Every time I see his videos and hear his music... I well up. A gentle soul who sought to enrich life through experience.

Jim's video are a absolute gem! 
I'm so glad I found.  this man is such an inspiration ! Rip Stobe one kinobe,  you will be missed.

The Man the Myth The Legend (of course)…  Ol Stobe gents like this are a dying breed for sure, it would be a hoot to hear his commentary these days… Forever in our hearts Rest easy Jim 

Such a good spirited man. Going with the flow, enjoying the simply life. Always rewatching his videos from year to year. He knew how to make us smile and laugh. 

I wanted to say , I'm riding the rails as well and Stobe your memory lives on .

We all miss you Stobe.    "..........through the darkest hours of the night......."         RIP

Stobe, solid dude. You adventures inspire me, I get a feeling of nostalgia and happiness when I watch your videos, it's pure magic. Your existence was a work of art, a masterpiece, rest in peace brother.

Remembering you on this day knowing you are dearly missed.

James, you have done more for me than anyone I have never not met.

How I wish I could have shared a ride with Stobe. I share his wandering spirit and quite frankly his reckless approach to life via taking changes in dangerous situations with a funny musical songs for every moment. 
 I would have loved to have been a beer runner or   drinking partner for a trip. I wish I could have brought my guitar into his music or even just a trip Some people have everything and they  are miserable  Stobie had nothing and he was full of excitement and curiosity.

I found his videos one night on youtube. As a fellow wanderer I was drawn in by his simplicity, piano playing, philosophy and how cool he was. I still watch them years after finding them and they're still awesome. Thank you Stobe for sharing your life and adventures with us all. May you rest in peace.

Cheers + Beers

Scotty Wanders

I was mesmerized the day I stumbled upon his utube video.  He was a gifted  individual that touched the life's of many.      My condolences    rest in peace 

Your videos have really helped me to recreate myself and to go out and make change. Your lifestyle and shared stories is clearly an inspiration to so many of us. Thank you for recording so much of it and sharing. A movie could easily be made based on all the crazy times on the road with Wingman. I wish those family members that you left behind the best. I'm sure they're proud. 

I too discovered Jim Stobe and his witty commentary. Jim never got angry but enjoyed every moment. His piano woven into his well done cinematography has always delighted me.  I felt a deep grief and loss when I discovered Jim 
Had an accident and was no longer with us. He faithfully reported his travels whether warming himself inside a locomotive or drenched under a hopper car. I really miss this guy. I watch him on YouTube   I’ll meet him one day. 😅

"STOP COMPLICATING YOUR LIFE SO MUCH. GET A TWELVE PACK, GET A RIVER, AND GET A POSITIVE  VIEW OF WHAT'S GOING ON" JS

Tough day for fans of your channel no doubt your family too. I can not watch the videos today  it's too depressing but I still love them and your words on life still echo in my 63 yr old head. Everytime a train roars by I know your near. Rip 

I cannot believe it has been four years since your unexpected passing. You are dearly missed every day. 

It is Oct 2021 and I just recently stumbled on Jim's videos.  I watched most of them, bingestyle, and thought this is a guy I would like to meet someday.  He was really quite funny and very real.  His honesty is what I liked best.  If he thought a town was a drag, he said so.  In a world where "everyone is selling something", I really enjoyed hearing his perspective as it is the closest thing to the truth you are apt to hear.  He was an entertainer for sure.  Made me laugh a bunch and so he lives on, on this earth, at least on YouTube.   I did not believe that he was dead, so I googled and found this obituary.  Despite not personally knowing him, I felt like I knew him more than most acquaintances as I spent many hour having him pontificate to me through his videos.   It was quite sad finding this to be true.  Certainly sad for his parents, siblings and friends, but also for those of us who could have heard much more from Stobe the Hobo.   He is definitely a legend.  And as such I will let others know Jim's story so they can enjoy a part of him through his amazing videos.  Thank you to his parents and to God for giving us Jim, at least for the short time we had him.  He will be missed, for sure!

I was never a viewer while Stobe was alive but discovered him on accident shortly after his passing. His video just popped up on YouTube as a suggested video. I was instantly hooked and binged watched as much content as I could. Just about once a month a now, I’ll watch an episode (or two) before bed. His unique commentary, humor, music, enviable freedom and the calm of seeing this great country from a perspective few of us will ever see make his videos some of the best modern filmmaking out there. I hope they bring his family joy and peace.

Stobe my husband has enjoyed watching your videos. I just started today with your first two videos. I am hooked! I can’t wait to see them all. I hate you had to leave this world so early in your life. I know your family and friends miss you. Prayers for them and see you in the next video. Rest In Peace Stobe

Jim....I only came across your channel a short time ago.  There is something about watching the landscapes go by in your videos that brings about such a peace within.   Have watched every episode and enjoyed them immensely.   I was so sad to learn of your passing....so sad there will be no more insights to your life.
RIP Stobe

Just received in the mail a copy of Jim's piano music he often played in his videos. Thanks to his dad Mike. For anyone who doesn't have it make sure you get one. Contact Mr. Stobie at mikejstobie@yahoo.com
Anyways it's a great representation of Jim. Begs the question what happened that fateful morning on 11/08/2017 and why did it have to be "Game Over"!!!!!!!

November 8th is drink a beer 4 stobe day. 

Cheers to you Stobe, never met you but I miss you.

Thanks Stobe for making such beautiful cool video's.  So nice to see another part of life through a different lens.   You are missed!  Much Love.



Found him very interesting he is a very nice guy who seemed to love life with an open heart. I really love his piano music 🎶 I can listen to it for hours. He will be surely missed but his videos will carry his soul on towards eternal peacfullness.GREAT JOB STOBE. Your friend Jim.

His videos are incredible. What a character. His dry wit and self-acceptance are rare and inspiring. His beautiful piano playing that accompanies the imagery often brings tears to my eyes. A soul truly worth remembering.

  Found Jim “Stobe the Hobo” Stobie by chance on YouTube during the height of Covid Pandemic Shut down. I got a sense of peace and joy from his quick wit, piano music and love for freedom.
   Thanks for helping me thru tough times,


Hobe Stobe
I'm trying to think of the right words...don't think I can. I bought a bottle of Wild Irish Rose today to drink with you.  I stumbled upon your videos just 3 weeks ago and they have changed me. I'm doing the Hobo thing now in a way that you would have despised, as a couch surfer riding the rails with you via cheap cell phone. 

I am binge watching every video you made, (that can still be found), and, like thousands of others, living the life I always dreamed of living vicariously through you. Thank you for making that possible. 

This is an unexpected, unusual type of sorrow. So many ppl comment on your videos that they wish they could have known you. It's the same with me. The one thing that hits me hardest is that you always seemed so alone. Even though you didn't record it, I could feel the sadness you felt when Wingman would have to leave. I think you wished for the same thing most all of us wish for, but few of us ever find...a true friend. A best friend. A wife is a good thing, but that's not what I'm talking about. I mean, someone who understands. Someone who doesn't judge, who loves you for all that you are, good and bad, (because it takes both to make us who we are). Someone to share life's experiences with. Someone who never leaves. 

Thousands of us wish we could have been that kind of friend with you. I am just another one of them. There's a reason for that Stobe.  It's because of who you were. Who you are. What you did was just part of the puzzle. Your sense of humor, your artistry, your talent...just colors in your picture.  I'm glad that I, by chance, get to witness it all. 

ML&R Stobe. Enjoy Heaven. Hope to see you there. Love you Brother.  Smallchange.

Geez I don’t even know where to start. I spent the better half of the day today  just watching trains go by the local station. I walked through the nearby brush between the river and the tracks and imagined all the other train riders who had camped out there waiting for the (horribly infrequent) rideable freights that come through there, just waiting for the right one. I found plenty of leftovers from the many who had to brave the weather, the bugs, the hunger, and the general hostility towards “bums” in my town. And I thought of how many must have stopped there to take a dip in the river to freshen up and cool off and take the scene in, praying another train comes soon or the one they hopped off doesn’t take off before they’re ready. I admired all of the holes in the bnsf fences from past travelers and beautiful ne’re-do-wells who made it easier for the simple life-lovers to continue their journey. I must have walked for miles. 

I’m going to get out of here Stobe. I’m going to finally break free from this shell of a life, all these predisposed notions and expectations, this bullcrap idea of everything it means to be “normal:” work, love, fear, hate. I want everything this world can give me and I’m going to take it. I want to be free. I’m going to figure my sh** out and know what the heck I’m doing before I do it, because I know you would want that, but I’m going to do it. In the darkest hours of the night, I will ride the iron horse to freedom and you better believe I’m writing your name on the first car I get on. DONT BE A SNITCH

I hope this came off as cheerful as I actually feel and not depressing. Stobe, you’ll live in my heart forever, man. Bless the bums. And take care of your home bums, too, y’all. Among them are the best of us. So much love. 

As a 27 year old with a lust for adventure and a “real job”, I’m stuck in what feels like a massive rut. What’s unbelievable is that I found your videos, found a love for you as a human, and found a reason to keep moving up. Your story and your ability to tell it have been inspiring over the past months and I’m incredibly grateful that you can continue to inspire the world. You’re a king of the rail - thanks so much James 

STOBE JIM KINOBI:

So much I wanna say on here. So so so much gratitude I have for you man. I found you by happenstance from being in the deep corners of the Reddit comments and saw someone comment “Stobe Jim KINOBI... OUT”

Finding your channel saved my life. I hadn’t found weding yet, I hadn’t found what I was looking for in life, and there was so much I was making too complicated about life when in reality I just needed to enjoy cracking a beer and finding my simple pleasures and sticking to them. Who cares what other people think! I love a cheap beer, South Carolina native birds, and welding. 

I spent so many lonely nights wishing I could have met you. You’re videos are so much more than about riding trains. I wish I could ask you so many things. I hope one day maybe I can work up the courage to write a book about your films, videos and life. You’re one of my hero’s.

JAKE THE SNAKE KONOBI ..... OUT

Stobe you have brought great joy to my darkness but im saddened knowing your are not with us but happy you are blessing the heavens with your one liners you will be missed and always loved but never forgotten

Stobie know one new the frights like you brother. RIP we won't forget you anytime soon. 
 

R.I.P  Stobie such a talented and gifted young man, doing what he wanted to do and doing it his own way!

God Bless You Stobe,  

Much love from Canada 🇨🇦🍺 


I just recently found your channel. I’m amazed by all of your videos. You lived the life that I only dreamt of having. many blessings to you and all of your family. May you Rest In Peace. 

DONT MAKE LIFE SO COMPLICATED!  James said in a number of his videos. He never real spoke bad about others, he rarely cursed, and he seemed like a genuinely nice dude. I will continue to watch.

Fair winds and following seas brother. Gone too soon. 

James you brought riding freight trains to a new level. Your dry humor, music and thirst for life was very inspiring. Hard to believe it’s been three years. You are missed badly. Rest In Peace brother, see you on the other side .  ps: if there are freight trains in heaven i know your on one. 

Had a tall boy and a slice of Casey's Pizza in Boone Iowa where he sailed through in the dpu hiding in the bathroom during a check.

11/08/2020

Remembering you today on the third anniversary of your passing. Sending love to you and your family. Rest In Peace. 

Stobe, you were an incredible artist and you are missed. Thank you for the work you contributed. Rest In Peace. 

Watching all of your videos for the 4th or 5th time and I always enjoy them. You certainly left your mark on this world and this world will miss you, though certainly not as much as your loved ones will. 

You rode the rails with dignity. Your commentary was remarkable. I will miss your piano music. Happy Birthday and RIP. You are dearly missed.

My boyfriend recently introduced  Stobe the Hobo to me and I quickly fell in love with everything Stobe stands for. His quick wit,  musical ability and overall ability to truly live life to the fullest is so refreshing. Now more than ever the world needs more people like Stobe. In fact, he has taught me to have a little more fun and to just go off the beaten path and beat to your own drum. Stobe was taken far too soon and I truthfully can not wait to meet him one day. My condolences to his friends and family. I don’t know Stobe but it is very easy to see that he was loved by many. 

I just discovered his series today.  I should be putting the finishing touches on a legal brief, but I can't stop watching.  

Thank you Stobe wherever you may be.

 About 2 months ago I saw this video in my You Tube feed called Stobe the Hobo. I watched in amazement as this man did what I have always wanted to do ride the rails. I have been a train fan my whole life model and full scale too. After watching several videos I was shocked to see this guy and his talent leave this world so early in life. But what I notice is his followers continue to grow! His wit and subject matter rival anything Bourdain ever did but without the gourmet food. I can not stop watching these videos especially in the darkest hours of the night. Until we meet on the other side and enjoy a cold one. Noah
 

I don’t know you personally but have enjoyed watching your videos the last few weeks.  I came across your YouTube channel through hobo shoestring. I’m a huge real fan in Northeast Florida.  Coming up on three years since you passed,  but by the looks of everything I’m reading,  you’ve touched many people.  
You are  missed by many, but not forgotten!  
R.I.P Hobo Stobe!  🍺🍺🇺🇸🙏 🚂 

I was sorry to discover James is no longer with us.  I’ve enjoyed watching all of his videos, and listening to his piano music.  He obviously enjoyed life & let us all travel with him & share his many adventures.

My prayers are with your family.

He experienced more in his few years train hopping than most do in a lifetime. He was a truly extraordinary person with such an addictive outgoing personality. He will be missed by many and never forgotten.

I recently learned about Stobe on another rail rider's channel. I've become entranced by his witty remarks, excellent piano skills, and often stunning videos. I am deeply saddened by his loss. 

I never met him, but I feel like he is an old friend just by watching his videos and appreciating his humor and lifestyle. To his friends and family, my deepest condolences. Keep on traveling my friends!

Although I knew nothing about James until just recently I have come to appreciate the scenery in his videos.  I appreciate his piano work.  I was impressed with his extensive knowledge about trains.  I'm sorry to hear of his passing.  It's too bad he couldn't find a safer way to travel and do videos.  I know that his memory will live on YouTube.  I bet someone will come up with a movie about James.  

God bless his family and I pray for healing.  

Stobe is the Jack Kerouac of our Times. 
All the best from Switzerland and thanks for taking us along on your adventures.

Just found out about this guy. His videos are must see for all rail fans. Rest in peace brother. Have a cold one on the next hopper car in paradise. 

When I am having a bad day, I turn to Jim Stobe and his music. There is something about his music that relaxes me and makes everything better . And plus of course knowing he is forging ahead of us all laying the course of track so we can follow him and learn by his example. I know he is breaking new boundaries where ever he is and using that wit and intellect hes shown us so many times in his adventures.  He was always 3 steps ahead and with a new compass reading.  He will always be hard to find and just think if you had a chance to talk to him today, well it probably wouldnt happen, hes just too quick on that Golden railway to the sky.  - On a side note....Thank you for keeping us all safe and thank you for your military service Jim.  

A maker of memories for many a person !! That James thought to document his travels, so the rest of us could experience his freedom, joy for life & complete candor ? This speaks of his willingness to share & thinking of others. Through his ventures, we can all be, daily if we wish it so via his work, can all be reminded of what life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness is truly all about. God speed,  James Stobie !!

♤ Came across his Missoula to Florida today and immediately subscribed...loved his self-effacing humour, candour and piano soundtrack. Unique man. Hope he rests in peace. Here's to adventurers everywhere!
John <><
New Zealand

God speed stobe... an American hero in my book!

I never met James “STOBE the Hobo” Stobie, but I recently discovered his videos on YouTube and just wanted to pass my condolences along to all of his friends and family. He seemed like an amazing human and just an all around awesome dude. His memory lives on and will always live on. If anything, his videos and his life make me want to live life in a more free and fun style. I definitely want to get back onto the rails and know that every time I see a train or hear a piano, I will think about the “hobo king” James STOBE Hobie. RIP STOBE.

Hobo "Jim"...just calling yourself a hobo let one know you had a great sense of humor.  Was watching you and noticed they were all old, so googled your name expecting to find you in jail somewhere.  NOOOOooooo  😭  Totally, had no idea YOU were playing the piano - but the music was always perfect.
Thought you might be from Colo because you were pronouncing strange names properly all around the Southwest - but there are certain places..like Salina or LaJunta , are mispronounced daily.
Know you're with God and hope they have beer there...will know you and many of my friends are smiling.


As I write this I'm watching some of your adventures mate.
The sense of freedom I get from watching is amazing. 
Thank you so much for sharing your life with the world.
Love and respect. 

My memory of Jim Was through his videos.  A very interesting and thoughtful human being that even though I never knew him personally, always felt I did through his passion of trains.  My heart goes out to his family and friends.  Thank you Jim.  You are missed.  

Well, this is sucky. Been watching you for 2-3 months...just realised your gone. God Speed, God Bless....

Stobie, you have achieved immortality. Well done. I have only just discovered your adventures, and that you spoke Indonesian and loved  satay, beer, trains and piano as much as I do. Maybe you should not have been so hammered on the tracks, but I’ve been there man. Freedom isn’t free, and it don’t come from soldiers and guns like all the fake patriots want to believe. You proved that, and you are free now. Peace, brother!

Just found your YouTube channel about a month ago. What a treasure these will be now. I loved seeing you ride through a town close to me and your uncompromising comments. Condolences to your family even though it's been over 2 years now. RIP Stobe and your adventures live on!! You saw more of our country than most of us can even dream of. YOU WILL BE MISSED!!

Taken too young and too soon. There where other plans for you. I will never forget and I will never stop watching. I just watched you on YouTube one of your last videos and it still brings tears to my eyes. My deepest condolences to your family. 

I have been watching his videos for at least a year.  Just learned tonite he passed away.  Very sad.  It was thrilling to watch his homespun commentary.  The man was so talented.  I'd love to know more about him and what motivated his rail adventures.  Rest in peace.  You deserve it.

James Stobie lives on via his videos. I spent 2 years crossing the USA by foot and rail.  He reminded me of the many lonely miles we walk or ride alone. He will be missed. 
L. Quarles
Tomah, WI.

Thanks Stobe! 
Now you’re cleared to highball - FNBS Railway.


Thank you, Jim, for shedding light on the darkest hours of the night, and giving company to these wide open spaces. 

Much like many people,  I discovered Jim's work on YouTube and it was a breath of fresh air. His wit, candor, and personality made me feel good for the first time in a while. Rest easy Jim. Thank you for making me smile.

Just found Jim’s work on YouTube last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed his mad piano skills!  I stream them on my SmartTV. 

Googled him today to find out why the videos stopped and found this.  Love his work!

Cheers Jim!

YOU WILL BE MISSED STOBIE! STILL REWATCH YOUR VIDEOS AND LOVE THEM. R.I.P. 

R.I.P  Stobe . I never knew u but I feel the loss. I just found his videos a couple of days ago , and then learned the sad news.
I was jealous of him and his adventuring , & I still am. its funny how one person can touch so many others. RIDE ON !

I discovered Stobie's videos only a few weeks after his tragic demise. Jim and Wingman are so good in those videos. I take comfort that he rode on rails just a few minutes' walk from my home. My sincerest condolences to the family and Stobie's friends. I wonder...is Wingman out there on the rails? 

I came across Stobe the Hobo while seeking out railroad videos and instantly liked them… straightforward, witty, informative, great mix of narration, scenery, and his piano playing and music choices.  The videos were well-paced and the quirkiness made me watch more of them.  Stobe appeared laid back and easy going, like you were traveling with a good friend, and that made the videos that much better.  While I would not advocate riding hobo style these days, it has been a real treat to see someone do this in modern times.  Sadly, none of us will ever see a train again and wonder if he is aboard, documenting and sharing his view of this great country by rail.  We will, however, get to re-live his experiences from his videos and keep his memory alive.

John Maher, Pleasanton  CA


Stobe's recorded trek through this country is a valid piece of Americana  in the 21st Century.   He was something of a modern pioneer which means he had to be a daredevil; and he was.  I hope his videos will be archived.  With all the risks that he was quite aware of and explained to his viewers,  he was a free man and he made his freedom into an art.  He did what became his life's work because he WANTED to do it, not because he had to.   THAT is freedom.

Almost 2 years since Jim passed but he's still touching peoples lives in a positive way. Rest in Peace Jim. You will be remembered and your work will be admired by many ppl for years to come. 

Stobe was a wanderer who loved to ride the rails,
A genuine hobo, full of life and wonderful tails.

Truly one of a kind, deep down a simple man, 
Ill keep it short, much love from a fan.

Stobe, you are missed. R.i.p

Hi stobe from the UK didn't get the chance to meet you but everytime I watch your videos, I feel like I'm their riding with you. Hope you're riding the tracks up their with a 30 pack of ying ling haha. Love you brother. 

Stobie, 
You surely were a Free Bird and a Multi-talented person! Love your videos and I share your passion for trains and adventure as you did. You brought joy to us all with your beautiful videos and humor along the way! Wish I could of met you and had the privilege to hang with you on a train ride. Rest in a peace my brother and save a spot for me on a boxcar when we meet on the other side! I’ll get the beer and chicken! Love you Brother!

I love Stobe the Hobo, and you, Jim have truly lived well before you had to part. Thank you for sharing your immense talent with us. I was impressed by your film making, piano skills, and your multi-lingual abilities. You are truly one of a kind, and priceless. Now you are in God's world, and living the high life I am sure. I suspect that beer in Heaven is the best, and so are the trains. So long my friend, until we meet again.

past couple of weeks i started watching videos of this train hopping man and i enjoyed every bit of STOBE THE HOBE's videos. 

The way he enjoys his beer and a slice of pizza, he drops by after a long journey and explores the nearby town with his way of praising the architecture and the buildings he sees. his words "best of all the thing is its free here".

today, i googled about the hobo and came to know that he is no more, felt really bad and almost into tears..

hope this man enjoys his train trips in heaven.. 
will pray for Stobie.. rest in peace my friend.

Just finished watching a lot of Stobe the Hobos videos on Youtube. Amazing to see how cool, but dangerous the train hopping really is. All respect for the men and women who train hop. They get to see scenery most of us can only dream about and watch on Youtube. I will watch his videos for a long time. RIP Stobe the Hobo. You gave us the unknown USA from your videos for the world to see. I hope you will be remembered for a long time through your videos.

A friend of mine knew I was a part time foamer and said that I should check out Stobe the Hobo and sent me a link to one of his videos.  I was instantly hooked and have watched most of his clips, yet I always seem to find more great adventures of Stobe the Hobo & Wingman.  I was so sad to hear that he was already gone almost two years before I even started watching his documentary adventure videos.  I play guitar so I really loved his piano playing...simply so fantastic.   True artist and talent.  I'm a retired Firefighter so I am truly proud of his service to our Country in the USCG...and funny enough I'm writing this on the Tuesday after Memorial Day Weekend 2019 so God bless you Stobe the Hobo for prtecting our Country and also sending blessings to his family and friends from a true fan.  You will be missed by many and I just discovered you.  
Loved his beer, pizza and chicken reports for fellow future riders.  I loved the way he still respected the Foamers with a little smirk even though he knew Hobo status is a higher rank in the world of trains.  God Bless Stobe the Hobo.

John, Cape Coral, FL

I just found out about your YouTube channel and I started binge watching it . In one of your videos you mentioned Duluth, MN my hometown . I thought if you ever came by this way, I wouldn't mind hopping a train with  you . Then I found out about the awful news . You seemed like a really cool and talented guy RIP brother ! 

Jim you touched my life, Peace on your final travel. a friend

You'll live forever with the work you left behind! Only wish I could have met you! Fly high...

I only recently discovered your Youtube  channel  and was hooked.  You have given  many  thousands of people great memories of that will live for as long as  we live.  I  was saddened to hear of your passing but I know in that next life you are still riding the rails as the artist that you are.  God bless you young man.

As a disabled person, I have received so much joy and such a sense of freedom watching Jim's films of his travels. It can't always have been easy to have such an original humsn being as a member of the family, and I'm sure it was even more difficult to lose him. I extend my sincerest sympathy to Jim's family and friends. He will be missed, but he will be so fondly remembered by those of us who knew him through his films. Jim was a true artist.

Thank you Stobe. I am enjoying your videos and hope you are travelling well wherever you may be.

OBITUARY

James William Stobie

October 23, 1984 – November 8, 2017

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