James A. Main

James Main passed away on October 23rd just after his 74th Birthday at his home in Santa Barbara surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Santa Maria on September 26, 1939, attended Santa Maria High School, Allan Hancock College and BYU. He married his high school sweetheart, Edwina Forrester, had a family, and after a number of years in Santa Maria, they moved to Santa Barbara and together became successful in the art and antique business.

Their business spanned 40 years with antique shops in several locations in downtown Santa Barbara, including Casa de la Guerra, El Paseo and the Oreña Adobe. Jim was greatly respected by his peers for his knowledge, honesty and integrity, and for his kindness and willingness to help others. His business and his life were intertwined and many of his clients became lifelong friends.

Jim loved poetry (particularly the Beat poets) and music, from rock to folk and country. He never missed the Fiddlers’ Convention or Summer Solstice drumming circles. He also enjoyed working in his ever-changing messily-Zen garden. He loved nature and the serenity of Big Sur and the deserts of the Southwest, and communing with the hawks, bobcats, deer, quail and other wildlife at his cherished Mission Canyon home. He returned to his hometown Santa Maria every few weeks to ‘eat beans’ at Casa Mañana with his brother-in-law and friend, Jimmy Forrester. He also loved his cats, and they loved him.

On his daily walks in the neighborhood or on the Breakwater, Jim met and befriended many people. He had a kind heart and touched many in the community. He had a twinkle in his eye and a unique sense of humor (he and his son Joel spontaneously recited lines from the movie Young Frankenstein when the opportunity arose). Jim enjoyed life to the fullest. He was authentic and generous, not to mention a really cool dude. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, peers and his Santa Barbara community.

He is survived by his wife Edwina; three children, son Jim, daughter Sharyn (Jim Hodgson) and son Joel; granddaughter Caitlin; sister Charlene (Gary Cossa); niece Susan Allsop and her son Jake; and many beloved cousins, in-laws and friends. No services will be held at this time. As he wished, his ashes were scattered by his family in the river in Big Sur.