I knew and surfed with James in college.  For years I have told people, in particular my children, of him in admiration of how hard he worked to put himself through school.  Just today I learned of his passing through a mutual friend and am in shock. But part of him will live on through my continued story telling of: James Bach, the man who succeeded through perseverance. 

I met James and Kash for the first time that fateful week surfing in Mexico.  I was just getting to know the both of them . As a person, I am better off for it. 

James had a joyfulness about him that was contagious. His enthusiasm for everything, especially surfing, was evident from the first time we spoke. He told me he was now a committed short boarder and was working on refining his style! It was clear that he was passionate about everything in his life , wanted to improve and sincerely wanted to know about yours. He spoke openly and lovingly, to a new acquaintance,  about his family, friends and desires. James was one engaged and stoked dude. 

There is a saying that the best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun - James was clearly the BEST surfer in the water! We will miss you bro. 

Our heartfelt thoughts to Stacy, Ben and the rest of James’s family during this most difficult of times.

To Craig Bach and the extended family of James Bach: The Ukiah area construction crew friends of Craig feel the tremendous loss you are all enduring and extend our sorrow to you all.  Although most of us have not met James, we will get to know him a bit through stories that I hope Craig will be able to share with us when he is ready. We send you big hugs and love. 

I echo Steve Justice, as a former colleague. James and I began the Skunk Works together. He was one of the most brilliant and peaceful souls I have ever known. This is a sad loss for us all and I wish his family my deepest condolences. 

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Craig Bach and family, particularly to Jhana and Selena. I know they will mourn the loss of the brilliant and talented James to whom they were so attached.

I had the honor of being the recipient of James' talent, enthusiasm, dedication, humor, and humanness as his first boss and mentor during his time at the Skunk Works.  Our project had an impossible timeline with tough technical objectives.  James was one of my secret weapons - an engineer who didn't know what couldn't be done.  His efforts were critical to the program team winning the company's highest awards, the AeroStar and Nova.   

I watched James grow as an engineer, as a leader, and as a human as he basked in the glow of success, demonstrated resilience in failure, and took charge of his life.  Mixed in with work were many talks over lunch, excursions such as a trip to the LA Auto Show, and countless mentoring sessions talking about our futures.

I remember clearly the talk we had the day James came into my office and told me he had accepted a career opportunity.  He talked of what he had learned and would carry with him forever.  What he wanted from life.  And how he would never forget the foundation formed by the experiences he had gathered.  He was ready to take on the world.  I knew then that he would touch many lives.  

I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. 
 
James - Rest in peace, my friend.  I shall treasure our experiences always.  See you on the other side.


OBITUARY

James Ben Bach

29 July, 1977 – 25 June, 2019

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Smith Salsbury Funeral Directors

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