It's peculiar how some moments of our lives become indelible prints in our memory. Yet what happened a few minutes before or after, let alone days, is forever lost from our recollection. One such day happened to me in the summer of 1965.

The Cassidy family had moved in, just around the block from where my family lived in Upper Darby, PA. I had become good friends with Jim and John Cassidy's younger brother, Tommy. Likewise, Jim and John befriended my older brother John.

One sunny summer morning I was strolling down the street on my way to see Tommy when I ran into Jim walking in the opposite direction to visit my brother John. I would have been 14 and Jim 17. When you're a teenager, that seems like a huge difference. But Jim was always warm and friendly, and this encounter was no different. I decided to accompany him back to my house. I can't remember anything we said, but I clearly remember looking up at him in awe. He was wearing his usual attire: cream-colored Levi jeans, a bright white T-shirt tucked in, and white low Converse sneakers. He looked like a young god—physically fit, with perfect posture, hair casually swept to one side, and very handsome.

Any time I think of Jim, that picture of him arises in my consciousness without hesitation. If there is such a place as a heavenly space, I'm confident Jim is walking down the street there exactly like I recall. He couldn't have been more perfect in that memorable moment, on that sunny summer day in 1965.

My sincerest condolences to the Cassidy family,

Mark Minassian

I was lucky to be their neighbor.  Jim & Theresa were always fun, and were there for me if I needed help.  Jim and I both enjoyed reading mysteries and talked about our favorite authors.

Good by Jim, it was great knowing you.

Jane Harrell

Dear Jimmy's family and all my Cassidy cousins, i am so deeply sorry for your loss of Jimmy.  He was such a sweet and funny child, a huge part of my childhood and I know that he grew up to be a great man. Aunt Lucille and Uncle Jim raised a wonderful family and as Sue wrote, Jimmy was the leader of the pack.  He was always the leader of the kids and set a great example to the younger ones who all looked up to him.  I wish we had kept in touch in later years and that will always be a sorrow for me.  But the countless great times we had as kids are loving memories like home movies that are in my mind and in my heart. I loved Jimmy and will cherish his memory.  RIP Jimmy Cassidy, you left a legacy of love.

Jim was band manager(1967-1970)for this group of questionable characters that included his brother Tom(top hat) and a future KC mayor.
L-R: Jim Fox(d), Tom Cassidy(d), Robert”Bucky” Kort, Sly James, Chris Immele, Chipp Tate.
His level head and sense of humor kept us in check and professional in our approach. 
Driving our gear to gigs in a ‘49 Olds with the back seat removed, we were never late and managed to survive a few run ins with redneck punks who probably didn’t appreciate our psychedelic presence.
Thank you Jim, and God speed.

OBITUARY

James T. Cassidy III

6 November, 1948 – 4 January, 2025

McGilley State Line Chapel

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