Memorial for Jim this Sunday!
Hello all! James' sons here. We will be having a memorial/celebration of life for our father this coming weekend!
This Sunday 6/14 from 1-5pm at the Benicia Clock Tower. 1189 Washington Street, Benicia 94510
There will be song and dance. There will be drama, stories and tears. There will be jokes, laughter and joy. There will be finger foods, beer, wine and mead. Feel free to bring a bottle of your favorite wine or a snack to share.
We look forward to celebrating the man our Mother called Husband. The man we called Dad. The man many had the pleasure of calling Friend. Can't wait to share this day with so many. :-)
Cheers,
Matt & Andrew
In Memorium. What is remembered lives!
Obituary in The Wild Hunt
May11 May at 14:42 ·
It's Humpday.
It's been a year since my Pop reluctantly moved on from this world. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't try to pick up the phone and call him. Or sitting at the office looking at his desk wishing I could ask him a question. While I dearly miss his humor, lengthy discussions into the seemingly irrelevant, his guidance, love and support. I take comfort in knowing he lived a far fuller life than most could wish for; he is at peace. Here's one of his well balanced Humpday posts.
-Matthew Bianchi
James L. Bianchi
4 December 2014 · It was a hump day like no other. This evening Susannah and I sat in two comfy arm chairs in a center box of the elegant 80 year old San Francisco Opera House to experience the staging of La Bohéme by Giacomo Puccini. Snappy tunes, amazing singers, great scenery, magnificent orchestra and Mimi dies at the end. It was all very Italian. Here is picture of me spending a quiet moment with Puccini at his Summer Villa in Tuscany. It’s not far from where my Italian family is clustered.
Scattered among the boxes were old friends of the Italian Glitterati in San Francisco. We served on committees together over the years. They even had me emcee the Queen Isabella Ball on Columbus Day several years ago. I seized the moment during intermission to engage my friends on the Columbus Day committee. It is time to stop celebrating Columbus. He was an abusive governor, spreading disease, torturing indigenous people, and generated the slave trade. Even the King of Spain was offended: calling him back to Spain for a well deserved head knuckling.
Who should we honor? I planted a seed. We celebrate Annette Funicello Day. Who would question the enormous contributions of the original Mouseketeers on American Culture? The very idea of being emcee of the first Annette Funicello Ball makes me go damp. I’m just sayin.
4 December 2014 · It was a hump day like no other. This evening Susannah and I sat in two comfy arm chairs in a center box of the elegant 80 year old San Francisco Opera House to experience the staging of La Bohéme by Giacomo Puccini. Snappy tunes, amazing singers, great scenery, magnificent orchestra and Mimi dies at the end. It was all very Italian. Here is picture of me spending a quiet moment with Puccini at his Summer Villa in Tuscany. It’s not far from where my Italian family is clustered.
Scattered among the boxes were old friends of the Italian Glitterati in San Francisco. We served on committees together over the years. They even had me emcee the Queen Isabella Ball on Columbus Day several years ago. I seized the moment during intermission to engage my friends on the Columbus Day committee. It is time to stop celebrating Columbus. He was an abusive governor, spreading disease, torturing indigenous people, and generated the slave trade. Even the King of Spain was offended: calling him back to Spain for a well deserved head knuckling.
Who should we honor? I planted a seed. We celebrate Annette Funicello Day. Who would question the enormous contributions of the original Mouseketeers on American Culture? The very idea of being emcee of the first Annette Funicello Ball makes me go damp. I’m just sayin.
James L. Bianchi, Esq.
1949-2015
I did a Tarot reading for Jim last night
And all the Trumps fell from my hands
They’ve been partying now for almost a year
While we are still picking up the strands
Jim, The Fool, was unabashed as he
Walked close to the cliff, unafraid
All life was an adventure to him
And there was no role he hadn’t played.
As a Magician, Jim knew what to do
There was no case he couldn’t resolve
He took on challenges most would pass
There were no riddles he couldn’t solve
The High Priestess, Jim gave us counsel
When life overwhelmed our minds
His measured advice kept us on track
Until our own way, we could find
Emperor Jim, the great Organizer
Who called us together to meet
For he had big plans for Pantheacon
And he’d get us all back on our feet!
Jim, The Empress, for he was all heart
The provider for so many needs
To his place we’d all wend our way
And our troubles, he would heed
The Hierophant, Jim was our teacher
Leading most of the Druidic rites
His booming voice holding forth
While teaching all his acolytes
Jim, the Lovers, the charmer
You could talk a bird from a tree
You used your skills for Druid’s peace
And that is your main legacy
The Chariot, the mover and shaker
Who never could sit still for a minute
Involved with so many vital projects
The centrifugal force, Jim would spin it
The Strength of a roaring lion
Whose force and vitality was legend
Endurance profound, his love abounds
There were few he did not call friend
Jim was the contemplative Hermit,
In touch with his internal guides
He always knew, just what to do
With the Old Gods, he confides.
The Wheel of fortune has turned
Riding high at the top of your game
You’ve dealt with your share of karma, Jim
And come round again and again
Justice was your main passion
As you worked to liberate everyone
The injustice of systems, this was the mission
Until the job was done
Jim, the Hanged Man was his soul
He was willing to sacrifice everything
So much on his mind, and so little time
So much he wanted to bring
Jim had no time for Lord Death
He ignored the warnings and signs
Death offered release and a bit of peace
But Jim wasn’t ready to resign
Temperance lent Jim a hand
To balance the demands of his life
Family, Pagans, Clients, and more
His responsibilities were always rife
Jim, The Devil was in you
As you loved to debate with your friends
You’d argue both ways, sometimes for days
But usually win in the end
Jim was not afraid of The Tower
Change was always his quest
To show us the way, at the end of the day
His goal was to teach and attest
Jim was the Star of the show
He always held center ring
Though he loved the acclaim, he’d share his fame
For the intention was the main thing.
Jim has gone back to the The Moon
That initiates the power of dreams
He speaks to us all, if we hear his call
And justice is still his main theme.
Jim, The Sun is still in your face
As you rise again to a new world
You are so strong, I can’t see you wait long
As again, your banner unfurls
Judgement was your sounding board
As you navigated all through this life
You faced all your foes and demons
And handled all matters of strife
Jim, The World is waiting for you
Your work will never be done
For we need valiant Earth Warriors
And you are Her favorite son!
-Susa Morgan Black
1949-2015
I did a Tarot reading for Jim last night
And all the Trumps fell from my hands
They’ve been partying now for almost a year
While we are still picking up the strands
Jim, The Fool, was unabashed as he
Walked close to the cliff, unafraid
All life was an adventure to him
And there was no role he hadn’t played.
As a Magician, Jim knew what to do
There was no case he couldn’t resolve
He took on challenges most would pass
There were no riddles he couldn’t solve
The High Priestess, Jim gave us counsel
When life overwhelmed our minds
His measured advice kept us on track
Until our own way, we could find
Emperor Jim, the great Organizer
Who called us together to meet
For he had big plans for Pantheacon
And he’d get us all back on our feet!
Jim, The Empress, for he was all heart
The provider for so many needs
To his place we’d all wend our way
And our troubles, he would heed
The Hierophant, Jim was our teacher
Leading most of the Druidic rites
His booming voice holding forth
While teaching all his acolytes
Jim, the Lovers, the charmer
You could talk a bird from a tree
You used your skills for Druid’s peace
And that is your main legacy
The Chariot, the mover and shaker
Who never could sit still for a minute
Involved with so many vital projects
The centrifugal force, Jim would spin it
The Strength of a roaring lion
Whose force and vitality was legend
Endurance profound, his love abounds
There were few he did not call friend
Jim was the contemplative Hermit,
In touch with his internal guides
He always knew, just what to do
With the Old Gods, he confides.
The Wheel of fortune has turned
Riding high at the top of your game
You’ve dealt with your share of karma, Jim
And come round again and again
Justice was your main passion
As you worked to liberate everyone
The injustice of systems, this was the mission
Until the job was done
Jim, the Hanged Man was his soul
He was willing to sacrifice everything
So much on his mind, and so little time
So much he wanted to bring
Jim had no time for Lord Death
He ignored the warnings and signs
Death offered release and a bit of peace
But Jim wasn’t ready to resign
Temperance lent Jim a hand
To balance the demands of his life
Family, Pagans, Clients, and more
His responsibilities were always rife
Jim, The Devil was in you
As you loved to debate with your friends
You’d argue both ways, sometimes for days
But usually win in the end
Jim was not afraid of The Tower
Change was always his quest
To show us the way, at the end of the day
His goal was to teach and attest
Jim was the Star of the show
He always held center ring
Though he loved the acclaim, he’d share his fame
For the intention was the main thing.
Jim has gone back to the The Moon
That initiates the power of dreams
He speaks to us all, if we hear his call
And justice is still his main theme.
Jim, The Sun is still in your face
As you rise again to a new world
You are so strong, I can’t see you wait long
As again, your banner unfurls
Judgement was your sounding board
As you navigated all through this life
You faced all your foes and demons
And handled all matters of strife
Jim, The World is waiting for you
Your work will never be done
For we need valiant Earth Warriors
And you are Her favorite son!
-Susa Morgan Black
December 31, 2015
Obligatory 2015 Reflection:
2015 was another year packed with successes and set backs. It started off with traveling to new countries, making great new friends and learning how to live. I expanded my hauling business and began a new endeavor with a long time friend and Hermano, Benjamin Hall. Not to mention the bundle of joy my cousin and his wife created, the first of our next Gen!
However, a person cannot appreciate positive growth without understanding something must be given in return. In addition to losing one of my favorite Great Uncles, Haakon Sater. I lost my mentor, my peace keeper, my "go-to", the best friend I ever had, my father, James L. Bianchi. Every time I'm losing my ish, his voice still rings out and returns me to a forward moving position. Thank you pop, for everything you taught me; both, the "how to" and "what not to do". I miss him constantly but that which is remembered, lives!
In retrospect, I've learned more about people, the law, business, the world and myself in the last 12 months than I can effectively quantify. But I can say this; I am grateful for my partner in crime, Yessica, for putting up with my mood swings and erratic schedule. I am grateful for my Momma BearBianchi, who has persevered through such trying times and continues to be an anchor in the worst of storms. I am grateful for the opportunities I've made for myself, equally as such, those which have been presented to me. I am grateful. Bidding you and 2015 adieu, please be safe out there tonight. I wish you ALL the Happiest of New Years!!! WE. ARE. GONNA. CRUSH. 2016!!!
-Matthew Bianchi
Obligatory 2015 Reflection:
2015 was another year packed with successes and set backs. It started off with traveling to new countries, making great new friends and learning how to live. I expanded my hauling business and began a new endeavor with a long time friend and Hermano, Benjamin Hall. Not to mention the bundle of joy my cousin and his wife created, the first of our next Gen!
However, a person cannot appreciate positive growth without understanding something must be given in return. In addition to losing one of my favorite Great Uncles, Haakon Sater. I lost my mentor, my peace keeper, my "go-to", the best friend I ever had, my father, James L. Bianchi. Every time I'm losing my ish, his voice still rings out and returns me to a forward moving position. Thank you pop, for everything you taught me; both, the "how to" and "what not to do". I miss him constantly but that which is remembered, lives!
In retrospect, I've learned more about people, the law, business, the world and myself in the last 12 months than I can effectively quantify. But I can say this; I am grateful for my partner in crime, Yessica, for putting up with my mood swings and erratic schedule. I am grateful for my Momma BearBianchi, who has persevered through such trying times and continues to be an anchor in the worst of storms. I am grateful for the opportunities I've made for myself, equally as such, those which have been presented to me. I am grateful. Bidding you and 2015 adieu, please be safe out there tonight. I wish you ALL the Happiest of New Years!!! WE. ARE. GONNA. CRUSH. 2016!!!
-Matthew Bianchi
photo by Victoria Slind-flor Victoria Slind-flor31 October 2015 · Oakland ·
One funny thing did happen last night. I always put a bottle of Jameson's on the Dia de los Muertos altar in memory of my husband William Mahannah. Yesterday, just before we started the ritual, we learned it was James L. Bianchi's birthday. James, who left us earlier this year to join the ancestors, was the heart and soul of our Pagan community. He was a Druid; a musician; a voice of maturity, common sense and experience, a compassionate leader, and the single most joyful crafter and leader of ritual I have ever known. So it just seemed as if was time for us to do him a special honor.
After the ritual was over and we had opened the circle, the Jameson's came indoors and we drank a toast or two to James. I'm sure my Irish husband would have loved the idea and no doubt was watching us and cheering us on from the sidelines.
Sláinte James and William!
One funny thing did happen last night. I always put a bottle of Jameson's on the Dia de los Muertos altar in memory of my husband William Mahannah. Yesterday, just before we started the ritual, we learned it was James L. Bianchi's birthday. James, who left us earlier this year to join the ancestors, was the heart and soul of our Pagan community. He was a Druid; a musician; a voice of maturity, common sense and experience, a compassionate leader, and the single most joyful crafter and leader of ritual I have ever known. So it just seemed as if was time for us to do him a special honor.
After the ritual was over and we had opened the circle, the Jameson's came indoors and we drank a toast or two to James. I'm sure my Irish husband would have loved the idea and no doubt was watching us and cheering us on from the sidelines.
Sláinte James and William!
Matthew Bianchi
30 October 2015 · My Father, James L. Bianchi would have been 66 today. He always said after 40, birthdays just come and go without notice. In reality, for him, that couldn't have been further from the truth. My Mother often said she had 3 kids and more often than not, she was correct. He was a glutton for a good party and All Hallows Eve was among his favorites... I miss you Pop! Happy Birthday!
30 October 2015 · My Father, James L. Bianchi would have been 66 today. He always said after 40, birthdays just come and go without notice. In reality, for him, that couldn't have been further from the truth. My Mother often said she had 3 kids and more often than not, she was correct. He was a glutton for a good party and All Hallows Eve was among his favorites... I miss you Pop! Happy Birthday!
Victoria Slind-flor12 May 2015 ·
Now that his family has made the announcement, I can say that our dear friend James has left us. He was the heart and soul of our community, a devoted husband and father, and the best all-round ritualist I have ever met. He leaves a void as big as Grand Canyon. May he return in love. What is remembered lives!
Now that his family has made the announcement, I can say that our dear friend James has left us. He was the heart and soul of our community, a devoted husband and father, and the best all-round ritualist I have ever met. He leaves a void as big as Grand Canyon. May he return in love. What is remembered lives!
Stephanie Taylor Sant with James L. Bianchi.
12 May 2015 · Las Vegas, NV · James L. Bianchi , one of the best men I've ever known, passed on last night. I will always remember him as a mountain of strength who taught compassion, honor, loyalty, dedication, kindness, and love of his fellow man by quiet example, wrapped up in good humor and razor sharp wit. All who's lives you touched were blessed to have known you, my friend. I will miss you fiercely, and hold you in my heart always. That which is remembered lives.
12 May 2015 · Las Vegas, NV · James L. Bianchi , one of the best men I've ever known, passed on last night. I will always remember him as a mountain of strength who taught compassion, honor, loyalty, dedication, kindness, and love of his fellow man by quiet example, wrapped up in good humor and razor sharp wit. All who's lives you touched were blessed to have known you, my friend. I will miss you fiercely, and hold you in my heart always. That which is remembered lives.
Nina Haley
12 May 2015 · Beloved Leader James L. Bianchi made his journey to the Summerlands last night at 7:15pm. He was surrounded by Family and Pagan Friends. A Harpist played in the corridor, Druids anointed an Awen upon his forehead with the water from St Brigit's well, and Oak branch was upon his lap. The magic mists surrounded him for his peaceful journey to Tír na mBeo (The Land of the Living), Mag Mell (Delightful Plain), and Tír na nÓg (Land of the Young),Orbis alius(Otherworld). I will see you dear friend dancing at midsummer as Daoine Sídhe and the most glorious Samhain fire when I will see you again.
12 May 2015 · Beloved Leader James L. Bianchi made his journey to the Summerlands last night at 7:15pm. He was surrounded by Family and Pagan Friends. A Harpist played in the corridor, Druids anointed an Awen upon his forehead with the water from St Brigit's well, and Oak branch was upon his lap. The magic mists surrounded him for his peaceful journey to Tír na mBeo (The Land of the Living), Mag Mell (Delightful Plain), and Tír na nÓg (Land of the Young),Orbis alius(Otherworld). I will see you dear friend dancing at midsummer as Daoine Sídhe and the most glorious Samhain fire when I will see you again.
Photo Credit- Shimmering Wolf
Matthew Bianchi with Susannah Bianchi and Andrew L Bianchi.
12 May 2015 ·
Last night this world, my family and I said farewell as we carried our Patriarch, James, to the otherside. He is and was; a professor, a lawyer, a Druid, an artist, a writer, an advocate for the voicelss, a scout master, a tracker, a community leader, a stargazer, a wilderness survivor, a musician, a healer, a friend, a father, a husband, a son, a cousin, an uncle, a brother, a wanderer, fighter, a sounding board, a story teller, a mentor, an optimist, a realist, a comedian, a genius, a spiritual leader, an Alpha. He was my Poppa Bear and my Best Friend.
He fought the good fight and after many weeks of false hope he had a peaceful passing. He was surrounded by our family, friends and members of the spiritual community. He loved drama and his passing would not have been complete without such a grand affair. My mother, brother and I held him as he transitioned from this world and into the next. A harp played and words of praise, honor and faith showered him. He will be dearly missed but I am certain he will remain with me/us as we continue on our personal journeys.
I am thankful for all of the support my family has received throughout this difficult time. I am thankful I was able to be with him until the very end. I am thankful to have had such a devoted and caring person to raise me to be the man I am today.
My heart is heavy, my body tired, my thoughts are many as my soul feels empty. I look forward to celebrating this man, the man I called Dad. While the hours, days, weeks, months, years to come will be daunting and undoubtedly carry a huge void; in his words, "The only way out is through" and "This too shall pass".
Thank you all for your love, prayers, energy and support.
Blessed be
12 May 2015 ·
Last night this world, my family and I said farewell as we carried our Patriarch, James, to the otherside. He is and was; a professor, a lawyer, a Druid, an artist, a writer, an advocate for the voicelss, a scout master, a tracker, a community leader, a stargazer, a wilderness survivor, a musician, a healer, a friend, a father, a husband, a son, a cousin, an uncle, a brother, a wanderer, fighter, a sounding board, a story teller, a mentor, an optimist, a realist, a comedian, a genius, a spiritual leader, an Alpha. He was my Poppa Bear and my Best Friend.
He fought the good fight and after many weeks of false hope he had a peaceful passing. He was surrounded by our family, friends and members of the spiritual community. He loved drama and his passing would not have been complete without such a grand affair. My mother, brother and I held him as he transitioned from this world and into the next. A harp played and words of praise, honor and faith showered him. He will be dearly missed but I am certain he will remain with me/us as we continue on our personal journeys.
I am thankful for all of the support my family has received throughout this difficult time. I am thankful I was able to be with him until the very end. I am thankful to have had such a devoted and caring person to raise me to be the man I am today.
My heart is heavy, my body tired, my thoughts are many as my soul feels empty. I look forward to celebrating this man, the man I called Dad. While the hours, days, weeks, months, years to come will be daunting and undoubtedly carry a huge void; in his words, "The only way out is through" and "This too shall pass".
Thank you all for your love, prayers, energy and support.
Blessed be
Rynn Fox
12 May 2015 · James L. Bianchi came into my life because he heard I needed a lead drummer for my first Pcon ritual. He didn't know me; he only knew I needed help. This is the kind of person he is. James, I was blessed to know you and to work with you, even though the time was much too short. May the Ancestors welcome you home, the Tuatha De Danaan bless you and your family, and the Descendants remember your name and good works. I hold you, your family, and the House of Danu (Official) in my heart as you continue on to the next phase of your journey. I wish you blessed ease on your journey, and comfort to your kith, kin, and the House of Danu.
12 May 2015 · James L. Bianchi came into my life because he heard I needed a lead drummer for my first Pcon ritual. He didn't know me; he only knew I needed help. This is the kind of person he is. James, I was blessed to know you and to work with you, even though the time was much too short. May the Ancestors welcome you home, the Tuatha De Danaan bless you and your family, and the Descendants remember your name and good works. I hold you, your family, and the House of Danu (Official) in my heart as you continue on to the next phase of your journey. I wish you blessed ease on your journey, and comfort to your kith, kin, and the House of Danu.
Vicky Troyan feeling empty.
12 May 2015 · An elder in the community, mentor and friend has crossed the veil. May Rhiannon guide him on his journey. I know he's dancing and singing on his way over and thinking "Crap, this is cool. Can't wait to tell you all about it when I come back!"
James L. Bianchi you are missed. Next time, we'll fit in more time to dance and drum and sing together.
12 May 2015 · An elder in the community, mentor and friend has crossed the veil. May Rhiannon guide him on his journey. I know he's dancing and singing on his way over and thinking "Crap, this is cool. Can't wait to tell you all about it when I come back!"
James L. Bianchi you are missed. Next time, we'll fit in more time to dance and drum and sing together.
Lorelei Moon 11 May 2015 ·
Knowing that a loss is coming doesn't ease the weight of the heart. There is a collective sorrow in many hearts tonight. Words are just so inadequate to pay tribute or say what I feel. I can only stumble through. And thank you, Shimmering Wolf for your beautiful picture!
There is a hole in community left by one who contributed so much history, substance, knowledge, and sacredness. As fine a human being as one could hope to know!
Jim, you taught us much, you made us laugh and brought us to a more somber focus other times. You gave us many gifts, a wonderful legacy, much to remember you by and many stories to tell.
I am blessed and grateful to have known you, your kindness and those wry little cracks accompanied by that mischievous glimmer in your eye. You always made a point to invite me and to make me feel welcome. You never made me feel like an idiot when I asked questions and you always made me feel heard.
It's really silly but I keep thinking of the first part of that line from Star Wars, "I felt a great disturbance in the Force." Hail to you James L. Bianchi! Whatever comes next in your journey fare thee well!
Life goes on. What is remembered lives!
Knowing that a loss is coming doesn't ease the weight of the heart. There is a collective sorrow in many hearts tonight. Words are just so inadequate to pay tribute or say what I feel. I can only stumble through. And thank you, Shimmering Wolf for your beautiful picture!
There is a hole in community left by one who contributed so much history, substance, knowledge, and sacredness. As fine a human being as one could hope to know!
Jim, you taught us much, you made us laugh and brought us to a more somber focus other times. You gave us many gifts, a wonderful legacy, much to remember you by and many stories to tell.
I am blessed and grateful to have known you, your kindness and those wry little cracks accompanied by that mischievous glimmer in your eye. You always made a point to invite me and to make me feel welcome. You never made me feel like an idiot when I asked questions and you always made me feel heard.
It's really silly but I keep thinking of the first part of that line from Star Wars, "I felt a great disturbance in the Force." Hail to you James L. Bianchi! Whatever comes next in your journey fare thee well!
Life goes on. What is remembered lives!
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