James B. Maher

MAHER, James B. Passed away peacefully at home the evening of September 19, 2012 surrounded by his wife & family. He was 84 years old. Jim was born October 28, 1927 in Saint Louis, MO to Paul & Betty Maher where he spent his childhood years alongside his dearly loved sister, Patricia. Later, the family moved frequently (Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Salt Lake City) to follow his father's career as a civil engineer, and ultimately settled in Berkeley, CA. While acquiring an undergraduate degree in Studio Art (emphasis in sculpture) and a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree, both from the University of California at Berkeley, he met and married Frances Manset, his beloved wife of 61 years. In 1959 they moved to Santa Barbara where together they raised their family of six children. Jim owned and operated the Tecolote bookstores in the old El Paseo and Montecito for many years. After selling the bookstore, he was the librarian for Laguna Blanca School, followed by a long tenure as the librarian for both the Brooks Institute of Photography and the Santa Barbara Art Institute. He retired in 1982 after suffering a stroke, but continued to contribute to the community, volunteering his time and talent with numerous charitable organizations. Jim, a devoted, lifelong parishioner of Mount Carmel Church, lived a happy and full life based on the simple principals of family, friends, and his Catholic faith. His wisdom, smile, and heartfelt 'God bless you' will remain with all those who knew and loved him. Jim is survived by his wife Frances, his sister Patricia Coyne, his six children - Mark Maher, Andrea Lydon, Jeannine Bauer, Greg Maher, Paul Maher and Brian Maher, and his twelve grandchildren - James Maher, Colin Maher, Ian Maher, Joseph Lydon, Patrick Lydon, Frances Lydon, Tyler Bauer, Justin Maher, Heather Maher, Ryan Maher, Sean Maher and Jonathan Maher. A funeral mass is being held at Mount Carmel Church, 1300 East Valley Road, Santa Barbara, at 10:00am on Friday, September 28th, immediately followed by a reception in the church courtyard. The graveside service will take place at Calvary Cemetery, 199 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara at 1:00pm. Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.

James B. Maher

October 28, 1927 - September 19, 2012