My dear dear friend, James Ottobre (Jimmy) who I have known since the 70’s in the Hollywood days, passed away, very suddenly to the other side, May 13th 2026.
We talked religiously every Sunday since his creative partner, Gino passed in January 2020. As you might remember Gino lived with us, part of our family for 35 years. He was my brother, platonic soulmate, house magician etc. and I did a whole installation in the virtual of the story of them both.
I have used Jimmy’s gorgeous garden photos in more videos that I can count and he loved seeing how I incorporated them:)
My WP banner has his store “Ottobre” proudly displayed…and I will miss him so very much,
My sincere condolences to his family, wife and children and all who loved him.
His daughter told me, a few days before he passed, he had been dreaming about creating a new fashion collection. James was an amazing designer, before he dropped out with Gino and some close friends, to live in Costa Rica. Gino worked with him as if they were one.
Jimmy and I discussed that once-in-a -lifetime working partnership, that I had with Natascha Randt (rest in peace) and he had with Gino, They are so rare.
I have a virtual cemetery that I have kept up for 18 years. Everyone who is buried there
was someone very special to me in either real life or the virtual. I even have my pets there.
Gino’s tomb was finished in 2020…and now very fitting, I have put Jimmy, by his side.
and here it is in video form to hear the sounds there and feel it. I come and lay here and listen and remember those who have gone before me. I am at that point in my life, where there are more on the other side.. than this one…Such is life…pushing 80:)
Rest in Peace Jimmy, dear friend and I can only imagine the beauty you will create with Gino by your side. Inshallah 🙏
Ah, he was such a special person! And this is such a beautiful use of the virtual world. A lovely tribute.
Thank you Dale…oh my he was soo special…like Gino, God broke the mold after making them!! I miss him..he was my friend.
Lovely tribute to Jimmy…with Gino close by… I too have many memories of the part Jimmy played in my life over 50 years ago in the pristine jungles of Costa Rica… that still affect me profoundly to this day. It is for me impossible to put in few words what touched me in realms beyond words. He was Magical.
Oh Jan, I know what a profound influence Jimmy had in your life.. You were one of the talented people that dropped out with him to the remote Pacific Shores of Costa Rica…and indirectly…influenced my picking Costa Rica to “run away” to in 1975 End of a very important era now with both Gino & Jimmy gone. I agree with you.. Jimmy was a magical being…well they both were.. I can only imagine how Gino welcomed him into “The New Society” as he used to call it:) Thank you so much for this beautiful reflection about him. 🤗
I am sorry for your loss. I know Gino welcomed him with open arms!
Thank you so much Linda… Really can’t you just picture that reunion?!!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Karima!
Thank you very much Dawn..he leaves a big hole in the lives of all who loved him.
What a sad yet beautiful tribute to James. A friend, designer, and gardener who now rests alongside his partner, Gino.
Sending you hugs from afar.