Tis sad to see old friends gone too soon. Jim and I went to Northwest/Class of 74. We both shared a love of art and had a quiet competition between myself, him and Gene Gelner. Though we lost touch after graduation, I'll never forget the memories of the good old days from back then. To his family, I extend my deepest sympathies and hope you find some form of comfort in this time of sorrow.

As many have mentioned, James loved the outdoors. Soon after we met while working in the Graphics department at NASA Langley, our friendship was cemented with our many camping and backpacking trips together. James took great pleasure planning our backpacking adventures, be they regular trips along the Appalachian Trail or various trips "out west".  His favorite position on the trail, whether it was the two of us of several, was "on point" at the head of the line. No matter if the journey was an easy walk or an exercise in survival, he never lost his head, or his humor. On a memorable long rain-soaked weekend in his favorite east coast stomping grounds - the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in West Virginia - we had picked up an older couple struggling to make their way out of the area during a day of torrential rains. Out front, James and the couple crested a hill, only to see a raging torrent of a creek waist high with rushing water that two days before we had walked across without getting our feet wet. The woman gasped, "My God"! James replied, "Mine, too"! We all made it.

James was and is very special to me.  After my burn in 2010 he reached out to me through FB and email to encourage me.  He made me promise not to tell or advertise that he painted me a picture of  a little bird (framed) that is on my wall and whenever I would get discouraged in my recovery I  listened to that bird reminding me  that all things are possible.  He will remain in my heart as a high school -life friend and someone who has a heart of gold. 
Love
Diana Tenney

James shared a few of his magnificent art work on Facebook. I was amazed at his talent. He was a good and proud father. I’m so very sorry Jackie. Will has a long line of proud Service Men and I thank each one, including Will,  for their Service. I pray God will give you each strength and comfort ❤️

Here is a piece of Jim’s artwork that we had framed. 

So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My condolences to the family. Jim was a talented artist at NASA and he gave me some of his artwork. I still have it framed in my house. One day I visited him at work and he had thrown away sketches in the trash. I said, “Don’t do that again! Just call me, I’ll take them.” And I pulled them out of the trash and even gave one to a co-worker too. 

Wanted to add the 2nd sketch of my brothers' car that Jim did.

Jimmy, the preeminent oldest cousin, always dapper, kind, and patient when the youngest ones were quite young, then when we were grown, he was always congenial and welcoming. Jim made us feel very loved. Whenever my travels took me anywhere near where Jim was living, he always made time for me. We had some great family gatherings and shared many laughs. His artistic talent blew me away - from early on I remember his signature carved or etched (he would know!) into the wood dash of his really cool little red convertible to the time he sketched my little brothers' toy cars to my beautiful wedding gift (a whale and he didn't even know we had a nautical theme going on in the house). Most of my things are in storage because we moved and are doing work on the house, but I will share a picture of the wood cars that my brother, Michael, has framed and in his boys' room. James - I had not been able to call you that yet (we have an Uncle James!) - I will miss you terribly. In a few years, when the kids are done with college, Eddie and I planned to travel and visit with the family. I'm sad we won't be able to do that with you. I'm glad I got to finally see Elton John and shared those pictures with you this past winter. You see, Jimmy gave me my first ever concert poster, Elton John, and I promised to see him one day when I got older - well I finally did it at 55 years old in February! Please give my Aunt Jo, Mom, and Steve a big hug and kiss from me. xoxo

I worked at NASA with James and knew him for about 20 years or so. He was a character and his humor always stopped you in your tracks. We all had a lot of fun together. There are lots of good memories. He will be missed but not forgotten. He loved you a great deal Will, as I am sure you know. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Jim was a high school classmate, very artistic and an absolutely great guy, he will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all that knew him. Jayne and I send our deepest condolences.



Poor Jim, some how he ended up at our grandparents little one bathroom house with my sisters and I when we were all doing our hair and makeup for their 50th anniversary party.  He was hilarious as he watched us get ready.  It was in the 'big hair' days, and I am quite certain he thought we were most rediculous. If I could replay it I would probably agree with him.  Jim, I can't believe how long it's been since we saw you but next time we meet there will be a lot less hairspray and a whole lot more rejoicing.  You beat us home but we will see you in no time.  Love you, Teri

I always felt like i knew Jim thru Jackie. We shared some good memories when he came to Clarksville. Jim will be missed by his sister Jackie and her husband Bill. 

It's really been a long time a number of years since I had seen my cousin life is always a precious gift and time is always way too short gone way too soon May he rest in peace from Uncle Bob aunt Marlo and his cousin Anthony

I worked with James at NASA Langley for many years and always enjoyed our talks about work, art, and life. He always made me laugh. His artwork always impressed me. He had a movie poster frame in his office, and he would fill it with his original art, always changing it every few weeks. I know he cared deeply about his son Will and would mention how he was doing from time to time. I remember a 4 door Nissan truck James had years ago when Will was young. He put Will’s name on one of the doors. I assume it was the one where he would often sit. I always thought that was a cool thing to do for his son. My condolences to Will and the rest of the family.

My friend James was a simple man, uncomplicated. His love of nature was a defining factor in understanding who he was. He cared deeply for the natural world and would rather stay deep in the middle of a forrest by himself than spend 5 minutes in a city.

I am lucky enough to have accompanied him on many hiking adventures across the country. Each outing has left an indelible mark in my memory, even if if many folks would consider the hike “miserable”. Whether we were frozen, wet, hungry and worn out, I remember them with a smile. We shared campfires, powdered meals, and the coveted beer when we came back to civilization. We saw things that most people don’t get to see - a blizzard on top of the Continental Divide, thunderstorms  from above the clouds and trickling creeks turned into raging rapids overnight. 

James and I also bonded over our art. He was an accomplished artist and I am proud to own two of his oil paintings. For a time, we would meet with a small group of other artists to encourage each other, help one another grow and learn. 

My heart goes out to his son, Will, sister Jackie and his brother Bill. James left us too soon. I will miss him but he will not be forgotten.

-Larry Merrill

Jim, or James as he would correct us, worked for many years in the Graphics department at the Nasa Langley Research Center in Hampton VA. He was an uncommon talent in both illustration and graphic design and created many works of art through the years that were both beautiful and communicative . He was a good friend to all of us over the years as his life interwove with the rest of ours in the department. He was a truly unique individual, and his colloquialisms were funny and insightful and are part of our office lexicon still. He was a part of our work family and were lucky to get to know his son Will as he grew. Jim had a profound sense of style and that prevailed in everything he did. He was always fit and polished and made the spaces around him reflect his sense of style and beauty. Jim was a reliable friend and if you needed him, he was right there. Our hearts go out to Will and the family, we will never forget Jim and his contributions to our team and our lives. 

I met James last summer working at Hertz. Our personalities made for a great match and we were becoming really good friends as we communicated daily. I’m sorry James left so soon. Condolences to his son that he adored so much. 

OBITUARY

James Horatio Cato

October 4, 1956 – May 3, 2022

Ahlberg Funeral Chapel

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