My friend James Petteway RIP

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 10 Mar 2011 11:26 am

I can hardly believe I'm writing this. My dear friend and band mate for years, James Petteway, has passed away from complications of a lifetime of cigarettes. James has been a part of the Southern California club scene for years and has been one of those guys who is always "on" in every situation. He's also toured with Kris Kristofferson and Freddie Fender.

Here's James playing and singing on the only clip I could find on YouTube. It's such a shame that there is not more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h-zU2jnsO4

I hope there will more soon!

James, I'll miss you brother!

R.I.P.

p.s. There will be a memorial and jam at the Winchester Inn, in Winchester CA on Sunday, March 27th 4-8PM.

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 19 Mar 2011 2:32 pm

Rick, as the old saying goes "I feel your pain" and it's true in my case. I lost my best friend and band mate/bass player last year and it was all directly related to cigarettes. He (Don Yount) was diagnosed with lung cancer and suffered a stroke between chemotherapy treatments and passed away from complications due to that. I'm very sorry for your loss and although it won't be easy, I know you'll do better as time passes. Don's been gone almost ten months now and I still miss him and probably will for a long time. Our prayers are with James' family.....JH in Va.

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 22 Mar 2011 6:22 pm

James was a class act and very tasty lead player, and fine singer, too. Did a number of gigs with him, and enjoyed hearing him play many others. You'll be missed in the SoCal music scene, James.

Too many losses here this year!

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 26 Mar 2011 10:22 am

Our paths crossed a time or two, and my recollection is that he was a fine player and a real nice guy - a combination that continues to become more rare as time passes. RIP James.