We were close to Jim through the Los Angeles Yacht Club “days” when we all went up the flags and became a team, reliant upon each other and united in our quest for fun. It was easily the best of times for all of us and Jim was the ringleader and organizer of much of it. We got so close to each other that Jim would appoint me to tasks and I would be the last to know. On more than one occasion, members would comment that I was going to do this or that. When confronting Jim, he would say something like “you are the right guy and I knew you’d accept, just didn’t get around to asking.” There are hundreds of stories and whichever one you pick, Jim is prominently featured, mutually loved and respected,” He was a rare individual, thoughtful, ready to pitch in, and the best of friends.

The “Modisette” generation at LAYC was as fantastic as he was.

Jim will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

We've had the pleasure of knowing the Modisetts through LAYC since the early days following the birth of our respective boys. Countless trips to Howlands with the attendant recreational activities, swimming, partying, eating, talking, playing with children and watching their interactions - created a shared sense of memories that are forever imprinted in the "good side" of life. More recently, Joyce and I were on our "bucket list" trip to New England to see the colors and had planned on spending a night with Jim and Roth in Maine. While we didn't enjoy the hoped for visit to their home in Maine, much more importantly, we were able to spend some time with Jim and Roth in Boston on Sept. 25. The Jim we all knew and loved, even while ravaged by disease, still could bring forth that smile, twinkle in the eye, a sense of humor and his distinctive style of speech. Roth you were a rock of the highest quality.

For a lighter moment - when I was a new board member at LAYC (still in Fish Harbor days) and Jim was going up the flags, as was our custom we held our board meetings at the club with dinner followed by meeting. That particular night we had roast beef complete with all the trimmings including backed potato. Dinner looked wonderful, I was famished yet certainly conscious of wanting to make a good impression with this august group. As I eagerly plopped a very large serving of sour cream on my baked potato and about ready to dig in, imagine my angst as Jim announced in his characteristic baritone voice - I wonder if Jim Brown realizes he just placed a massive amount of horseradish on his backed potato! 

We'll miss you Jim 

Jim Modisette has passed away after a short but heroic battle with cancer in Maine. The serious Jim had his law firm partnership and board meetings up in Blue Hill (Penobscot) Maine, but the Jim we all knew in Hope Town (Whimsey) wore his tropical shirts with pride, loved his dog Beau, was a huge advocate for Jr. Sailing everywhere, enjoyed boating, and most of all, cherished his wife, Roth. He had many forward thinking ideas, such as men should be included at the Cay Topics lunches! We will miss seeing him holding down the fort at Cap’n Jacks for Superbowl. Our hearts go out to Roth and the family.


Hope Town Sailing Club