Voice of the Angels

Friends - I have sad news. I spoke at length with Kelsie Reilly, Jimmy's son, and I'm sad to report that Jimmy is no longer with us. Sometime in the past week, Jimmy chose a well-loved, beautiful and dramatic location high in the mountains above Santa Barbara, and there he took control of his own destiny by taking his own life. I know this is hard, but in Kelsie's words Jimmy is now one with "the spirit of the mountain" that he loved so much.

Most of us know Jimmy as being at the heart of Occupy Monterey. He accepted the duty of the Occupier of the Steps of the City Council Chambers. He may hold the record for the longest continuous occupation of anyone encamped at a seat of city government. Most of us would accept that Jimmy was and remains at the heart and in the soul of the movement.

Most anyone who came in contact with Jimmy was blessed by his music as Jimmy was never far from his guitar. Jimmy was a poet, a composer, a calm but forceful voice for positive change. Many of us felt his calming effect and appreciated his moment by moment approach to life, his seemingly magical presence and his inherent spirituality. He once told me that he didn't produce his music but that it came over him and flowed through him from the spirit world. It's as if Jimmy was the voice of the angels. We know these things, but Jimmy had a long life before he blessed the steps of the Monterey City Council Chambers.

Jimmy's son, Kelsie who is now thirty-five and the father of a three year old boy, says that he hopes that he can be "as good as a father to my son as [Jimmy] was to me." Kelsie says that Jimmy never saw himself growing old. When they would reminisce together Jimmy would say "Remember when we were kids..." as if both father and son were childlike and playful. Kelsie says that he "can't believe that so much time has passed in their lives. Growing up with Jimmy there was no sense of time. Life with him was like moving from one magical experience to the next. It was as if time didn't even exist."

Jimmy sang "a song so old, so old it's new again." If anyone had a wise and weathered soul it was Jimmy. I hope that we can hold our memories of him close to our hearts, that we can live his ideal of peace being present in each moment. I pray that Jimmy’s songs remain and become made new again. Much love Jimmy. I really love you. Thank you for what you gave to me. I feel you in my heart. May you dwell and prosper in the spirit world.

Comments

Wed, 05/02/2012 - 4:19pm — Timothy (not verified)

"Who has time...time for the tears / Who has time ... time for the laughter / Who has time...time to follow / Who has time...time to follow after a song..." Verse from "A Song So Old" by Jimmy Reilly

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Wed, 05/02/2012 - 5:07pm — David Glover (not verified)

Well said Tim. Jimmy was a very,VERY,special person, and this world is a lesser place without him.

Wed, 05/02/2012 - 6:49pm — ishmiel Lounsbury (not verified)

Thanks for honoring our friend Jimmy.  He was the mountain bard  of Santa Barbara.  There is a current of grief flowing throught the community as more and more folks hear the sad news.

I met Jimmy over 20 year ago. He was completely submerged  in a  swmming hole with just his  his bright blue eyes shinning out.. His first words to me were "Ah you are of this place."  He was a man from another time and place. We already miss him.

 
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Wed, 05/02/2012 - 7:45pm — Judy Souza (not verified)

I am at such a loss for words.  Grief stricken and heart broken.  Jimmy will live forever in my memory as he will for many, many people who loved him.  I will miss him terribly.  Jimmy, I'll bring you cookies or muffins when we next meet....as I did often on the steps of Colton Hall. 

To everyone, everywhere who knew and loved Jimmy.....our hearts are as one.

To his sons and grandchildren......I'm sorry.  :(

Judy

Wed, 05/02/2012 - 9:04pm — Mark Reed (not verified)

onward, upward, with the wings of eagles coming home, and the silence of angels holding hands.

Wed, 05/02/2012 - 10:59pm — Colin Gallagher (not verified)

Jimmy is truly a man of the mountain, a wonderful human being. He has departed this vessel, yet he lives on.

~ cg

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 10:27am — Briana (Bri) (not verified)

I couldn't begin to tell you all how deeply Jimmy has touched my heart. Not only did I live with him for the 1st month and a half or so that he was at city hall but he also knew and interacted with my role model/father figure when they were younger. Barry Cowsill was my grandfather and when Jimmy told that he would jam and play with my grandpa, my heart opened wide and he stepped. I instantly took him in as family. I remember meeting Jimmy a few times on the side of the Wharf in monterey and he would be jammin' his heart away on the guitar and his mini amp, he also taught me a few things on guitar because I never knew how to play. There hasn't been a moment where I don't think about Jimmy. He is where he wanted to be though, and he is happy and resting. We will all see Jimmy again, I send my love and light to his family. If you ever need anything, my name is Briana Lynn Hubbard, my phone number is 831 915 0560 and my email is bribri831@rocketmail.com Loveally'all

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 1:13pm — Eileen Reilly N... (not verified)

I want to thank you all for extending love to my late brother Jim Reilly whom I deeply miss. Jim had been out there in California for over 3 decades, but he was still deeply loved and always missed by his East Coast family, especially my late Mom, his son Jeff of Tampa FL and myself and my kids here in PA. As the last of my family, and the oldest child -- I'm Jim's senior by 3 years and 3 months, I was tasked with looking out for him when he was a kid, and that included taking him along on dates -- he always told me that the music I exposed him to at these times was the impetus for his interest in it. It makes me happy to remember those times as I grieve for him. And, I know his life was a gift -- he is shining down on all of us. Bless you all.  Eileen reilly Nephin Bish, Lancaster, PA

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 1:28pm — Arjun (not verified)

Wow what a trip, so sad, to early, a very sad loss to our community; such a True Artist, Musician, Nature Loving, Designer, Builder, Friend, Collaborator and most of all giver of time and energy: Jill’s and my wedding would not have been the event it was without “Jimbo’s” assistance in bringing vision to reality; Thank you Jimbo for all your time you gave so freely to our Santa Barbara Community!!      

 

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 3:06pm — Tim Darby (not verified)

Jimmy could easily have stepped right off the pages of a Steinbeck novel. I lost hours on the steps of City Hall, hypnotised by his storytelling, or watching him mesmerize someone else, eye to eye, only to return sometime later, to see them still under his power as he regaled them with magical episodes of his extraordinary life. I could say we shared a special bond, but I think he shared the same special bond with every single person he met. As our "Nightwatchman" he met people not just from across the US, but from across the World. I think it's fitting that memories of his epic occupation, his songs, and no doubt the stories he told, will be held in the hearts of people across the Planet. I'm glad that his spirit is back on the mountain that he told me so much about.

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 5:22pm — Chad Balester (not verified)

Jimmy's tall frame topped with cowboy hat, standing like an extra pillar in front of our town hall in Monterey, day in day out,  often solitary, holding the space, will forever be etched in my memory as a symbol of perseverance and strength. He brought a certain dignity to his role as the sole Occupier of Monterey (solo in the sense that he was the only one permitted to be there all the time). Of course the deal was he would not sleep there, but he got around that one rather beautifully too. His words were always gentle and he would look at you with those blue eyes like he really knew you for a long time. He was definitely standing with one foot in the spirit world, there was something  very down home and  famliar and at the same time very mysterious and existential about him. The way this stranger came into our lives in Monterey and the way he left, there was something almost Christ-like in this.. That he in a sense sacrificed 4 months of his life to fulfill what we at Occupy Monterey couldnt pull off.. Stoically and fully Occupying the steps of our local seat of government. Yes, it was as if Jimmy was sent to by Great Spirit. As little as I got to know him, I stil feel that he made a great impact on me on a certain level that will be felt for the rest of my life. Allthough it is difficult for us to fathom, and although its difficult not to be attached to the wish to see him again, and get to know him even better..  nevertheless I respect his choosing his own moment to leave, that was his own choice. He will forever Occupy our hearts , there is no doubt about that.

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 9:33pm — Arlene Haffa (not verified)

Forever I will look for Jimmy on the steps of Colton Hall, and find it empty.  Even before I knew of his last travels I told a friend that City Hall seems desperately lonely without Jimmy and truly meant it.  I will leave trinkets, flowers and pretty stones there in his honor.  While I only knew Jimmy for a few short months, he brought the community together and I hope that his legacy will keep us that way.  

Fri, 05/04/2012 - 8:44pm — Jeff Reilly (not verified)

 

It is truly beautiful to read all of the stories about, and expressions of love, respect and admiration towards, Jim; an individual who wandered through the wonders of life as a playful soul while he challanged us, laughed with us, cried and played for us. He truly was blessed; blessed with the ability to be his own person and strum his own rhythm. He really Was mesmorizing and captivaing, with a true passion for experiencing life and telling stories through the music that poured so freely from his soul. 
 
My mom gave me life and he introduced me to it. He sparked a real awareness in me which cannot be easily explained (you just have to be there). Although he decided to return what he has borrowed, I'm so happy to know that his life will be remembered and that his legacy will live on through others. I'm sure his energy will continue to thrive in the mountains where he spent so many years of his existance. I imagine you'll find it in a playful breeze, a flower streatching out as it reaches toward the sun, in a tree that offers shade while it's a bit too bright and in a song that touches our thoughts or makes us want to dance. Live on, love on and be free.

 

Sun, 05/06/2012 - 7:35pm — Sharon KIrsch (not verified)

I met Jimmy about 6 weeks before his time in Monterey ended.. He told me that he had enjoyed spending the winter in Monterey,, and being the face of Occupy Monterey, but, as spring was coming,  he said that he couldn't wait to go back to  Samta Barbara to be with his beloved son. 

Jimmy had one of the kindest, gentlest, most beautiful and talented souls that I've ever had the privilage of spending some time with on this earth plane.He treated every person with whom he came in contact with love, and accepted each person as a friend, even if he'd just met that person. He was such an open, caring,  compassionate man, and he seemed to know just how to give each person what she/he needed at that moment. If he intuited that a person needed music, he'd pull out his guitar and play and sing songs thatt he'd composed; if he felt that the person needed food, he's bring out some extra food that he'd share. Or he's just get the person talking about whatever. No one felt left out when she'he was with Jimmy. He made everyone who came to Occupy Monterey welcome; he gave pople a place to feell free and to be themselves.

And to quote James Taylor:  ". . . I always thought that I'd see you again . . ."

 Love you always, Jimmy, Sharon (Kirsch)occupymontereypeninsula@hotmail.com

Sun, 05/06/2012 - 9:22pm — Herb Starr (not verified)

My friendship with Jimmy was brief in time but is eternal in my memory.  What a special human he was.

God be with you Jimmy - and I'm sure he is

Herb Starr

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 3:52am — Andrea Wilson (not verified)

Jimmy, you are gone from us and I feel very sad.  Like others, I briefly and deeply knew you here in Monterey.  Very much enjoying and learning from each other's stories and our mutual hope that more humans on this planet would let their hearts open enough to cherish and protect all other people, animals and the natural goodness of earth.

For those others who consider checking out early, please reconsider, especially those of you who are young.  Forgive yourself of anything negative for nobody is perfect, love yourself well, and continue to share your presence with those who love you.  That way, you can continue the journey with those closest to your heart despite the difficulties of living in a human race where so many people choose to harden their hearts instead of sharing themselves.

Jimmy, you shared yourself to the max!  A pure joy to know you and share with you!  Please visit us often!

Your friend, Andrea of Monterey

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 11:24pm — Phil Brauer (not verified)

Jimmy,

I only knew you for a short time, but what a wonderful time it was!  You gave me and so many others so much.  I think a lot of us thought we were stopping by to help you, but it was really the other way around.  The times I got to play music with you were magical, and I will never forget them.  And the times when you were not in the mood to play and we would just talk...I felt like I knew you my whole life.  I miss having you around.  Peace to you, up there in the Star Parade.  Phil.

Thu, 05/10/2012 - 12:20am — Allen (not verified)

James (bones) oh Reilly , you are my big brother, over grown elf , nomadic gnome,crown prince of the amusement park,minstrel in the meadow,majorette of the back beat,animated of the counter beat, so out of step (it's in step) !!! Meandering muse, the fire crackers fuse. He brought joy to the blues , report ancient wisdom as news, partner moving rocks, stashing stones,having conversations about building homes,his sparkle, those eyes, forever in my dome, some of my favorite thoughts of my brother "bones" " hold a spot at your new site" I'll be on my way traveling light, I understand you were tired, that's all right , bring you some story of what was left of the fight, nothin but love, here for you tonight, onward Jim , lay down the plight.

Fri, 05/18/2012 - 7:39pm — James (not verified)

I want to say that I got to know Jimmy very well here in Monterey and also on the steps of Colton Hall. I used to sneak over there with a few shots of whiskey we'd share and we'd 'kick it' about the 'good old days' like the 70's and I'm still a big disco fan.

I can come to terms with the fact that he's gone, but it's difficult for me to accept the means he chose to leave this world. He showed no inclination to me of depression or of wanting to leave this world.

Anyways, I got his memorial a beautiful boquet of blue belladonnas from the flower shop on Alvarado. I was just up there today and I'm upset that the memorial is gone. Where did it go?

It's hard for me to believe. I'm very suspicious of the supposed cause of death. Was this some kind of a 'hit job' made to like suicide?

I have a song on USB called "Taxi" by Harry Chapin and he wanted me to get him a copy of it for the longest but I could never get around to it cause as far as I know he had no computer (I've just got a netbook with no CD drive).

Anyways, in his memory I'd like to maybe email it to his son if possible my email address is:

atropineiseuphoria@hotmail.com

James

Sun, 05/20/2012 - 9:43pm — pamela (not verified)

Hi James,

Yesterday MIIS had their graduation at Colton Hall. I imagine that someone from their set-up crew cleared the steps. We are all finding the news hard to believe. No one suspected anything like this. However, Jimmy left a note to his son saying that he didn't want to be a burden in his old age, so it seems that he really did choose to end his own life. We are planning to hold a memorial service on Saturday, June 23, 7pm. I hope you can join the group to commemorate our friend.

Wed, 06/13/2012 - 7:04pm — Neil Heckman (not verified)

This makes me so sad. I used to play sax/guitar duets with Jimmy in front of city hall in Monterey late at night. One night, the cops came and told me to stop making so much noise. As they were writing down my info, a big noisy street sweeper came by, and Jimmy looked up at the cop in my defense and said, "There goes another noise-maker for you to stop." He was always defending beauty. I'll miss him so much...

Sun, 06/24/2012 - 3:12pm — Colin (not verified)

Thanks for the music, that was a wonderful bit of saxophone melody you shared with everyone on the 23rd. Respect

Mon, 07/30/2012 - 5:54pm — my blog (not verified)

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Tue, 09/25/2012 - 5:36am — Wedding Djs (not verified)

we are going to miss him..... it is a great loss to us...... but i would like to request the people who respect him to support his family finishing his unfinished works.... great post... really apperaiciate it..

 

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