James Patrick McNamara
Feb 24,1967-Feb 9,2017
James Patrick McNamara, a local San Francisco Renaissance man and raconteur, has passed away at the age of 49 after an extended illness. He will be sorely missed.
As a child, James was curious and gifted. At 2 he took apart and rebuilt his parents’ telephone, and by age 6 he had moved on to dismantling and rebuilding the family TV set. He enjoyed films and playing golf for Brophy Prep. in Phoenix, AZ. Midway through high school James moved to La Jolla, California where he discovered punk rock, skateboarding, and surfing. He graduated from La Jolla High School in 1985.
James developed lifelong interests in computers, history, fashion, and the arts. After high school James moved to San Francisco where he embraced the city’s history and culture. Driving his vintage Lambretta scooters and Rambler cars, he scoured its neighborhoods.
He collected Jazz guitars, played impromptu gigs and frequented North Beach, which he identified as the heart and soul of the city. During a trip to Europe in 1988 James immersed himself in music and began playing guitar in the style of Django Reinhardt. His exquisite taste extended through many forms of artistic expression.
In 1991, James graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute with a degree in filmmaking. His creative contributions include The Origin “Bend” music video, and music directing for a Hollywood video project currently in development, as well as many unpublished short documentaries.
James will be remembered fondly for his intelligent, inquisitive spirit, tender friendship, passion and humor. He lived eccentrically but always maintained an outspoken interest in life and people.
He is survived by his sisters Joan McNamara, Nancy (McNamara) Chaboun, Cindy Wright-Jones, and Bryanna “Breezy” McNamara. James was a lover of all animals, and Miss Kitty, his beloved Siamese, also survives James. He was preceded in death by his parents Ollie and Gerry McNamara.
A memorial service will be held on March 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Duggans Funeral home, 3434 17th street, San Francisco