportunity to say to James "Cheers Mate" God be with you!
As we usually end our conversations in this manner.
Ace & Hawk

July 23, 2011

John & Marie, I wish I could have made the funeral but Karen told me all about it and I was very sad as I listened to her.

To lose a child before we pass-away is not the correct circle of life. We all know that.

Love to you both.

Gus

Todd Kaplan

July 22, 2011

I knew James in Grad school. James had a way of cheering up everyone around him as well as stimulating any conversation. I wish we had more time together.

Eileen Bertie

July 21, 2011

Dr.and Mrs. Tobin, Lisa and Amy,my deepest condolences. I know how difficult this time is. IF there is anything I can do for any of you, please let me know. I know how our families have been close. I can't believe that Carleton was 33 years ago.... WE were just talking with my brother John, who met Jim on a vist to Carelton, oh, so many years ago... Our hearts are with you.

Kevin AhTou

July 21, 2011

James has been a very good friend since Grad school. A fierce conpetitor, avid sports fan, erudite and learned wit.
I will miss my friend.

July 21, 2011

On behalf of all the Omaha Tobins,the grandchildren of Frances Tobin, we are so sorry for the unexpected loss of your loved one. James sounds like a wonderful individual and will surely be missed by all who knew him. Prayers for all of you in your time of sorrow.
Cary Tobin-Mohiuddin
Omaha, NE

Paulette Tobin

July 21, 2011

Mark and I met James in about 1982 when we visited Mpls and he took us to an Irish pub where we heard a band called Blarney. What an amazing guy. Condolences to all his friends and loved ones.

Jane Meany

July 20, 2011

Hi John and Marie
I know how how difficult it is to lose a family member so unexpectedly and young. Jim sounds like he was quite a guy, I guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree. The Tobin family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Charlie Pydych

July 20, 2011

I was surprised and crushed to hear of Jim's passing. I met him at Carleton College 33 years ago where we sang and acted together in choirs and Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas. An incredible intellect, I always learned something from Jim. His memory will carry on.

Mary Masoner

July 20, 2011

I've known Jim for 30 years. I love him dearly & will hold close in my heart. Smartest guy I ever met. When think of him, I smile, and sometimes laugh.

Lisa LeJeune

July 19, 2011

What a beautiful tribute! I wish I'd know him.

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