Karl James Hildinger was born in Danville, California in 1931. He passed away at home, surrounded by family, in South Lake Tahoe on November 11, 2018.
Three weeks after he was born, Jim was carried into Angora Lakes Resort in a Washoe papoose basket.He was a staunch environmentalist and spent his lifetime protecting and preserving Angora and the greater Lake Tahoe Basin.The Angora Lakes Resort remains in the family.
Jim served in the Army from 1956-1958, playing 1st violin in the 7th Army Symphony in Germany. He taught instrumental music in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District for 29 years to hundreds of high school, middle school and elementary school students.He also performed as a violinist in the Reno area.
He was a self-taught black and white photographer.Many of his photographs are in private collections throughout Lake Tahoe and in his book, Tahoe in Black & White.He gave his thousands of negatives and proofs to the University of Nevada, Reno, for posterity.
Jim was an avid wintertime sailor on Lake Tahoe and spent many delightful hours in Emerald Bay surrounded by good friends. He was a lifetime member of the Windjammers Yacht Club, which he helped to found in 1974. He participated in many sailing races on Lake Tahoe.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria Hildinger, his son Eric & daughter-in-law Trish Hildinger, his grandson Lee Hildinger, and his daughter Judith Hildinger & son-in-law Eric Meader.To all those he leaves behind, he says “thank you”. There will be no memorial service at this time.
Tributes
Leave a tributeWith much gratitude to the HIldinger's for preserving this magical spot, and with love to you Jim, I know I will miss you this year especially. Fondly, Claudia
I had the joy of placing a number of his superb mountain photographs in a couple of hotel projects, and I am also grateful to own two photographs myself, “Mermaid Rock” and “Echo Peak”. They are a beautiful reminder of him.
He kept the wood boats up until there was only one left, the Cadillac, which he allowed me when it was no longer kept on the beach. I coveted that privilege and also knew that if I even touched a rock with the boat, it would be all over. I think he enjoyed watching me row, though he couldn’t understand why I was in such a hurry to get across the lake.
Jim’s passion for what mattered to him was evident and deeply inspiring and the impact that he has had on our lives is immense. I am full of gratitude for knowing Jim and the gifts he has given all of us by the example of living a good, good life. He will live in my heart always.
I was a little intimidated by Jim at the resort; some have called him "salty," an apt description. But I didn't shy from him and wanted him to know how good Angora was for me. One day, I stopped to tell him how grateful I was to be working there, while he relaxed in his chair on the back deck of his cabin. "I'll be sure to send you a bill," he said. Made me laugh. I would have liked to be there when he was playing violin. I always seem to be late to the party, but am so glad I caught the tail end of the one that was Jim's life. My thoughts and love go out to his wonderful family.
Jim was a giver and I will remember him fondly. If I think of our neighborhood Echo View – I think of Jim. It is the little things - his white trucks with the funny horn, he always took the time to say hello, after a big snow storm checking in to see if all was ok, and his phone calls letting me know I left my car lights on. Of course ,I will always smile when I think of Jim getting out of bed in the middle of the night and coming down to our house to tie up Echo to a tree because of her night time barking. Classic Jim! Jim’s generous and determined character demonstrated to myself and others to stand up for our beliefs and principles and it is entirely ok not to back down. XOXOXOXOXO
Sometimes, or always, brother-in-laws have some things to work out, drawn into a special family relationship. That was true in our case. Though a native Californian, living and working in New York City for over 35 years ("city slicker") may have added a special ingredient to the friendship journey.
It's clear to me that those of you who added to these stories knew Jim pretty well. But the one story that sticks with me was the following:
When my wife, Eileen died of cancer in 1979, I came west with my young daughters and took refuge for a brief time at Angora. One night at dusk, Jim instructed (yes, he could do that) me to get aboard his classic wooden row boat and go out to the deep. I did that, and soon the space all around me was filled with the appropriate music, issuing from the speakers he had placed so that the sound filled the basin and bounced off the cliffs. A memory I will not forget.
Carla, Reed and I are thinking of you and hoping that you will find comfort in knowing that our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Call me anytime you feel the need to talk.
Love Lili, Carla and Reed
We all feel fortunate to have known him over many years and send our deepest love and condolences to all of you.
From all the McHughs, Robin, Katie, Doug and Barbara and our families.
I will dearly miss Jim, and I’m so saddened that he will no longer bring his wise guidance and fine example to our confused and unruly world. Two Jim stories stand out in my mind: #1 was when I was a teenager, one of the few times my father managed to talk me into a trek up to Echo Peak. It probably took us a couple of hours to finally get to the top. Once there, we discovered that the flat ground was on fire! A small bit of smoldering and few flames, but obviously extending underground. We started yelling “fire!” to the folks down on the beach, who, not understanding, waved and cheered. But Jim got it, and I swear he was at the top about 10 minutes later, shovels in hand. We dug until we were sure the fire was out. Story #2: fast forward a few decades, and I started bringing my cello up (from New York, on a plane, along with my golden retriever) for several weeks of some uninterrupted practicing at our lower lake cabin. Jim brought a pianist friend from Reno up to visit so we could play trios in the lodge one night. With all the guests seated, Jim escorted Effie to her reserved seat of honor, and we then shared a gloriously beautiful night of music. I remember carrying my cello back down to our cabin, the pathway lit by the moonlight and stars. Sublime. Much love to you all, Carol (Gillis).
“Take her for a spin,” he said. I was reluctant, but then coaxed into having one of the most exhilarating and memorable experiences of my life. I still think of speeding across the meadow in the snow every time I arrive at the rocky Angora road on the way to the lake.
We rode, in tandem up to the lookout, and sat looking out over the stillness of the valley at night under the full moon.
It didn’t seem cold, and time seemed to stop. This was an era before cell phones, and I had little clue as to how much danger we could have been in—although Gloria was back home, tending the hearth, and no doubt waiting to welcome us back with hot toddies.
Our meditation ended, and we powered back down the mountain to the waiting truck at the Fallen Leaf turnoff. (Every summer I tell myself, “This is where we left the truck...”)
The starter on the snowmobile (Or clutch, or first gear I don’t know which) wouldn’t engage. No way to lift that sucker into the truck. Perhaps two people had been too much for it. (What if the snowmobile had stopped at the lookout ridge?)
With some rope, Jim tied the snowmobile behind the truck. He told me to get in the truck and start driving. (I’d never driven a truck before! In the snow!)
I stepped on the gas.
“Stop! Stop!” Jim was waving and yelling. I was pulling him behind me in a wild ride he wouldn’t ever forget. The snowmobile had started up and he drove it up into the truck.
I will never forget the beauty of those moments on the ridge and the exhilaration of going full throttle in the meadow—the brush with the risky side of life. It was how Jim lived and his legacy to me forever.
P.S. The only time I ever dumped a sailboat was Jim’s sunfish. After I stood on the board and got back up, everyone on the beach clapped… Memorable!
Jim's exquisite touch on life will always be remembered and cherished as he was a romanticist and a perfectionist with an all consuming love of beauty.
The world is a far better place because of Jim and his values and the wonderful family he leaves us. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
When the Twining’s think of the Hildinger’s we are reminded of the ways Jim has touched our lives.
Rosmarie remembers lovely days sailing to Fannette Island and sharing a brandy.
Robin’s fond memories include Jim complimenting her after a piano recital and the many sleepovers at Echo View and Angora.
Wilbur remembers “Jim Dinger” for his profuse letters to the editor on environmental issues.
He recalls days spent taking photos
Jim with his Hasselblad and Will with his Mamiyaflex.
Jim’s images always had a way of developing into sharper superior prints.
Jim’s wonderful photographs hang in the living rooms at Stonehenge, Cascade and above Mischel’s fireplace.
They remind us of his talent, inspiration and friendship.
With Love,
Wilbur, Rosmarie
Mischel and Robin
Our hearts are ache with all of yours, for the passing of Jim. Angora has been our summer vacation home for the past 46 years. Our family has so many fond memories of Jim, from hugs upon arrival, marshmallow campfires, incredible slide shows to 4th of July potlucks and Jim requesting my cocktail rye-cheese-scallion squares. I feel so blessed to have purchased three of Jim’s black and white photos of Angora over 20 years ago. They have always hung in our bedroom and I have always cherished seeing our cabin every day. Now I feel like I have Jim with us as well. Our family is lifting up tours in prayer during this difficult time. We love you all. ❤️
Jim. like the resort is such a huge part of Tahoe history and my history in Tahoe. Jim shared his family's history willingly and was always generous with his time. Gary and I enjoyed our visits with him and sailing and even getting him to occasionally come to our home for a social visit!
We will miss this icon of Tahoe and dear friend and our love goes out to Gloria, Judith and Eric.
Alice and Gary Jones
Sailing in the winter was often a solo adventure, and I'm guessing that it was akin to standing on a mountain top enjoying the 360 degree view of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains, often topped with white snow. I feel fortunate for our conversations and mutual interests. Some people never find a passion; some are fortunate to have one, but Jim enjoyed many. I will remember and miss Jim Hildinger
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I am blessed to have had the pleasure to know you. My heart goes out to your family.
We send our deepest sympathies to Gloria, Judith, Eric, and the rest of the family. To Jim, we can only say thanks for providing us with so many wonderful years and memories at Angora and wish him Godspeed in wherever his journey takes him next.
Bob, Jeanne, Alex, and Peter Millar
Music for me was learning another language. One that was universal and crossed cultures and the artificial borders humans have created around our countries. I thought for many years I would be a musician when I grew up but I found later in life a different language that probably seems unrelated to many people. I work now as a sign language interpreter and have for most of my adult life.
One time I had the opportunity to meet a very well known Deaf man who was the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University. He asked me how I became interested in learning sign language. I told him I was not sure really but then he asked me an unexpected question. Was I either a musician growing up or a dancer ? I said well yes I grew up learning music and also studied dance while in college. He told me that he had been involved in research about what made students of American Sign Language successful in becoming fluent in the language when they did not grow up with Deaf Parents or relatives. He said the overwhelming common thread they found was that students who either studied music or dance had a much higher success rate and aptitude for learning sign language.
It made complete sense to me. As Jim was my first music teacher I have to thank him for my career as an American Sign Language interpreter.
That is just one of the gifts he gave me, but I remember also as a very young kid going up to Angora Lake. There was one particular occasion when I was there and night was falling and he was playing the violin. The music enchanted me and I remember being taken in with the sound of the music and practically seeing it float across the lake and echo off the beautiful rocks and mountainside.
As a teenager and adult and over and over during my life I have gone up to Angora with friends and family and every time I would go I would hear that violin in the back of my mind.
I do believe that somehow on that first time I heard him I gained an appreciation of music in a way I can't explain but will forever remain part of me. That violin playing has always been present when I go to Angora.
The Christmas before my father passed away my parents gave me a copy of Jim's book "Tahoe in Black and White" When I look at the book I see the many pictures of the place I still consider "home" above any other place on the planet. He managed to capture the Tahoe area in such a way that I although the pictures are black and white, the memories come back in vivid color, along with the sound of the wind in the trees, the motion of the waves in the water and the memory of "home".
I am so grateful he was part of my life.
Love and prayers,
Uncle Mojo
Recalling those early days, we can see Jim sitting on the back of the old Model T as his dad Bill drove it through the Lake shallows to the old beach cabin; later, among his duties at the Dining Room, Jim required us to check our “cowboy six-shooters” at the door. Over the years, as he helped transfer our vacation stuff from the truck to the cabin, his “Welcome back, Wagstaffs” marked the continuation of a deeply appreciated family tradition. Of course, no visit to Angora was complete without Jim’s commanding shout, “Get your dog out of the Lake!”
We have have many Angora stories and memories that connect to Jim. We will always have them, along with several of his photographs, including the iconic view of the Angora Lakes taken from the ridge up to Echo Peak and the many images he preserved from around the Tahoe basin he loved. Angora will never be the same without Jim. We send our affection and condolences to the entire Hildinger Family.
Ken Wagstaff
Jim was a very kind person. Many years ago, he drove down the dirt road from Angora Lake to the parking lot, more than once, to pick up my mother-in-law, Ida Shirts, who could not make the hike to the lake. One late afternoon she and our family were seated on the sand--the only people on the beach, when beautiful music filled the air. It was jim playing the violin. Ida was entranced and talked about that magic afternoon for years after.
When our family first hiked to Angora Lake, Jim and his wife Gloria, his mother, and his brother Al and wife Flo were running the Angora Lake Resort. We returned year after year for lemonade with our picnic lunch, a rowboat ride on the lake and swimming. We brought many friends and family there as the years rolled by. I cannot imagine Angora or the Lake Tahoe area without him.
We enjoyed many good political environmental discussions with Jim. He was passionate about the Tahoe Sierra.
We also remember the story of his father's advice about keeping a job-- "Show up on time, bring your tools, and don't sass the boss". He liked a good laugh and we will miss him. Our hearts are with all the Hildingers.
Leave a Tribute
With much gratitude to the HIldinger's for preserving this magical spot, and with love to you Jim, I know I will miss you this year especially. Fondly, Claudia
Packing In
My sister Gretchen and I first walked into Marjorie and Ridgeway's (Gillis) Lower Angora cabin with little backpacks in 1959 when we were very young. I don't think I was carrying much - but I remember the rucksack and that I did not get carried in because my dad was carrying little brother, Teddy. Fast forward 35 years and I had my three kids carry their backpacks in with the youngest, Kyle, at 1 1/2 years old. He carried all his diapers and had his life jacket stacked on top of his rucksack towering over his head. We made it up the road across the Lower Lake from the Gillis Cabin, but did not know how to alert Cousin Carol that we were there - Jim came to our rescue honking his horn to wake up the cabins. He couldn't get over little Kyle with his huge load. I can remember the wry smile and he was still talking about it the next day when we came up for the traditional lemonade Popsicles.
I kept abreast of the fires in 2004 on behalf of the family and had long talks with Jim in the aftermath about what could have been done and how to move forward in saving the Tahoe Basin for the future. He had Angora in his soul and we are all the richer for it.
Inspiration
Since first experiencing Angora Lake as a small child in the early 1950’s, the Hildinger family and my family have developed a lasting friendship. My connection to Angora Lake, and especially my memories of Jim Hildinger, is built on our yearly summer vacations there. Our time at the Lake every August was and is always something to look forward to. A large part of that positive experience is due to Jim and the Hildinger family being protective of the Lake and surrounding natural environment. Their love and respect for Angora is a legacy that continues to this day.
Jim’s appreciation and respect for the immense natural beauty of Angora Lake inspired my family in many ways. My mother, Alva Steccati, took inspiration for her watercolors from the rocks, trees and water as do I.
My father, Hugo, was a professional photographer. Over the decades, he took many photos of the ancient twisted junipers, majestic cliff and watery reflections. He also shot many images of Jim and the Hildinger family. On the “Gallery” page I have included five of Hugo's black and white images showing Jim during a music recital at the lake, the “Green Mule” making a rooster-tail as it sped along Angora's shoreline, and a rare shot of Jim actually relaxing on the beach.
Jim gave my brother, Leo, one of his first jobs, as a summer-time helper at the resort. Leo lived in his little room behind the store, known as “Leo’s Pad”.
So many memories: Jim standing at the doorway of the dining room, ringing the dinner bell, dressed in his white waiter-jacket. Jim giving us moonlit rides across Angora Lake in the “big” sailboat (equal parts electrifying and terrifying for me) as Jim expertly maneuvered the swiftly moving boat through the dark water to the waterfall cascading down the cliff.
In the early 1960s, the Telstar communications satellite had been launched into orbit. The evening of our weekly Angora campfire, Jim told us that Telstar would be visible late that night as it crossed the sky over Echo Peak. Much later in the evening, as the campfire embers glowed in the darkness, many of our fellow campers had headed back to their cabins. But several of us stayed, including Jim of course. We were thrilled and awed to see the lights of Telstar as it traversed the night sky against a backdrop of countless stars.
One of my other vivid memories of Jim is his recounting the long-ago experience of being at Angora Lake during a rare August snowfall. I have memories of that same morning, seeing the old wooden row boats covered with snow. As Jim looked on smiling, my father took a photo of me writing my name in the snow on the side of one of the boats.
Lunch in Emerald Bay
We all knew Jim expected us all to be at the boat camp dock at noon when we were sailing for a nice lunch including the red checkered table cloth that I'm told only came out when I was in Tahoe in the winter. Jim also used to bring crystal glasses for the winter to our special lunches. I wrote a poem that kinda says it all.
If I could only write,
A poem a story or a quip….
Describing the “winter sailors” in Tahoe,
I wouldn’t know where to start
…. and where to quit!!!!!!
If I could only write,
The story would begin
With a warm & sunny winter day,
A sailboat, Lake Tahoe, and Captain Jim
A friendly smile, an invitation
Was all that it would take
I could never have guessed,
The warm friendships I’d make
Out on that beautiful, cold lake
I’m reminded when we sail of rule number ONE
Stay on the boat and always have fun.
Looking for Eagles, short walks on shore
Even my own rock garden!!
Who could ask for more?
Noon is lunch time for us all
Cadenza arrives promptly at the Pier
… equipped with red checkered table cloth ..…
Red wine and sometimes beer
Great stories and laughs….
….snacks, fruit & cheese,
little Danish sandwiches, tea
and usually sardines !
There’s always time for joking,
The boys each telling their own tale
Of races that were won or lost
How and why….
And who was using “which sail”
And so what? if a fender …..was left off the side ??
So what? if one of them
choose their own path…. “outside”…??
he has his “hundred ton”
and surely has been there before…. Right???? Steve?
…. A walk up the hill and back to the boat
…and then out fail,
CHOCOLATE … and of course,
More wine before we sail
But before we cast off at the end of the day
We’ve already planned our next time together
For “lunch at noon, in Emerald Bay”
So in closing I thank you
For making my “work” time there fun
…. For caring and sharing,
Great times on the lake in the sun
…. For being subjects in my photos
… Tolerating wine stains and all my gear,
For patiently teaching me
Sailing 101… year after year!!
For friendships and laughter and our “special” lunch
But mostly for allowing me to spend time each winter
Getting to know this truly “crazy bunch”