Jim Kasmir Obituary

Jim Kasmir

Ventura, CA

Jim Kasmir died suddenly on February 11, 2015. He leaves a large hole in the lives of all who knew him. He was an extremely talented man who gave a smile to all who knew him. Jimmy had a great sense of humor, which was on display at the Ventura Improv Company, where he truly felt he had a second family. If he wasn't there he was cracking jokes with friends while listening to outlaw country and blues, or trying to bluff his way through a rambunctious poker game! Jim was an expert magician, and immensely proud to be a member of the Magic Castle. In addition, he was a cartoonist, and played a wicked harp. Creatively, if Jim put his mind to it, he could master it!

Jim was born April 18, 1961. He spent his early years in New York City. After his Dad John's retirement from the NYPD, the family moved to Florida, near Cape Canaveral, where Jim graduated from high school. With his brother John already living out here in California, Jim took his creative spirits here, like so many do. While he never became a big name movie star, he certainly enjoyed the many outlets this region has for the creative soul.

Jim will be remembered by his family and friends for his love of animals, especially his beloved dog, Coconut. He will also be remembered for a quick wit, his passion for life, and the many friends he made over a truly wonderful life. Jim did have his troubles, and our prayers are that he is truly at peace now.

Jim was preceded in death by his Dad, John Kasmir (Orlando, Fl). He is survived by his Mom, Julia Kasmir (Orlando, Fl), his siblings John Kasmir, nieces Kaci and Kelli (CA), Thomas Kasmir, wife Linda, nieces Matthew and Jennifer (North Carolina), and Eileen Fleming, husband John (Florida) and niece Keriann (Tenn). He was also greatly loved by his ex-wife Katherine (Ventura,CA) and his step-children, Kyra and Mitchell Boring.

One of Jim's favorite movies, Lonesome Dove, has a quote from Robert Duvall's character, Gus McCray, as he is about to pass away, "Aye God Woodrow, it's been quite a party." It sure was Jimmy, it sure was.

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

Published by Ventura County Star on May 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Kasmir

Sponsored by Sister and Brothers of James A. Kasmir.

11 Entries

Linda Livingston

April 27, 2024

Wow, hard to believe it has been almost ten years. You are still loved and missed by your many friends, Jim. Posting a picture you drew for me when I was writing a children's book.

Jim McWilliams

January 9, 2022

Jimmy lived across the street from me from 1977-1979, when we both graduated from high school. We spent many, many hours together--whether that was playing catch, going out in my little boat, or going to the movies. We lost touch with each in the early 1980s after I'd moved to Missouri and he left for southern California. I'm sorry to hear that he's gone.

April 27, 2019

I think of Jim often, especially when I come across an old photo, or something he had written. Jim was a terrific writer as well. His talents were boundless. Would love to see that face again.

Jonathan Washam

August 12, 2015

Jim lived down the street from me on Merritt Island, FL during his junior and high school years. What I remember most about Jim was his creativity and sense of fun. In Junior High, Jim, Keith Stump and I put together a magic act and we went out performing around the neighborhood and local libraries. Out of the three of us, Jim had the most stunning acts and had the audience completely amazed; he was especially great with the little kids.

I also remember our home movies projects, particularly our own version of a Star Trek episode. We created our own scripts and took a Star Trek model and added colored lights to it for special effects (even though it was all filmed in B&W).

And then there were the spy stories and games...he loved his cryptograms and we were constantly sending secret messages to each other using new codes we had just created. We just knew we were all going to be secret agents when we grew up ;-) We had our secret forts that we built and even spent a few hours on the water trying to catch fish.

There was also the music...in addition to playing in the band, each week we couldn't wait until Casey Kasem came out with his latest top 40 hits as it played on the local radio station, CK-101. We decided we had to have our own top hits list and created our own music montage of the latest hits. It was always an adventure with Jim.

I lost track of Jim after High School; he went to California, I went to Texas. Although I wish we could have kept up with each other, I am pleased to hear about all the people that he touched and got to laugh; it sounds like they are all better for having known Jim.

I am sure that the heavens are being filled with laughter and renewed by his sense of creativity. God speed, Jim!

John Medeiros

May 20, 2015

I miss you, man.

Jimmy Kasmir

eileen kasmir flemimg

May 8, 2015

Thank you Linda for remembering my brother that way for it is my childhood memories of Jimmy that I know him by and my favorite picture of Jimmy is this one when he was 5-6 years old.

Linda Livingston

May 7, 2015

In addition to his magic and writing gifts, Jim was also a talented cartoonist, and harmonica player. What I remember most was his wonderful child-like sense of play. xo

Jim LeVasseur

May 5, 2015

Jim Kasmir was a writer, actor, magician and all around good guy. I remember fondly are days in the Ventura College Theater Arts Dept. Matt Pelto's Acting (video taped our performances, practices, what a new thing in "84). Acting together in "the Public Eye". Hanging out with Jim, Leonard and Jim's girlfriend Jackie. I learned of this death almost two months after it happened. I hope there was a nice memorial/remembrance gathering at Ventura Improv Company. "Good night sweet prince and may flights of angels take thee to thy rest"...

John Darling

May 5, 2015

Jimbo the Magnificent

With mouth organ blazing, he'd pull a rabbit from a hat

Now how in the world could you not laugh at that!

Up on the boards he'd act like he was Heaven sent,

And maybe he was, he was Jimbo the Magnificent.

He'd been known to sing and he'd been known to prance

And sometimes when silly he'd do a naked chicken dance

Whatever he did, he did for our enjoyment.

Because as we all know, he was Jimbo the Magnificent

Now that he's gone, the lights have gone out

But we'll all be happy and we'll all have no doubt

That he'll be wearing wings to where ever it is he went

And Angels, those lucky Angels, will be laughing with Jimbo the Magnificent

Paul Caron

May 5, 2015

I will always remember Jim as the life of the party. He absolutely loved celebrating St Patrick's Day, as well as enjoying time with friends. More than most, I think he savored the fun times, knowing there are only so many in one's life. I miss him everyday, and because of the abrupt departure, will take longer to accept it. God bless buddy!

Final words from JIM KASMIR

Eileen Fleming

May 5, 2015

Much gratitude to my brother's friends for creating this Obit-Tribute!

I especially appreciate your concluding with the quote "...it's been quite a party."

Because Jim's party continues in his final writings published as a FREE eBook "Family Matters: Addictions, OCD and Suicide"

Before Jim committed suicide -America's new number ONE killer and only preventable disease- he wrote about his struggle with OCD and prescription drug addictions in short stories, plays, poems and autobiographical files in a computer at Straight Up-which is funded by Ventura California Behavioral Health Department, Alcohol and Drug Programs.

As his sister I published those documents to engage discussion and offer solutions.

Thank you for reading the last words of Jim Kasmir:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/526724

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