08/09/2026
It’s a sad day for our Kingston neighbours and to many folks around the area with the sudden loss of a great local musician Roger James. Roger has entertained many folks in our region and was a well respected musician. Our thoughts are with his family and his extended musical family. RIP Roger.
ROGER JAMES - It is with heavy heart we announce the sudden passing of Roger James. Born in Long Island N.Y and raised in Syracuse and later Michigan, Roger first brought his musical talent to Kingston in 1973 with Celtic group Tinkers Dam and later Cobblers Awl performing regularly at Finnegan's and Muldoon's at the Frontenac Hotel. After years of travelling he settled in Kingston with his first wife Janis in 1979. They soon after started a family with Jacob and later, with his second wife Lynne, raised three more children Lazarus, Sandy and Rose. Roger always showed his musical versatility by playing guitar, banjo and bodhrán and sang some of the funniest compositions I have ever witnessed. Roger extended his artistic talents into acting and was active as a member of the executive of the Kingston Musicians Union and Master of Ceremonies for the City Of Kingston at numerous events. Roger, you will be sadly missed by the entire musical community and all of your Kingston following. Warm memories will last forever.
