James J. Woolsey of New Hope died Aug. 29, 2014 at home. He was surrounded by many loving friends and relatives during his final days.
Jim served in the United States Navy after attending Solebury Private School. He worked for a large resort in the Virgin Islands before returning to New Hope, his beloved home town. In New Hope, he tended bar at Markey’s Tavern, set up a recording studio (Stems and Seeds), bought a home, became a computer expert and helped many companies and friends with their computer problems.
In the 1980s, he began traveling to Dharamsala, India to work with the Tibetan Library located there. The Morning Call of Allentown called him a “free-lance computer whiz [whom] has compiled a source book of Tibetan literature and also has worked to create a Tibetan computer keyboard for the exiles from that ancient Asian kingdom.” Read their 1993 article about Jim here.
Meanwhile, he emailed letters describing his life in India. His letters captured flora, fauna, as well as the day-to-day life he was living. Many of his friends were given a calendar from there every year. Not long before his death, he mused that there were eight years left on his visa that he would not be able to use; he would not be climbing any more mountains.
Son of the late Lena F. Woolsey, he is survived by one brother, Peter Woolsey, and his wife Joy, two sisters, Ann Woolsey, Elizabeth Sary and her husband Brad, five nephews, and two nieces. He will be missed by many but remembered for his grace, charm, ability to defuse fractious moments and rambling stories.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, Sept. 7 at 3 p.m. at the Lambertville-New Hope Rescue Squad Building, 72 Alexander Ave. Lambertville, NJ. Friends may visit with family members from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at the Squad Building.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Tibet House US, 22 West 15th Street, New York, NY 10011 or Eagle Fire Co., PO Box 314 New Hope, PA 18938. Private condolences can be sent through Garefino Funeral Home.
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