Obituary of Stephen S. James

Stephen Scott James of Clinton, son of David Lewis James and Dorothy (Jones) James, passed away on Monday, March 9, at home with family by his side. Steve was born in Rutland, VT, on March 26, 1955, and lived in Houston, Washington, DC, Syracuse, Cleveland, and San Francisco prior to the family settling in Clinton in 1966. He graduated from Clinton High School and then completed a post-grad year at the Westminster School in Simsbury, CT. He then enrolled at Denison University, where he majored in Theater and English, and where he met Gayle Pearson, beginning 52 years of a fulfilling and loving partnership. 

After Steve and Gayle married in 1978, they returned to Clinton and Steve became a partner in his father’s commercial and residential flooring businesses, Dick Tile and Marble Company and Oneida Floor. He became sole owner in 1992 when his father retired. His drive, creativity, and gift with people helped bring both Dick Tile and Oneida Floor to new levels of success. Steve embraced with gusto the challenges his work brought him, as well as the relationships he cultivated with colleagues and employees. A strong believer in civic duty, Steve served on the boards of Sculpture Space, the Kirkland Art Center, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Sadaquada Country Club, and was a member of the Mohawk Valley Builders’ Exchange and the National Terrazzo and Marble Association. 

Having grown up in a home filled with music, Steve went on to become a true live music aficionado. After first seeing the Grateful Dead in Utica in spring of 1973 and again later that year at the legendary “Summer Jam” at Watkins Glen, along with The Allman Brothers and The Band, Steve officially got “on the bus,” which took him to hundreds of concerts with his coterie of tour pals spanning rock, jazz, folk, blues, bluegrass, country and more, Steve had an ear for great music of any genre, and had a deep knowledge of musicians and music history, from classical to world music to emerging composers. A natural teacher, he was proud to mentor the next generation of “music freaks” whether it was his own children, other young family members, their friends, or any number of young listeners who knew him as The Raven, his DJ persona for 28 years on the Hamilton College radio station, WHCL. 

Steve was also a serious and accomplished golfer; in his younger years he played to a

single digit handicap. As was his way, he generously shared his knowledge of and passion for golf, emphasizing that it was a game of honor that must be played honorably. Slacks were required if playing in the historic McLaughlin Cup, where for many years Steve captained the Sadaquada Golf Club team in its annual match versus the Yahnundasis. He enjoyed the camaraderie  of a remarkable array of friends through the years on his favorite courses from the West Course at the John’s Island Club in Florida to the many beautiful links of Central New York, especially his beloved Seven Oaks at Colgate University. And while a round of golf with Steve was often a stern test, it was nearly always followed by a stop at the 19th hole for a drink, good cheer, and great music.

But Steve found his greatest joy in his marriage, fatherhood, family, and friends. His desire to create a home full of adventure, laughter, music, good food, and love was the driving force in his life, and he was never happier than when they could all be together, whether going to concerts or baseball games, attending his kids’ performances, concerts and celebrating their life passages, travelling, watching movies, or gathering around the holiday table. Friends were also central; he treasured them, new and old, throughout his life. He believed in people, and never gave up on anyone. As empty-nesters, Steve and Gayle enjoyed their time together to the fullest. They hiked National Parks, kayaked in the Adirondacks, traveled to Italy, the UK, Germany, and across the US, exploring museums, historic sites, and new cities and landscapes.

Steve was well known for his sense of humor, his keen eye for the absurd, and his unique storytelling abilities. His zest for life and his desire to live it fully, in every moment, was at his very core. He died as he lived: with an open heart and mind, unending curiosity, humor, gratitude, and always a desire to help others along this journey through the cycle of life. He was a true seeker - of knowledge, of joy and delight, of experiences, and of a deeper understanding. He will be dearly missed by many, but his loving and engaging spirit will live on.. 

He is survived by Gayle, his wife of 47 years, children Cary and Clea James and grandchildren Anneliis and Graeme, of Chicago; Evan, of Los Angeles, and Lindsay, of Utica; his sister Meg Averill and her children Sam and Luke; his sister Amy James and her children Jake and Rhys Ford; sister- and brother-law Sharon and Robert Cropper and and their son, Nick; and his German brother Paul-Gerhard Steinestel and wife Gisela of Laichingen, Germany. And of course, his multitude of friends across the globe.

The family would like to thank the ALS team at the University of Rochester, the Siegenthaler Center, Chris Clark, and especially devoted friends Michael Cawley, Karen Sammon and Will Cardamone (and George the Dog), for their steadfast and constant help and presence during these last months, as well as the many friends whose visits meant so much to Steve.

Donations in Steve’s name can be made to the Kirkland Art Center, the Kirkland Town Library, the Clinton Fire Department, or to a charity of choice. Calling hours will be held from 3-6 PM on Saturday, March 14th, at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Services in Clinton. A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the Sadaquada.