Michael James Tribute

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There is no doubt, from attendance by over 1,500 at the visitation wake and funeral that Michael was loved and cherished by his family and friends as well as students, clergy and his co-workers from his 20 year career at St.Jude the Apostle church and school. Rarely does the body of a lay person lie-in-state in a catholic church. On Thursday May 6, 1999, Michael's body lie-in-state to allow those who loved him, worked with him and learned from him to pay their respects.

So also, Michael was loved and respected by his more diverse "family". His cabaret family joined together Sunday night at Gentry-Halsted to pay their respects and to celebrate the life of this marvelous talent and genuine friend. From 6 until 10pm, Michael's regular Sunday night time slot with Honey West, we did celebrate Michael's life!

Performers, friends and cabaret audience members alike shared how Michael's flair for humor and gift or musical talent impacted them. Some worked with Michael. Some learned from Michael. Some got their "break" in the cabaret circuit from Michael. And others simply enjoyed listening to him perform.

We loved Michael and enjoyed his ability to change the words to songs we thought we knew! We would sit and watch him play song after song without music and ... a lot of the time ... without a clue as to what would happen next! His impromptu "medley-making" talent and Honey West's wit, humor and voice made for many a great show at the Gentry.

Among the performers who offered musical tribute were: Chuck Larkin, Alexandra Billings, Russ Rainear as "Carol Channing", Honey West, Valerie James, Amy Matheny, Dawn-Marie, Walter Brightski, Holly McNeil, Fred Marlman, David Gallegher and Russ Geldenbodt, Michael's partner for 4 years, David Sullivan, lead the packed house in The Rose, one of Michael's favorite tunes.

Honey West and Alexandra Billings somehow managed to perform, what had become a signature tune for Michael and Honey whenever performed together -- Fifty PerCent. An emotionally charged, but much needed part of the evening, everyone there knew Michael would have wanted Fifty PerCent to be a part of this Celebration of Life.

A special Thank-You goes to Jim Kucka from Cal City for creating a beautiful selection of hot and cold appetizers and desserts complete with table cloth and candles - Michael would have been proud! Also helping round out the buffet table was Michael's long time friend and "cabaret croney" Chef Mark Donaway owner of Cucina Bella.

I will miss Michael's talent, humor and his friendship. Although we know this world is a better place for having had Michael here, we also know that our loss is Heaven's gain.

It was an honor and a privilege to have know Michael James . . . . for me, Sunday night at the Gentry will never be the same.
Jeff Binninger

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More Pictures

Michael's favorite charity was Open Hand Chicago. This meals-on-wheels outreach program to those in Chicago's HIV/AIDS community delivers thousands of hot, nourishing meals to people in need. Michael's partner has asked that any donations in Michael's memory be made to:

Open Hand - Chicago
1648 W. Howard Street
Chicago, IL 60626.

BACK TO HONEY'S HIVE

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A NOTE OR COMMENT
We are providing you with a place to leave a note or comment. These comments will be included in addition to other pictures, momentoes, notes, media clips and other items being collected for a scrapbook about Michael for his family.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMAGES
Go to a page of images from the Celebration of Life held at Gentry - Halsted on May 9, 1999.

CLICK HERE FOR A COPY OF THE VIDEO TAPE
A video tape was made of the entire Celebration of Life evening. If you would like a personal copy, it can be sent to you for a donation of $10 in Michael's name to Open Hand.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO OF MICHAEL
The two images at the very top of this page (on the right and left) are being made available in an 8x10 format. There is NO COST for either of these photos. If you would like to have one sent, provide your name and address.