We Remember
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MENDENHALL, James
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James Warren Mendenhall, 74, passed away peacefully January 14, 2020 at his home in Kelowna, BC following a battle with various heart and health issues. He was a loving husband, brother, teacher and friend. Jim was predeceased by his parents Warren and Gladys Mendenhall and his brother Tom Mendenhall. Jim leaves behind his husband Kevin Michael Witzke, brothers Denny and Rich Mendenhall, and nieces and nephews. Jim now reconnects with many of his lost friends and family. Those of us who remain will remember his enthusiasm he had for the arts and his loving nature that impacted so many people he encountered in his life.
Jim was born in St. Joseph, Missouri and was a proud resident of Holt County before setting his sights for the University of Missouri where he spent 6 years studying music and mastering the bassoon. Jim fondly remembered his time with the Marching Mizzou band, and continued watching college football on Saturdays while cheering for the Mizzou.
A professor of double reeds, music history and early music, Jim taught for the School of Music of Brandon University between 1973 and 2008. He was also the director of the Brandon University Collegium Musicum and Brandon Baroque. He was a conductor of the Brandon University Orchestra and the Brandon University Concert Band.
Dear to Jim’s heart was his time with the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina where he performed and conducted as a part of the staff. His participation and performances also include International Double Reed Society and Minot Symphony Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, and also published music for Viola da Gamba and double reeds. He served as President of Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals and the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals Member of the Board of the Viola da Gamba Society of America. Jim loved animals and raised a champion rooster and bred and showed award winning Singapura cats. Jim was a long-time exhibitor, cat judge and was a past president of ACFA and was an international guest judge in Germany, Holland, China and Japan.
Jim’s capacity to love and raise things extend to plants and flowers and with flowers the bigger the better. Jim raised plants in the Botany department at BU, in his backyard garden in Brandon, MB and at his later home in the fair weather of Kelowna. His extensive flower beds were famous for hibiscus, peonies, roses and irises. Jim was a deep believer in reading and education for children. A public television advocate and sponsor, he was also a World Vision child sponsor for decades and donated monthly to the Kelowna Gospel Mission.
Only met him once or twice, but he was a gracious host, always had books around and loved his flowers and had a magnificent garden! May he always have his joy, laughter and learning accompany him on this next phase of his life! To Kevin…I know your heart is hurting, I wish for you peace and healing…and for his family, my deepest condolences.
Oh Kevin, he truly was a special person. I do miss him. I also miss the coffee meetings every morning at Second Cup. He was one of the ‘group’. Now, he has no more pain! Jim will always be looking over his beautiful spring irises and tulips. We will always have him with us!
.hello kevin how are you doing??? we are thinking of you and missing jim at morning coffee. you are in our thoughts whenever we think of jim which is often thank you for being there for jim and us.
We are profoundly sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I enjoyed working with him on the Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals board at a time when pragmatism was needed. Jim’s love of cats and flowers and music were a part of our conversations, in the midst of trying to work through the unnecessary conflicts within the arts community. Jim’s understated approach helped us to make things right. God’s blessings to all of his loved ones.
Condolences to Kevin and family of James. I met James through my sister, Alison Ryles, a viola student (and later Suzuki instructor) at Brandon University in the late 60’s and early 70’s. James was a kind and gentle soul. I imagine that Alison, who passed away at the tender age of 33 in 1989, will be one of the lost friends with whom James will reconnect. May they make beautiful music together!! My thoughts are with you. Adele
So sad to hear of Jim’s passing and feel so honoured to have stood up for him at his wedding to Kevin.Our thoughts are with you Kevin as you move to the next stage of your life. Val will always remember her times with Jim at Music festivals and the fun we shared while encouraging emerging artists. Reach out if you need to K. Warm regards..Val and Bob
I had the pleasure of knowing Jim back in the mid 1980’s when he lived right across from Brandon University . Great memories , the most vivid is his house full of Singapura cats ! Luckily I was not allergic and he even named one after me !
Rest In Peace , Jim
I recently just found out that Mr. Mendenhall had passed away. I was one of his bassoonists during his tenure at Brandon University. His passion for music was infectious and I was truly honored to have him as my teacher. My deepest condolences.