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Bill James Memorial Bonsais at Huntington Library

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My beloved husband, William A. James, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 7, 2019, after a valiant 22 month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was only 65 years old. A bright, cheerful, and endearingly affectionate man, Bill was dedicated to his family and to his 36 year career at Boeing. He was the love of my life, and I know he will be missed by a great many people.

One of Bill's greatest delights was strolling through gardens. He particularly admired the bonsais at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, which we visited often over the years.

I wanted to make it possible for all the people who loved and admired Bill to celebrate his life by joining in a group memorial in his honor. I have therefore arranged for the purchase of a truly spectacular liquidambar bonsai tree, which the Huntington is excited to acquire, and will be displayed for all to enjoy in their Japanese garden bonsai collection. A plaque will indicate that the tree was donated in Bill's memory by his family and friends.

This liquidambar bonsai is over 60 years old and was created by George Yamaguchi, one of the true bonsai pioneers in Southern California. It is in their private collection and was originally not for sale -- but they are delighted that it will find a permanent home at the Huntington Library. A remarkable tree, it is 44" tall and a classic for its species.

Since I posted this message, I have been awed by the outpouring of love on Bill's behalf. Over $4000 was donated on the first day in less than 16 hours, enough to cover the cost of the liquidambar bonsai.  

So many additional people have expressed their wish to contribute to Bill's memorial, that I have raised the fund's goal in the hopes that it will be possible to purchase a 2nd companion tree in Bill's honor. I have my eye on 8 other exquisite bonsai trees at the Yamaguchi nursery, three of which are lush forests. Several are in their private collection. All are amazingly beautiful.  The amount we raise will determine which additional tree we can purchase in Bill's memory.

Thank you so much for donating to this unique memorial, which I hope will be a fitting and everlasting tribute to my husband Bill, a truly remarkable man.
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Donations 

  • Sira Ritacco
    • $100 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

Syrie James
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA

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