James Michael Lally died in the early hours of June 17, 2021. Jim was a light upon this earth who shared his gifts of a rare intelligence, quiet grace, and human compassion with everyone he encountered.
Jim was born on October 9, 1973, a date he swore was used in every Law & Order episode (every version) as the day of the crime. Jim was well known as a caring, larger than life individual who was loved by everyone he came in contact with. But he was perhaps best known and enjoyed (or maybe not) for his gift of humor. No one could spend time with Jim without likely embarrassing themselves with a whole lot of not-quiet laughter.
Whether delighting dinner guests with his passion for gourmet cooking, teaching leadership change at Columbia University, or devouring one of the many weighty historical tomes that graced his bookshelf, Jim was a true Renaissance man. He was capable of excelling in any endeavor he undertook. In 1995, he received a BA in Theater Arts from Catawba College. While he landed roles in many films and tv shows, he might have been most proud of the fact that James Earl Jones left Jim a voice mail thanking him for the cornbread recipe that Jim had shared on set. Or that time Jim got into a passionate argument with Meatloaf—while in a hot tub. What those of us of a certain generation regarded as a true accomplishment was his role of stand-in for Pacey in Dawson’s Creek.
Ultimately, though, Jim was fascinated by change, and the human capacity to grow. He directed his quick-study expertise to organizational process improvements, which led to Project Management Professional (PMP) certification--the first tool he acquired to embark on a career as a self- employed expert in organizational improvements. Jim went on to earn a master's degree at St. Joseph's University in Organization Development and Leadership, adding academic credentials to an already intuitive understanding of leadership and organizational growth. Earlier this year, Jim joined the consulting firm of Mazars as Director of Organizational Change, where his passion for servant leadership became a guiding principle for instilling effective leadership and change processes within organizations of all types. Jim remained ever the actor, but helping organizations improve was an appropriate vocation for Jim, as his care, kindness, generosity, and brilliant humor enriched the many, many lives of the people who knew him.
Jim is survived by his wife Jane M. Sigda, his best friend and a woman he loved with all of his being. Jim and Jane joked that they imprinted on each other in childhood and were always meant to be. He is also survived by Maxwell James (12), his mini-me, his partner in shenanigans, and his most beloved son. Jim’s favorite place to be was wherever Jane and Maxwell were (and of course, Lucille, the family dog).
He is also survived by his mother, Rosemary (Brennan) Lally McClure, Sharon (Donald) Weigner, Michael (Amber) Lally, Maureen (John) Shermer, Theresa (Brandon) Atkins (and more nieces and nephews than one can shake a stick at, all of whom he adored). He is predeceased by his father, Edmund James Lally, Sr., his brothers, Edmund James Lally, Jr., and Stephen Joseph Lally (Jillian). Jim also leaves behind a wide cadre of friends whom he admired and who, to a one, avow that Jim changed their lives for the better.
A memorial service will be held at the Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th St., New York, NY on Thursday, June 24th from 3:30 to 6:00 pm. A celebration of Jim will be held immediately afterward at Michael’s, 24 W.55th St., New York, NY. All are welcome to the memorial and celebration.
Jim's immediate and extended family ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations on his behalf be made to: The Actors Fund https://actorsfund.org/, and to a 529 fund for Maxwell, https://www.ugift529.com/ Ugift Code D93-39F
These charities reflect the essence of Jim—his brilliance and talent and his utter love and adoration of his son.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18