Jimmy always related to Superheros...a bit better than normal people. Jimmy believed we all had our own "super powers" and that we could use them for good in our community. What super hero do you most relate to? Maybe "channel" that superhero - and do a good deed in Jimmy's name. He would love that...(purple or colored super suit not required, but would be amazing...)
Jimmy called this picture "Siamese"
He edited this photo himself...
One of his many collages he liked to make - this one is from a school in Atlanta
Sounds Like
Jimmy in Peru - serenading his Peruvian love with a Phish song - while getting his beard dreaded...
James (Jimmy) DuRuz set himself free on Sunday, June 24th. He did not mean to hurt his loving family or friends. In fact, he was gentle and loving to every living creature. James was an excellent student and leader, being the class president of both Beaver Lake Middle School and Issaquah High School.
His awards and achievements are too numerous to list. He was a singer, musician, composer, actor, dancer and director. It was no surprise when he went off to Yale to continue his studies in theater and drama.
After graduating, he had trouble finding his path, as he could accept the imperfections in everyone but himself. He traveled the world and worked with at-risk youth through Outward Bound until his death. James, our Jimmy, will be missed by so many people each day.
This site is for all of the people, all over the world, that Jimmy touched - to share their memories, their photos, videos, etc - and to enjoy one of the few things that gave him solace, that quieted his mind and his soul - MUSIC. Please download his songs. We have So much of his music to get out to people - so please check back - as we will be changing the songs every month or so.
PLEASE feel free to leave comments with memories, messages and thoughts on this page - or comment on any of his photos. This site is for all of us to unite in his memory...which is what he always wanted....
was in the room with dueling ukuleles yesterday. Made me miss you. Also made me want to get one for the house, so that it can be played and I can think of you more often.
Hey bro - Wolverine comes out May 1st. ITs got Gambit, Sabretooth, Deadpool, The Blob - all the characters you used to tell me about! You would be SO pumped! The movie looks great. Its my best way to connect with you, seeing these movies! Cant wait!
You know, I've been thinking about you a lot lately. About what everything means, if anything at all.
You were like me; smart, dark haired, funny, musical, and quirky.
And now, as im trying to define myself and set my morals, I can't help but remember how much you impacted me and my life. How much that the tragedy of your death showed me that life is final even for the young and the spirited.
I'm sorry if that sounds harsh and serious to you, but you understand. You always understood the moodiness of the teenagedom.
Who knows.
You had such passion for it all that I can only dream for right now. Maybe soon ill find my meaning.
I love you man. I miss you a lot.
Say hey to Grandpa....let him know that Nate is kicking some serious ass in baseball.
we all got tats...the same as you had on your ankle...me, nella, scotty and katie young and her man...all have alittle of your ashes in them... here is a pic
It has been a Jimmy DuRuz splattered week! I feel you hovering over this time like a "flock of angels". All the rituals that we/I had done in the past around this time out of pure intuitive "insanity" seemed to align in this synchroMystic thread. Thanks for the mark of heaven/ creation. I love it and don't mind the permanentcy of it. It reminds me to honor those that suffer & to be joyful. I see you every day in the face of my lover and think to myself how you must have had a hand in us. So beautifully you have awakened so many of us. THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS!!!!!! I MISS YOU SO BUT YOU ARE PERFECT!!!
I aimlessly made my way home today, had been thinking of you during a tarot reading. As my travels are to begin... Happened to find a package at my parents house, opened it at 9:20 pm. Only you and I have timing like that. It's beautiful to get to see your Peruvian love, only having heard you speak of her it's wonderful to see her, and know of the loves that you experienced before me. The video makes me think of the night we painted Krog tunnel, and off the cuff I suggested you stir the golden paint with your dreaded beard (not really thinking u would do it, but obviously not knowing you well enough then) And then the next day when you brought me to the school with you and I met the librarian and we were both splattered and sunflower stained golden head to toe. Goddamn it hurts me to think of all we would have shared. I know they are walking and thinking of you tonite, and as I cry, so many tears are shed in seattle for lost loved ones. You beautiful expansive soul. I know you are well from my dreams, and I hope that I will be graced with your prescence again soon. I heard Common Market "Jimmy" the other morning on the way to work, and though its so clearly not about u, it is indictive of the expansive nature and the connectedness of your soul, you are a rallying point for the lovers and changers and the movers and the shakers, musicians, healers, rappers and artists alike can all appreciate your soul. Your music is beautiful I fucking miss you.
A girl from your HS class left a recent message on your memorial page. I wasnt expecting to find such a heartfelt message, it made me bawl. She summed it up so beautifully...
"I heard of James' passing just recently and my heart has ached ever since. I can honestly say it has changed my life for the better. Such a shock was the news about James that it made me question my motives, my desires, my ambitions. Am I truly who I profess to be? What am I doing to help others? Does the disparity I see pain me enough to change the hypocrisy in me? What more can I do? Who am I passing by that might need me? "
The fact that she hardly knew you and was able to draw such heart felt and soul searching questions from this loss, is amazing to me.
Selfish and manipulative family members are driving me crazy bro. How anyone can make your death a way for them to get attention rather than a way to better themselves and make huge changes in their lives - is BEYOND me.
The appearances of you in my dreams and signs you throw me in every day life - have kept me going and let me know you are still by my side.
I am sorry for the torment you went through and that the world was too much for your soul to handle. I feel good knowing you talked to me about them, and that I tried so hard to help you with them during the last 2 years of your life. I hope to work every day to try to help the things that caused you so much pain. You will be happy to know I have made the decision to stop wasting my time with people and things that didn't give back to the world in some way. Life is too short to not give back without worrying about what you are getting in return....
Thought about you on the subway Saturday when I went to meet Nina for dinner. We reminisced about you, as I always seem to do when I see people or things that remind me of you. Never heard your music before, so this site is a great treat. -Jimmy T.
I'm in NY- I'd love to connect with some of your peeps I love you so much. We are celebrating the cob house on April 13th and I will be celebrating you!!!!!!!!
I still wonder sometimes about what you were gonna send me. You asked for my address and then nothing. Thanks for the comment though in the same message...I answered you then and I am still thinking about it now. Sabi
Your Music is Stunning. Your Voice is immensely gorgeous. I finally booked a gig. I've missed our collaboration dearly. I LOVE your songs! I LOVE video Bill, I mean LOVE- reminds me a bit of Chucklehead. I invite you to join me March 8th . . .Somehow Alas, the gifts that bellow sometimes induce the biggest fears.
I love you Jimmy . .so much You are in the foundation of the Earthen Playhouse. I'll never forget how you stood by me and helped so much. I feel like an old lady now compared to the innocent connection we had then.
Your songs are AMAZING. Scott told me how prolific you are You are a superstar It's okay Don't be scared. You'll just always shine SO bright.
I had an amazing dream about you last night. You came to this world again. For some reason it was May 27th or 25th- it had been a year since you left (in my dream) The whole time you had been floating in this small lake-like body of water. You reunited with Carol and we all gave you so much love. Your skin was really clear- like you went through this great cleansing. I asked you how you stayed alive under water. You said you were in a different state of consciousness. I went to call Scott to tell him you were here again. You said you wanted to do it in person, so we invited him here. He was hesitant to travel, but your energy somehow convinced him. Then I had to run to physics class (It seems we were all in college together even though college was 10 years ago for me!) It was really great to hug you again- even if it was in my dreams! The image of you was stronger than ever. It makes me think you are in a really good place now, centered, with people/spirits who are nurturing you and being gentle with you as you are so gentle. Thanks for living.