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RIP James 'Chef Ra' Wilson

Tue, Dec 26, 2006 11:40 pm

Chef Ra died in his sleep this morning, sometime between 9 AM and 1 PM. He was 55 years old.

I first met the Great RA (Jim Wilson) shortly after my dad moved us to Urbana, Illinois. We were living in the faculty housing center and my brother and I had just gotten a go-cart. The first time we took it for a spin, a tall black kid our age appeared out of nowhere and starting chasing us down the sidewalk. "Where'd you get that thing?!" he shouted with such a big smile that my brother and I liked him immediately. Jim had a very positive, fun energy, and a very big heart. The next year, we moved a few blocks away, but Jim discovered us playing basketball in Mark Wetzel's driveway. After that he dropped by often to shoot hoops with us mere mortals. Jim had a towering ego at the time, being a starter on the Urbana Tiger football and basketball teams, as well as one of the biggest track stars in the state. He loved to take wild shots from across the street, and even made some. For us, it was like playing with Kobe Bryant.

When I got to High School, I started an underground newspaper, The Tin Whistle, and printed a letter about racism inside the athletic department. Jim got blamed for writing that letter, even though he was not the author. He got blamed only because the coach knew he was my friend. Unfortunately, that letter ended Jim's football career. As if that wasn't bad enough, around this time, his dad died. (His dad had been a popular assistant coach on the University of Illinois Fighting Illinios football team and his athletic mentor.)

Despite these obstacles, or maybe because of them, Jim became our senior class president at Urbana High, and organized many events (ceremonies) that actually helped heal the racism and other problems inside the school. But when he rode in the homecoming float next to the blonde-haired homecoming queen, many in the stands erupted with racist jeers.

Next time I saw Jim, I was walking a footpath to Woodstock, climbing a hill leading up to Yasgur's farm. He was positively beaming his huge aura. That was one of the happiest states I ever saw him in, hanging out on the trail leading into the festival.

When I got a job at High Times, Jim was one of the first people I contacted. He was known around town then as Rasta James or Ra and had become a fixture on the Midwest swing of the Grateful Dead Tour. (After Woodstock, Jim had traveled down to Jamaica and discovered Bob Marley.) He began throwing reggae concerts in Central Illinois, always cooking for the bands while they were in town. He was a grandmaster of all ceremonies, always generating fun events for enjoying life to the fullest. I learned a lot about counterculture spirituality by hanging around with him. Whenever I came to Urbana to visit my family, he was the person I contacted first.

RA had a bad case of asthma. He almost died during a barbecue he threw at Psychedelic Solution in New York over ten years ago. I loaded him into a cab and took him to the emergency room at St. Vincents Hospital, where they had to shoot him up three times before he could get any air. They can't do more than three shots, so he was lucky to pull through.

RA wrote a column for High Times on and off for 15 years called "Chef RA's Psychedelic Kitchen." High Times produced two videos with him: "Chef RA Escapes Babylon" and "Cooking with Pot."

RIP Ra.
-Steve Hager

Last week, we posted a video featuring him on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UBPtYjHeVM

» add a comment

Adrian Gray Mills Calhoun

Oct 19 2009, 4:10 pm

I knew Jimmy Wilson from a little boy to a teenager, growing up in Charleston, WV. Our dads both coached at West Virginia State College. I had my first crush on him. Got in trouble once at Clifftop for kissing Jimmy Wilson. Mr. Fergie Meadows told on us. He left us in junior high school. We always thought that we would see him playing professional sports. He never came back to us. We are just now finding out where is. Rest in peace.

little boy on mumford

Apr 1 2009, 1:58 pm

When I was a boy Rasta James lived just across the street from me (around 1980), on the corner of mumford and vine in Urbana. He would rolleskate down the street with his boombox, and was so groovy. my mother would see him, and laugh (she seemed to like his carefreeness). Years later, when I was in college, I saw him in high times and recognized him immediately. I was amazed! I never talked to him, I was too young, but he always smiled at me, and he knew that he was unusual for that neighborhood, but he rose above it all. He always seemed like a mature person, and he was the first person with dreads that many of us saw. After reading these posts, it seems like he was exceptional.

David Goins

Dec 21 2007, 1:19 am

In 1984 or 85, Jimmy saved my life. It was Halloween and Homecoming and I was working mixing live sound at Mable's in Champaign. The U of I had beaten Michigan and the entire town was going nuts. Taking a break on the back stair landing, I came across 4 frat-types urinating, one each on the stairs. I walked down to ask them to stop, and they being frat-type guys and frighteningly drunk, they grabbed me up and as they were about to slam the dumpster lid on my head, I heard Jim's voice, hard, as I had never heard before, but still chuckling a bit. As peaceful as he was, his stature and tone that night saved me from at least a beatdown, probably worse. I only know about his passing because of reserch I am doing for a degree in Chemical Dependency counseling. I was curious if he was still associated with High Times. Jim was one of the truly good people, sweet and happy and always looking for a party. I hope they allow skates in heaven.

Chris Johns

Oct 10 2007, 11:33 pm

Here's my lame after-the-fact.

I knew Jim from Church (Wesley Methodist Church) which was for all practical purposes normal for high school. Jim was black (duh) and that made him stand out in our group for sure. Methodists on campus didn't have hordes of gorgeous black high school guys banging down the doors to be with the group. But Jim was a part of us all.

We has the horrid retreats that only served to bring out and intensify the emotinal turmoil that lurked under the surface of high-school-aged kids. Yeah, we were very religioius, and we liked being with each other to express our deep :-) devotion.

Jimmy was not only intelligent, but cool too. He had a really nice motorcycle, and used to give me rides homes. He had to drop me off a few blocks from my house because I wasn't allowed to ride a motorcycle. I also knew my dad would go ballistic if he realized I had a crush on a handsome black dude. Oh yeah, Jimmy you were hot. I have a CD of pics to give to Mick, and maybe someone can post a few of these.

Intelligent, alternative and totally gorgeous man you were that James. It's coming up on your death anniversary, which seems cruel to the living. How can it be a year nearly? I was standing behind you in teh studio and thought "I'll catch you later, cause you were into a verbal groove about your show." and later never came.

I miss you Jimmy. Ironically, I work at Orchard Downs now, and I think about you, and I think about your mom, and and about raising a kid living there. Gives me a totally different perspective from most.

Todd, I think about you too, and the entire dealy of your sisters and brother living there.

Somewhere there's a tie.

Two amazing guys, both lived at Orchard Downs for a time. I loved you each for different reasons.

cj

Chris Johns

Oct 10 2007, 11:19 pm

Hi Steve. I totally appreciate your comments about Jim here. Jeeze. Yeah, he was an amazing kid too back when. We went through Methodist Classes together, and all those campouts (Methodists like to sleep in groups outdoors; it's a spiritual thing.)

Do you know where Todd Harrison is now? Any clue, please pass my way. I would like to say hello to him.

Hi to you and JoAnn.
(Post 12 legacy for us all)

cj

lubie

Oct 6 2007, 6:03 pm

I was just recently recalling some of my run-ins with Chef Ra on tour and at hemp rallies. It seemed like wherever I was, I ran in to the dude and we would chill for a while. If I was hungry he fed me. One of my fondest memories was smoking a j with him in a phone booth in Madison. He was so kind to me all those years ago.

JBoogie

Feb 1 2007, 12:29 pm

Holy shit!!!
WTF!!!!
i enjoyed his articles, thought i only got the chance to read a dozen or so of his articles, i could tell he was a unique man! he will be missed and i surely will light up my meds on his behalf today!
RIP Ra!

Maarten de Witte

Jan 11 2007, 2:46 pm

Jim Wilson was my kind of non-violent and benevolent revolutionary! We grew up together in very exciting times. As kids we were just kids, but we became radicalized in our youth, in the midst of the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement, sex, drugs and rock and roll,not to mention soul and reggae and rhythym and blues. Jim's forte was to be outrageous and in your face, yet he quietly excelled at whatever he set his mind to do. Jimmy was a highly skilled and motivated photographer, film maker, backyard chef, roller skater, dart thrower, high jumper, vegetable and herb gardener, DJ and cultural hero. He was a world class fellow traveler. He traveled between worlds and across classes. From winning the Turtle Races among the rednecks at the Possum Trot and living to tell the story, to rooting for his mighty Cubs with the bleacher bums at Wrigley Field, to fishing with the river rats at Keokuk's Lock and Dam #19 across the muddy Mississippi from Wild Cat Springs in "forgotonia" Hamilton, IL, to swilling mint-juleps with the high hats on the infield of Churchill Downs at each years Kentucky Derby, to hobnobbing with the jet set in New York City, Amsterdam, LA and JAmaica. Then always back to the beloved Group W Bench and the rest of his community on the radio waves of WEFT in downtown Champaign. Jim had brilliant instincts - intellectual, emotional, thoughtful and artistic. He was my life-long friend and personally I can tell you that he never ever let me down, especially when I needed it most! I want to thank all of you for being here to share your sorrow and memories with Jim's family. My son Skylar could not be here but asked me to say that, "Rasta was the coolest parts of Urbana, all in one guy"! Each and every one of you knows and cherishes a part of this man. I can only ask that you take the ownership to keep that part of his spirit alive and growing. Jimmy has finally escaped Babylon. Go in Peace and with my Love my Brother.

Dalien420 South Africa

Jan 8 2007, 7:19 am

Chef Ra! You are allready missed by alot of us! Thanx for your contribution towards the art of cooking with The big bud & everything else you did!

May the angels supply you with never ending love & light..!

RIP Main man!

WEFTie Tom

Jan 8 2007, 1:05 am

While Jimmy was one of those people you always saw around C-U, I never met him till getting involved w/WEFT. He was always one with energy & a postive vibe. At one of WEFTs early costume fundraisers (why did the son of a former campus bar-owner start laughing when I mentioned that?) I decided to go as Rasta. I darkened my face & safety-pinned black rug yarn to my stocking cap for dreads. I was a little apprehensive going in but when Jimmy took a look he cracked up with a huge laugh & took my camera to crank off a few photos. I'll always remember him energy roller-blading at the 4th parades. He lived life on his own terms. It was sobering to see him at the visitation. His life style probably wasn't the best but I think it was the all-American weed more than the ganja that brought him down. Rest in peace, brother.

Malinda Carlson

Jan 7 2007, 10:02 pm

Growing up in Urbana and attending the University of Illinois, it was impossible not to know "Rasta Jimmy". I was the youngest of 4 kids and we all called Rasta our friend. I'll never forget dancing to the Dead with him, cooking up Rum Cider in my Mom's kitchen and cheering for Urbana football, the Illini, the Cubs, whatever seemed to need cheering on! Thanks for sharing Jimmy with the world High Times - we were so lucky to have a character like him in our community and world.

so.ill.guerilla

Jan 6 2007, 9:28 pm

you will be missed by all of your illini bretheren.this year's outdoor grow is dedicated 2 your memory
Come forth into the light of things Let mother nature be your teacher

casey

Jan 6 2007, 2:39 pm

Man this sucks he was always one of the better hash bash speakers.Infact i'll be posting the video of his last speech there in 2006 on my myspace in a few days...... www.myspace.com/shardblock

=flint=

Jan 6 2007, 4:33 am

as the one guy said enjoy smoking gods stash up there with bob marley.rest in peace brother

big baby jesus

Jan 4 2007, 8:56 pm

sad. so sad. why couldnt it be dick cheney?

Pit Pup

Jan 4 2007, 6:48 pm

Rest in Peace, Chef Ra! My heart broke when I read this news. G

I never met this man, only saw the DVD "Cooking with Ra" and his articles for High Times. Just wanted to send my love and appreciation for this elder. If anything, anyone who appreciated Chef Ra can cook his recipes, watch his video, read his articles, keep that energy going strong!

Well Chef, rest well and until we meet again! Love and peace to all family, friends, readers and fans.

Martha Boada

Jan 4 2007, 11:57 am

We all loved Ra. He and I hung around a lot in the late 70's and early 80's. Kentucky Derby, etc. I miss him already, and now he belongs to the ages and the angels. He was an exceptional man. Sincerely, Martha Boada

Jan 3 2007, 8:09 am

And he didn't judge his brothers and sisters who chose a different path. He didn't see color, hair, clothes or any other superficial crap as the measure of a persons worth.

Sheila

Jan 2 2007, 5:49 pm

I figure it's been about 33 years I've known him. I was in second grade I think. My mom was sort of a hippie back then. I knew him from the parties and events on the weekends and in the summer. He turned up as my 4th grade TA at South Side elementary in 74 or 75. I remember he was straight laced and played it cool. I had to call him Mr. Wilson in class. I swear I giggled every time I said it and he would just smile at me.

Years later our paths crossed again. I was a tortured youth and spent a lot of time on the quad, up at the swap with Bob and Charlie and Ra. Helping at WEFT and just hanging out. Hash Wednesday and Murphy's and the Inn where he had me put his name on the wall. So many people judged me back then for breaking the rules but Ra was always happy to see me. He would laugh until he got tears in his eyes and give me a big hug. He called me "daughter".

I never really got used to calling him Ra or Rasta. Those were just characters he played. The joke was on all of us, I think.

Jim was a not so gentle reminder of the way things used to be. fun and inspired, pushing the edge. Things changed but so did Jim. Many probably thought he was a slacker, partier, and burnout. He always had a few projects in the works, remained an active contributor to the local color for longer than most, and outlasted the best of them when they cut their hair and traded in their jeans for khakis. Jim remained true to himself and true to the C-U sceen.

Once upon a time this town rocked. Really rocked. It was a point of origin on the map not a footnote. When college towns had character, and weren't just sterile environments for creating multi-billion dollar software and line workers.

People pass through this town now like it's just a layover on the way to a life. This used to be a place where you discovered who you were and started to live your life. Jim still represented that to a lot of people.

Man, I'm going to miss him.

chef Rob

Jan 2 2007, 12:18 pm

Rip brother,in the great cloud of smoke in the sky.

fletch

Jan 2 2007, 1:36 am

that sucks.. rip

danny danko

Jan 1 2007, 8:57 pm

Ra it was an honor to meet you. After years of reading your columns you became larger than life but when I met you, you immediately put me at ease and it seemed that we had been friends for years. I got to be the "Pot Stylist" on the Chef Ra Ganja Gourmet dvd and it was alot of fun to say the least. You will truly be missed. The life you lived was filled with great friends as is clear from the outpouring of touching stories and reminiscences. Thanks for being kind and save a spiff up there for me. -Danny

Prom Queen

Jan 1 2007, 3:53 pm

I was honored to be at Ra's beautiful farewell with his lovely family and dear, dear friends, particularly Bugsy, Jim and Maarten. We all loved him; how could one not? He really touched people and I only wish there were more like him. But he was an original and the last couple of days for me have been heavy with his memory and the days of our youth. Miss you Ra. We won't ever forget you. ak

Blainne

Jan 1 2007, 7:37 am

I did not know him, but it seemd like he was a man of great honor and integrity. best wishes much love and may his spirit fly free.

grump

Jan 1 2007, 3:06 am

hApPy nEw yeAR!!!

Hes with Bob Marley now.

Dec 31 2006, 12:53 am

I'm still in shock at seeing that he has died. I used to love playing his Munchie Generator. If it weren't for him I wouldn't be enjoying this peanut butter chocolate sauce and tuna sandwich garnished with beets and marshmallows.

Sheila

Dec 31 2006, 12:33 am

I'm having a hard time with this. I knew Rasta most of my life...since 73 or 74 when I was just a little hippie kid running around on the quad. Later he turned up as my student teacher in grade school and I had to call him Mr. Wilson. We both laughed a lot about that. I knew him from WEFT and shows, and Hash Wednesday where I think we were the only regulars for a few years, and so many times, so many memories and so many years. I feel privillaged to have known him.

cooked cook

Dec 30 2006, 9:52 pm

eternal peace, and much love to our brother in ganja and food, who was called back to the big kitchen too soon.
Definitely one of my early culinary influences.
I'll think of him every time I sprinkle some "special seasonings" into something I cook.
cc

Mick Woolf

Dec 30 2006, 7:52 pm

Here's my two cents on Ra, based upon on an almost larger than life legendary soul.
Champaign-Urbana has lost one of its cultural icons. Chef Ra, aka Jim Wilson, passed away at home, at the age of 56, the morning of Tuesday, December 26th.
Ra hosted the longest running program on WEFT 90.1FM, "Roots, Rock, Reggae", for over 25 years. He drove for The Yellow Cab Co., wrote a long-standing cooking column for High Times magazine, DJ'd at various local clubs, and made an impact on many people of all ages with his indomitable spirit.
The Urbana High School graduate set athletic records in track and played football and other sports. He was elected as the first African-American senior class president during a racially charged setting and time. The experiences he contended with politicized Ra at a young age, and by the?time he attended Woodstock, after graduating high school in 1969, he said that it had changed his consciousness. In college at the U of I, he studied photography, film, and more.

Mick Woolf cont

Dec 30 2006, 7:52 pm

Chef Ra introduced reggae music to the radio listeners of East Central Illinois, while spinning his adventurous yarns over the airwaves, and preaching about people coming together. He put himself out there for a lotta years, with his raps on liberation, love, peace, freedom, and coming?together. Many mini-generations of college students and townsfolk became familiar with him.
For me, Ra embodied the cultural spirit of WEFT for a whole host of reasons, amidst his complexities, and many faceted attributes. There were sides to this man that some people knew, and others never knew, but what little I know is that there was a lot more to him, than the upbeat partying side. He was a bright, incisive, politically savvy entity. He had a good read on people, grounded in street smarts, and was no nonsense when it came to sniffin' out bullshit. He couldn't stand negative trips and the psyhcic vampires that would bring everybody else down. Right on, Ra.
He had a lot of other experiences based upon the times he came out of, taking his stands, looking to be a part of various solutions, and rolling out on his own cultural and political excursions, including running for president at one point in the 80's. He eventually focused on the cultural?aspects behind people's consciousness and the notion of personal evolution in the cycle of "the revolution".
In hanging, knowing, and working with him through the years, I found him to be a fair man, and down for being real, down for the doin' the right thing, and for being positive and constructive. We had some good times, good laughs, and some deep moments.

Mick Woolf cont

Dec 30 2006, 7:49 pm

When my son was about two years old, he took one look at Ra, as they eyed each other, and completely, slowly, turned around 180 degrees and faced the wall. Ra was great with him, with those 6 foot dreads, on his 6-foot-plus frame, with a great big, and in that moment, gentle laugh, as he talked about that being the way it always was with the little ones, and that later the kids warm up to him. And, it happened. Eventually, my son would wave and say hello to Ra more affectionately. Thought one day that we'd all go fishing...one of the moments that didn't happen. A good?reminder: do what ya gotta do, do what ya wanna do, take care of the little things, cuz we don't know when our number's up.
He enjoyed his celebrity status on the Hash Bash tours, advocating for legalization of "the herb" to the end, and judging for the High Times Cannibus Cup in Amsterdam. Ra never lost his love of cooking, gardening, fishing, his sense of humor, and the way he filled a room, and brightened things up, in the affirmation of his wild presence on this earth.
WEFT has had plans to present Rasta's video from the 80's, "Chef Ra Escapes Babylon", as one of the station's community events during its year long celebration of 25 years of broadcasting to the listeners of East Central Illinois. The station will publicize the event when the date and location are firm.
Hard to believe he's left Babylon after makin' it this far. He was one of a kind, and lived a full and colorful life, even though there was more to do and see and be. Shocked and saddened at his passing after knowing him since 1980, I think the planet is that much richer for his time here. He will be missed in all his uniqueness, creativity, laughter, and his?Rastafarian-based hippified embracing spirit. You did it your?way, Ra. Ain't no doubt about that. The Frank Sinatra of Rasta Men. To you, Ra: peace and love, brother man, as you travel your own Ra ways with Jah's ways.

Chris Simunek

Dec 30 2006, 7:09 pm

The first time I ever spent any quality time with Chef RA was at the 8th Annual Cannabis Cup in 1995. Seems like a million years ago. RA was a celebrity judge that year and carried around a giant bag of cannabis samples the whole week like some rasta Santa Claus. RA, Frank Max, artist and co-conspirator Bobby Belfiore and myself killed a lot of hours in one of RA’s favorite coffeeshops, Rookies, not far from our hotel, the infamous Quentin. We liked it because it was one of the few establishments in the area that served you a full, imperial pint, as opposed to those juice-glasses that most of the bars there serve you. We took our jobs as cannabis judges seriously, keeping notes on each new strain sampled like old men charting the ponies at OTB. I don’t even remember the specifics of what we talked about, but I do know that the conversation at times elevated to that point of gut-wrenching joy, where you can’t even speak or breath because you are laughing so hard.
The next time I hung with RA in exotic settings was during a trip HT sponsored to Jamaica. I had no idea RA was even going to be there. We left from New York, so, coming from Illinois, he wasn’t on our flight. After the HT staff got off the plane at MoBay, we took a bus to Negril. Along the way there was a pit stop at a little bar and who was waiting there in this roadside hole-in-the-wall, holding court with a spliff in one hand and a Red Stripe in the other? You got it, ras, Chef RA himself. I knew then that it was going to be a great week and it was…
I was the editor of Chef RA’s column for many years, and was always amazed at the sheer volume of stories this guy had to tell. We’re talking about hundreds of anecdotes, all drawn from his own history. RA was a man who loved life, was fascinated by the fact that he’d been bestowed by Jah with so many unique and colorful experiences. I drank with him, smoked with him, laughed with him, and I thank Jah for placing me in his orbit.

Big Danny

Dec 30 2006, 5:14 pm

I have known Chef Ra since the good old days at the ILLINI INN. Seen him at some shows and he always brought good energy around where he went. I enjoyed hanging out with him during his WEFT shows on Thursdays and when march madness came around we would talk about who we liked on our Esquire sheets. Well my friend heres to the good times we had at Turkey Day 2, 4th of July, Greek Easter, and to all the others. RIP my friend. Love you man!

greengood1967

Dec 30 2006, 3:53 pm

For anyone who would like to send well wishes to Ra's friends and family please sign his guestbook at:
http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=GB000020447489

The posts are screened so please be tasteful or the post won't get through.

Ra will be missed greatly.

gmoney

Dec 30 2006, 2:21 pm

thats sucks chef ra was such a great icon in the herbal community, WELL MISS YOU, AND ALL THE GREAT RECIPES YOU GAVE US.............. Rest in PEACE RASTA JIM

Pube Beard

Dec 30 2006, 10:25 am

I guess Pube Beard isn't the greatest nickname, but Ra gave it to me, and I'll keep it.

It sucks to learn this so late...and it sure doesn't make it feel better.

The man who hired me at the University of Illinois ten years ago, told me a story about having run a race with "Litte Jimmy Wilson" out in a cornfield many years ago. Ra denied the story for years, until I finally said my boss's name in a form that he recognized.

Ra always made "Irish Tuesday" fun, and "Up the RA" will always bring up a memory of Ra singing along with an Irish rebel song.

Pube Beard

Dec 30 2006, 10:19 am

Zachary Findlay-Maddox

Dec 30 2006, 8:33 am

I can't believe he's dead too! That makes Gerald Ford and James Brown.

AP story on RA

Dec 30 2006, 8:27 am

Urbana ganga chef, columnist dead at 56
DAVID MERCER
Associated Press
URBANA, Ill. - Since the late 1980s, marijuana-culture magazine High Times has published a column telling readers how to make pot-themed dishes like Great Ganja Pumpkin Pie Potatoes and Vegetable Harvest Medley with Ganja Sauce.
The column ended this week when its author, James Wilson Jr. of Urbana - known to readers as "Chef Ra" - died in his sleep at home at age 56. He died early Tuesday, possibly of a heart attack, friends said.
Wilson was well-known in Champaign and Urbana as the longtime host of the radio show, "Roots, Rock, Reggae," on WEFT-FM in Champaign. He drove a cab for a living, and was a regular at bars and parties in the area.
Wilson was born in 1950 in Charleston, W. Va., where his father, James C. Wilson Sr., was a coach and faculty member at West Virginia State University, his sister, Karen Wilson, said. The family moved to Urbana in the 1960s when Wilson Sr. started working on his Ph.D at the University of Illinois.
At Urbana High School, Wilson excelled in football, basketball and track, and was elected senior class president and homecoming king, family and friends said.
"He was like a super jock that was headed toward a big scholarship," said lifelong friend and Urbana native Steve Hager, the editor of High Times. "What happened is he got politically active with the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X; he got politicized."
He also took to the counterculture of the 1960s as if he'd been born to it, Hager said. After hearing Jamaican music for the first time while at Woodstock, Wilson went to Jamaica and became a Rastafarian, Hager said.

AP story on RA cont.

Dec 30 2006, 8:26 am

"The essential Ra, he was much bigger than the pot," said Robert Henderson, who grew up with Wilson in Urbana and now lives in Venice, Calif. "He was a man of the people."
Wilson began writing his High Times column, "Chef Ra's Psychedelic Kitchen," in 1988 at Hager's invitation.
The food was Southern at heart, Hager said, and good enough to lead to talk of a restaurant. But that never happened.
"He could make plans and stuff, but really he wasn't gonna go out and do that kind of thing, chase money that hard," Hager said. "He'd rather go fishing."
That was the brother Karen Wilson knew. Jimmy, as she called him, was somehow smaller than the larger-than-life ganga gourmet.
"When he came home to his family, he was not that person," said Karen Wilson, an attorney with the U.S. Justice Department in Washington, D.C. "He was much quieter. It was almost as if he expended his energy outward."
But outside Champaign and Urbana, he was Chef Ra, she said.
On vacation last summer on Martha's Vineyard, Karen Wilson was talking to some friends of her son. The conversation turned to fishing and food, and she mentioned that her brother was big on both. After a little more discussion, it dawned on them who he was.
"They both said, 'Oh my god, you're Chef Ra's sister,'" Wilson said, laughing.
A memorial for Wilson is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church in Urbana.

ANGEL S. IN CU

Dec 30 2006, 5:02 am

CU HAS LOST ONE OF IT'S FINEST... RIP RA.. YOU WILL BE MISSED..
MUCH LUV AND RESPECT,
ANGEL

420 K.G.B.

Dec 29 2006, 9:55 pm

I have used some of his recipes, such as shrimp gumbo and other soups. Good shit people! Sad news. He will be missed..

RIP brother!

munchielover

Dec 29 2006, 8:42 pm

RA, you gave us the best munchies. I am a stoner and a cook so you are my idol. You will be dearly missed.

bloomdude

Dec 29 2006, 7:18 pm

I'm reeling with the twin losses of James Brown and James "Chef Ra" Wilson. I went to the James Brown viewing yesterday and I only wish I could pay my respects to RA by being in Urbana for the viewing, service and funeral this weekend.

As a longtime High Times employee, I was fortunate to get to know RA. I didn't see him for the last few years, but I'll always cherish the fun times with him at the office, playing Bonghitter softball, hanging out at Dead shows, making speeches at Hash Bash, chowing down his famous Rasta Pasta, drinking beers and of course smoking his beloved ganja.

Chef RA taught several generations of stoners how to cook with cannabis ("In a double boiler, heat ganja and butter over a low to moderate flame for 45 minutes..."). That, among other things, will be his lasting legacy. RA lives!

Please check out my post about RA at http://celebstoner.com

Steve Bloom

Bob

Dec 29 2006, 7:07 pm

ill never forget the passionate nite him an spent together, both of us on 'e'. he said he'd call me but i never heard from him until a year ago. we made love like old times until he had to leave for a flight. ill never forget you jim!!

Harv Treat

Dec 29 2006, 6:56 pm

I will miss Jim. We have been friends since we played basketball, football and track together since 8th grade.One of my fondest memories of Jim was a football play called X and Y 45, Z staight. Jim was the Z receiver. We ran this play 6 times and every time I threw the ball to Jim and he scored a touchdown. My deepest sympathy to his family.

gnightgirl

Dec 29 2006, 6:51 pm

3 years ago, I meandered past the jukebox in the Esquire, to find him plugging in quarters and hitting the numbers to play "Blue Christmas." I'll never know what got into me, but without request or question, I moved into his arms, slow danced and sang with him to end of the song. A curtsy and a thank you followed, and I walked away. It was a moment. I will never forget it. He probably did, immediately.

Steven Hager

Dec 29 2006, 5:21 pm

Just got interviewed by a reporter for AP news about Ra. Hope they don't try to twist this story around. I'm afraid the reporter didn't seem sensitive to the material. Kept harping on there's not much counterculture in C-U anymore. I tried to explain Ra was a man of all cultures and all peoples, but don't know if it sunk in. Ra was famous wherever he went, whether it was a Grateful Dead show or the Kentucky Derby. His flamboyant style and positive aura made him a lightening rod at any festive event.

Jaymz aka Dizbuster34

Dec 29 2006, 4:43 pm

Very SAD news indeed! He WILL be MISSED greatly.
I first met him at a Hash Bash many many years ago & would run into him at some of the Dead shows I would go to in the Ohio/Michigan area. He ALWAYS was a hoot to be around & friendly as anyone could be. At the Cup this year, I had many people asking if anyone had seen him. We figured, "ah, he'll probably be here next year." I guess he will be in spirit.
Wow. What a sad afternoon it will be, until I can get home & pay tribute to the Great Chef Ra.

PeAcE FrOg

Dec 29 2006, 4:42 pm

A moment of silence from the cornfields and old hickory trees of Illinois, in rememberance of a truely beautiful man that once played amoung the same fields and trees as I did.

Ryan

Dec 29 2006, 4:38 pm

The passing of Chef Ra has come as a surprise to all of us in Champaign-Urbana. He was an icon for a community in central Illinois that embraced art, music, and a free will lifestyle. He will truly be missed for the influence he presented in Champaign-Urbana.

Tanya

Dec 29 2006, 4:35 pm

sorry to hear about that, He touched alot of lives

herb gardener

Dec 29 2006, 4:35 pm

DAMN! Sorry to hear of this loss. Chef was usually my favorite part of the 'old school' HT. I hope to see a cookbook published to help his family in the near future. I know you have some stroke with these kind of things, and have no doubt it would be the right thing to do. Much love and admiration to Chef Ra. My condolences to his family and friends. He may be gone, but his teachings live on! LONG LIVE THE CHEF!

dave

Dec 29 2006, 4:33 pm

"Wow...James Brown...now Chef RA
He'll be missed...what an awesome man.

Steven Hager

Dec 29 2006, 3:08 pm

Please don't feed the trolls. We know this site is infested with fundamentalists on a jihad, but RA stood for compassion and understanding between all cultures. He was a man of the people--all the people--and was beloved by everyone who knew him, no matter what their spiritual beliefs. So just let the jihadists pass by without comment, this day is all about celebrating RA, not spreading hate.

Steven Hager

Dec 29 2006, 3:08 pm

Bud Lucky III

Dec 29 2006, 2:59 pm

And I really got hot,
And the others did too,
And we all beat the shit out of mister conservative.
And, after all, he had only himself to be blamed.
This is still a free country,
And anyone telling a fellow like me,
"Brother, you're full of shit",
Better be good and ready
To answer politely
When asked if he'd care to say why.

Bud Lucky II

Dec 29 2006, 2:58 pm

Next thing you know the whole blooming discussion
Was more like a brawl,
And the epithets flew thick and fast,
And the noise was incredible.
Someone said "son of a bitch",
And I think he said "bastard".
I couldn't be sure, it was all so confusing.

Well, anyhow, I was attempting
To get it all back on a rational level.
I tried, for example, to talk to the one who had started it all,
And I asked him just what did he mean we were all full of shit.
Was he making a statement of fact as he knew it,
And where was his documentation to back up his claim?
I think Socrates would've been proud of the way I refuted his argument.
That is, I tried to refute it,
But all he could offer by way of rebuttal was more of the same
About how we were all full of shit.
But he wouldn't say why,
He just kept on repeating it,
That and the part about Russia and China
And communist dupes, and I'll have to confess
That I got a bit angry and told him to stuff his ideas up his ass,
Which you don't have to tell me is hardly a way
To convince anyone in an argument.

Then he got salty and threatened to give me
A punch in the mouth if I didn't shut up,

bud lucky

Dec 29 2006, 2:52 pm

Tokers vs Haters
Often make some people
Lose all perspective and
Give way to ranting and raving and
Carrying on like emotional children.
They either refuse to discuss it with reason,
Or else they prefer argumentum ad hominum,
Which is a hell of a way to conduct a discussion.

Well, anyhow, not long ago,
I was talking about the weed,
And how the campaigns were ignoring the issues,
And sticking instead to invective and personal crap
That had nothing to do with the substantive problems of running a government,
Which is all true, as you know
If you followed the speeches and so-called debates of the candidates.

Anyhow, one of the guys I was talking with
Said not a word in the whole conversation
Except at the end when he suddenly chuckled
And said we were all full of shit,
And why didn't we go live in Russia or China
If that was the way we all hated the United States Of America.

Verdant

Dec 29 2006, 2:50 pm

Why would someone create the name You'reAllLosers and then spit on someone's memorial? This site is about free speech but please, have a little bit of respect.

Dec 29 2006, 2:03 pm

While no one knows yet it's a better than even chance that the legal corporate crap killed him and not the smoke. And I'd like to meet your sorry loud mouth in person.

You'reAllLosers

Dec 29 2006, 1:59 pm

DEAD at 55. Real nice. keep taking drugs you dumb shits.

Buzz article

Dec 29 2006, 8:54 am

High Times and Reggae Music with Chef Ra
Kyle Gorman
Posted: 7/7/05
When Duke Ellington came to Champaign-Urbana, he purchased a hat from Dan's Hat Shop which became a signature for the performer. Many decades later, the store produced another unforgettable hat, mated to the boisterous personality and memorable laugh of Chef Ra. Ra has been wearing his "Mad Hatter" for more than 20 years, a hat that lightly mocks his floor-length dredlocks and natural flair. He isn't just appearance though; he's as proud of his soul and mind.

Chef Ra deals in consciousness, in the same spirit as hip-hop's "conscious MCs." Like those urban songwriters who look beyond themselves for inspiration, Ra looks to the dual muses of reggae culture for greater understanding.

Buzz article cont.

Dec 29 2006, 8:53 am

"I think reggae pushes you to question things and not be such a follower," he explains outside the WEFT 90.1 FM studio during his weekly radio show, which features two hours of roots and modern music from Jamaica. Some may know Chef Ra from not from the radio or his weekly DJ sets at Barfly, though: he contributes to High Times, the marijuana magazine that combines drug activism with the predictable gumption to feature "Jenna Jameson: Stoned!" Ra had the fortune to become involved with High Times when friend and writer Steve Hager became editor of the publication.

"I said, 'Hey man, I got a recipe to cook with marijuana,' and he let me do an article."

From there it took off; the "ganga gourmet" found himself writing a regular column and becoming involved with the causes associated with marijuana, appearing at rallies and creating dishes like his famous "rasta pasta." Ra creates his recipes by simply experimenting. His creations, which often involve baking marijuana into the butter (and concealing the taste), aren't purely for hedonistic purposes, though; Ra hopes that they could provide pleasure and relief to those too ill to smoke. On marijuana, Ra admits that drugs are not an aid to the unenlightened mind.

Buzz article cont.

Dec 29 2006, 8:51 am

"I don't think it's a solution. There is no magic way-you've got to get your mind together." Rather, drugs are a method for expanding the consciousness of those who are ready to learn.

"It's a spiritual thing. It makes me think and analyze. It uplifts your soul. It's a matter of consciousness-that's the game I'm into."

"Just being a black hippie," Ra sought a lifestyle that fulfilled his desire for greater consciousness. While he was in college, reggae hadn't gained notice in America. Originating from the faster ska, the genre had taken a name from Toots and the Maytals' "Do the Reggae;" the roots were firmly planted but no one had noticed the soon-to-be king.

"I worked at the original Record Service, and the owner went down to Jamaica," where he became aware of Bob Marley. Hearing the Catch A Fire LP for the first time, Ra had found his aesthetic; luckily, he was already ahead of the fashion. If you look on the cover of Catch A Fire, which features a photo of Bob Marley inhaling from a monstrous spliff, you'll note that his hair is in fact not dredded but in an afro.

"I already had dredlocks back then-because I was just a dirty bohemian hippy. I was before the man [Bob Marley] himself," Ra declares proudly.

"They're not going deep into the roots of the music and seeing who was there when Bob Marley was there and playing," Ra says, comparing it to discovering Elvis without Chuck Berry.

Buzz article cont.

Dec 29 2006, 8:50 am

Reggae has gone through so many changes in the past 30 years; slick pop acts like Steel Pulse contrast with Toots' decidedly-rootsy shuffles in ways that rival the development of American pop, but for the white American, reggae is thought of as a historical genre, neither contemporary nor self-aware.

"It's been up and down and it goes in cycles. Certain generations are attracted by it, and originally, reggae wasn't really even embraced by black people in America. It was all the white hippie kids that embraced reggae, the college kids. In this generation, I think, the younger blacks are more attuned to it. They see the heritage and they see the consciousnesses that are in reggae."

Ra throws quite a party every Wednesday at Barfly, where he spins the roots of Jamaican music in with more modern sounds. Dub and dancehall, more rhythmic and bass-oriented genres derived from reggae, have informed Americans (and are often credited with the "invention" of rap), and Ra uses this more-popular music to teach the roots of Jamaican music to his listeners.

"I look at myself as a messenger for the music and for the lifestyle and for the consciousness involved. That's my mission."

Music this vital and aware isn't like a lesson as much as a party, though. The good-spirited revelers compare the experience to "going to church," but it's a church that preaches individualism and love over the collective security usually associated with organized religion. After all, Chef Ra's name isn't a reference to "jazz alien" Sun Ra, or the Egyptian sun god. As he explains it:

"I'm more of a party man, so it's 'Ra Ra Ra sis boom ba'."

� Copyright 2006 Buzz Magazine

News Gazette article I

Dec 29 2006, 8:38 am

By Paul Wood

Lots of people knew James Wilson Jr., whether they knew him as Jimmy Wilson, Urbana's three-sport star; Rasta James, the reggae promoter; H. Rap Wilson, the radical; or Chef Ra, the High Times food columnist.
"If you're from Urbana and you don't know him, you don't get out much," said Maarten De Witte, an old friend who usually called him Jim.
Mr. Wilson brought reggae to Champaign-Urbana, set a high jump record that lasted for years, was known internationally for his cannabis-infused recipes and ran for president on a legalize-marijuana platform.
As recently as last Saturday, Chef Ra was his usual ebullient self, dancing in an aisle of the Esquire Lounge in Champaign. He died in his sleep Monday night or Tuesday morning at the age of 56.
Mr. Wilson, a cab driver, WEFT radio personality, ganja cooking expert and man-about-town, never married but had a million friends.
De Witte and another friend, Mick Woolf, agree he had a strong streak of privacy.
The public persona was impossible to separate from his various pursuits. His sister, Karen Wilson, recalls a streak of kindness in her older brother.
"The old ladies from the North End always asked for him when they called for a cab," she said.
De Witte said his friend was also brave. They grew up in faculty housing in Urbana and went to Yankee Ridge and Urbana High School together.
"To my recollection, he was the only black student at Yankee Ridge" (at the time), De Witte said.
His senior year, Mr. Wilson was co-captain of the football team and president of his class. When he rode on a float next to a blonde female counterpart, there were hisses and boos from some, De Witte recalled.
The family thrived on breaking barriers. Karen Wilson, an attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice, recalls an idyllic early childhood in West Virginia, where her father taught at a historically black college.

Rob Hast

Dec 29 2006, 8:09 am

Ra's great stories backed with his powerful laugh, would always clear your head if you needed it or not.

He would walk into a room and you would forget your problems.

Thanks for the great food, laughs, music and memories... RIP Ra.

the original janet planet

Dec 28 2006, 10:20 pm

Jimmy Wilson AKA Chef Ra will be truly missed. He was a very cool dude and always had a good word for everyone anytime.
I have some fond memories of him at the turtle races, on the river fishing and when he came down to Louisiana to visit and rode down some hills on the horses like a wild man having a great time!
One of the best memories has to be at U of I's Foellinger Auditorium watching the Jimmy Cliff film "The Harder They Come" with Chef Ra and him pulling out some great Ganja that we consumed right there and managed not to get kicked out even though there was a distinct smell in the air! He was always laughing and fun to be around. He had a great attitude on life and lived it to the max.
He will be missed by all who knew him. Maybe he is somewhere cool right now which is what he deserves !
The planet is a little less bright at the end of this year without him.

big ed

Dec 28 2006, 9:03 pm

the world has truly lost a freind.

the

Dec 28 2006, 8:36 pm

only losers are those afraid to use.
ra was no loser. anyone sais he is are idiots

MG Mike

Dec 28 2006, 7:10 pm

Another one of the "guys from the days" has left us. I met Jim in '70 soon after returning from SE Asia.
He was a good one and well established in the "Most Unforgettable Characters" list.
He did a lot of photography and had a huge archive of Champaign and other events that needs to be in the daylite.
If there's an afterlife, Wilson is partying with the best of them.
So Long Jimmy.

river runner

Dec 28 2006, 5:29 pm

JAH BLESS......REST IN PEACE.

macdaddy

Dec 28 2006, 4:30 pm

hopefully Ra Wilson is in a better place than us smoking Gods stash.

RIP man

J-rock

Dec 28 2006, 2:32 pm

I've known Chef for about 12 years. And in that time he had went from being a cultural icon and hero to being a good friend.Thank you Chef wherever you maybe. Without you my path would have never been so clear.RIP

Mark Wetzel

Dec 28 2006, 2:14 pm

We are greatly saddened by the passing of our long time friend, Ra Wilson - a mentor of life for so many of us. Ra looked into the hearts and souls of those with whom he interacted -- searching and finding the good, conveying hope and encouragement to overcome hate, social sickness, and ignorance that so taints the diversity of cultures, religions, life styles, and the uniqueness in each one of us. Ra lived for common ground, tireless in his efforts to help others find that 'venue'. I first met Ra in the mid-1960's, when attending Urbana High School; he had a wonderful voice, singing in one or more bands at local venues. He was an occasional visitor to my driveway for friendly basketball games (dude had height, moves, and long range shots from the street). He immediately grew tight with my childhood neighbors, Paul, Steve, and Jo, and parents Fran and Lowell Hager. Ra was a perennial participant in the local fourth of July parades, roller skating with flowing dreadlocks in Uncle Sam garb, raising the enthusiasm for celebration along the entire parade route. His Thursday night reggae show on WEFT, our community radio station, was perhaps the longest running show in the station's history. Chef Ra was the ramrod of annual WEFTfests, and had been a gourmet food columnist for High Times magazine for many years. Ra was a fixture in music and beverage venues throughout the greater Champaign-Urbana, area, most notably Mike n' Molly's, the original Blind Pig, and the Esquire Lounge.
Hopefully, Ra's message of love, perseverance, kindness, and peace, and of the sharing of souls -- will grow in all of us. We have tears of sadness, for our loss of such a fine human being, of a man seemingly greater than life through the aura he freely shared with so many, yet we also have tears of happiness, because he is now released from the pains of this world. My brother John and I will miss you very much, Ra; you live on in our hearts. Peace.

Kim

Dec 28 2006, 11:51 am

I was one of those wide eyed girls in the mid-70's waiting for a glimpse of Ra Ra in the parades. How I wanted to roller skate with him. I remember my surprise in High School one day when I saw a picture of him as the class president on the wall of the library.

Every time I saw him I would of thought I was his best friend. His arms would be open wide, smiling and laughing waiting for a hug. That was how he was with everyone, he loved people. Last week he told me he has his santa hat out and was ready to give my children some some Ra Ra santa love.

From the old Blind Pig, to Esquire, to M & M, to his yellow taxi...you would always find him there with love is his soul and wanting more for our human race.

I will miss you- you have me taught me much!
One world. One Love. One Peace.

"So when the man comes there will be no, no doom. Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner.
There ain't no hiding place from the Father of creation.
Sayin' "One love, one heart. Let's get together and feel all right'" I'm pleading to mankind one love), Oh Lord(one heart), whoa.
"let's give thanks and praise to the lord and I will feel all right".
Let's get together and feel all right.
One love. One Heart."

Steven Hager

Dec 28 2006, 9:24 am

Two corrections in the above story: RA was 56, not 55; and his dad was an assistant coach on the track team, not the football team.

Mark Johnson

Dec 28 2006, 9:22 am

Ted has covered "Corina" the 300 (I guess I thought it was 600!) LB Catfish. Remember the big honker he caught and kept alive in his bathtub? We were fishin at lock and dam #19 at Wildcat Springs. After a night on the Addie Mae making the Nauvoo to the dam run with the juke box blaring and the frosty's flowing we went to that little beach below the rocks and go to fishin. (Hold her Knute she's headed for the pea-patch). Jimmy and I caught a whole passel of Mississippi Drum perch, cats and various other gourmet delights. We were pretty carzy about who caught how many in those days so he set up his camera to preserve the catch for all to see. When we got back to Champaign-Nirvana (after a stop at the the Ringside Tap in Havana, complete with the full size poste of Bobby Douglas on the wall) Jimmy went to work in the darkroom. At some long forgotten "big party" he unveiled the portrait. There it was, Jimmy, the stringer, and all the fish seemingly hanging magically in the air. My brother had cut me out of the picture! Jah Love Jim. There's only one race, the human race!

BRENDALICIOUS

Dec 28 2006, 9:13 am

My Daughter just asked-who was Chef Ra? Was he the character that drove the little yellow taxi, was he the crazy chef pant wearing,dart throwing, beer drinking Jimmy? Was he the one-love DJ? Community activitist-he was all these wonderful things and so much more.We weren't ready to loose you. I know I will see you again. RIP RA

Maggie Mattingly

Dec 28 2006, 9:11 am

I met Jimmy when we were both 15 years old. We were working to establish an interracial coffee house called Black Coffe and Cream located on north first street in Champaign. Years later we would go fishing on the Mississipi river, which was always an adventure. He was a great friend to the Leather Shop. Jimmy truly lived life to the fullest,and in fact was larger than life. He always made me think harder than I wanted and laugh when I needed a good laugh. When I think of Jimmy there will always be a smile on my face.

News Gazette Obituary

Dec 28 2006, 8:06 am

URBANA – James C. Wilson Jr., 56, a local radio personality, writer and former star athlete at Urbana High School, passed away on Dec. 26, 2006, at his home in Urbana.

Funeral services will be at Wesley United Methodist Church on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at 2 p.m. Dr. Howard L. White will officiate. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, 2006, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana.

Jim was born Oct. 10, 1950, in Charleston, W.V. His father, James C. Wilson Sr., was an accomplished college athlete, who was an assistant track coach at the University of Illinois when he died in 1967. His mother, Winnie R. Wilson, a teacher and administrator in the Champaign Public School system for many years, retired in 1996 and resides in Urbana.

Other survivors include Jim's sister, Karen Wilson, a lawyer in the U.S. Deptartment of Justice in Washington D.C.; and nephew, Campbell James, 8.

Jim starred in track and football at Urbana High School, from which he graduated in 1969. He competed in the state meet as a high jumper and for many years held Urbana High's record in the event. He was elected president of his senior class, and then went on to earn a degree from the University of Illinois College of Communications.

Jim, who often spoke fondly of having attended the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival in upstate New York, was a fixture in the local music community. His pioneering "Roots Rock, and Reggae radio program, which aired for 25 years on WEFT 90.1 FM, was one of the first programs in the nation to play tribute to reggae music. The station planned a tribute to Jim on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006, from 8 to 10 p.m. when the program usually aired. For many years, Jim also wrote a regular column under the pseudonym "Chef Ra" for High Times magazine.

Steven Hager

Dec 28 2006, 7:51 am

The WEFT tribute is at 8:00 pm Thursday. There will be a viewing at Renner Wikoff Chapel on Friday There will be a church service Saturday at 2:00 pm at the Wesley Methodist Church 1203 Green Street, Urbana.

OLDFART

Dec 28 2006, 6:22 am

WOW... PEACE LOVE & HAPPINESS JIMMIE. We will miss you.
Still shocked in Wisconsin.

pakalologuam

Dec 27 2006, 11:14 pm

I never knew jim but grew up in Il at the same time, always loved his articals and recipes! I'm going to make hash oil brownies and listen to Bob!
Peace!

Big Ted

Dec 27 2006, 11:09 pm

Ra, you were a true friend for over 35 years. I miss you way too musch already. Volleyball in the back yard at Maple Street, parties, barbecues, Turtle Races, the 300 Pound Catfish. The memories are flooding in. You left the world a happer place than you found it. Peace Brother!

dead president

Dec 27 2006, 9:44 pm

damn ol'jerry ford, dying and taking james brown and our beloved chef's pasing out of the national spotlight.

i smell a right/left wing cospiarcy here

Peace my brother jim, i know that you would have chuckeld at the above

its me

Dec 27 2006, 9:01 pm

You Will Be Missed Bye Many Chef. I Met Chef About 10-15 Years Ago At The Hash Bash In Ann Habor MICH, And I Still Make My Butter Using His 48hr Method, Will Miss You Very Much Man,Hope Your Blazzing With The Big Man As I Type.

Desiree

Dec 27 2006, 8:10 pm

will miss this beautiful person, shining through those everyday moments..what a heartful soul....

Todd Harrison

Dec 27 2006, 7:45 pm

I knew Ra/Jim since eighth grade. This was unforgettable, soulful character. We were best friends for more years than I can count. There are too many stories to be told here, notwithstanding the statute of limitations on some of our actions.

Suffice it to say, we saw one another every day for many years, burned many spliffs, discovered Bob Marley together, ate many great meals, and reasoned together over many campfires, literal and figurative.

Please raise a toast to a unique and special man, who could roast me like no-one before or since, and whom I miss with all my heart, my brother Jim. All love brother. TH.

Andrew Kennis

Dec 27 2006, 6:56 pm

As a new, and only temporary resident in Chambana, I feel honored and quite lucky to have gotten to know Jim ("Chef Ra") in the short time that
I've lived in the area. It was neat having met him first as an ordinary DJ at WEFT, and then later as a "regular" at either Mike N' Molly's or Esquire, and then still yet later as a taxi-cab driver. It wasn't until after all of these chance encounters with Jim that I discovered his infamous past and his present stature as one of the most important members of the CU community. Conceitedness is common and all too rampant amongst "important" people, similarly, so is false modesty; but for the few folks who manage to be *both* _great_ people (like Jim was) and at the same time honestly and sincerely modest (like Jim truly was), I hold nothing but utter and complete admiration. Indeed, this was my reaction to Jim when I read about his past (long after having first met him) and slowly, but surely began to realize how important he was to the community, not from his own lips, but through reading about him in a very well-written local column and also through his actions (the events he organized and his continuous positive presence in the community).

Every time I saw Jim, he was always beaming with a smile or a joke, but such light-heartedness didn't take away from his fire and passion and the progressive politics he consistently espoused and *practiced* (emphasis, especially, on the latter). Jim could get along with just about *everyone*, both his friends and his foes (the latter of which, to be certain, numbered few).

He was truly a remarkable person and his death took me aback tremendously, in part, because I never realized his actual age. 55?! Incredible. Jim never acted 55, he had the energy of a young man.

Edli B'n Hadd

Dec 27 2006, 5:45 pm

I hoped some day ancient Wefties could sit outside the radio station sharing tales of past adventures and indiscretions. That Ra would be there to shout "Right On!" and offering his hand to slap five! It isn't in the cards for Ra anymore. A true shame.

I have known of Ra for many a year. Even before my WEFT days I knew of him but not personally. He was a fixture around town before he became Chef Ra! I saw him go through the jock form, the revolutionary form, the country form, the Rasta Claus (in the middle of summer!) form and his Chef Ra forms. You always knew who he was & where he was. He was never shy about letting you know he was there!

And if some were put off by his larger than life persona, more identified with his joy of life. On July 4th, parade watchers would look for the WEFT float mainly to see Ra doing his outrageous thing in our parade entry. I was sad when he decided that he had to stop performing in the hot sun like the "mad dogs and englishmen!" A tradition was passing. Now the man has passed.

But he wouldn't like us to mourning his passing. He'd rather we play some reggae, pass a blunt, a bottle of brew & sing of life. And not to let the revolution die. Not the fighting in the streets revolution, but the revolution inside ourselves. The one that makes all those positive, optimistic lyrics to the songs we listen to & sing come true.

Our Rasta man is gone! Long live the Rasta Man!

Postal and Danelle

Dec 27 2006, 5:39 pm

Ra will be missed every day in our house and the mother ship "Esquire". He made ours and everyone elses life brighter. I am sure we will drink a bud and play a game of darts together in a better place down the road. Cheers RA!

THE PROCESS

Dec 27 2006, 5:28 pm

THE PROCESS is very sad to hear of the news of the passing of our friend Chef Ra. We will miss seeing him at Hash Bash, as well as his laughter and keen wit. Wherever he is I know he will be telling Jah we need help down here to change these ubjust laws! Abide with the MOST HIGH, Chef RA!
www.theprocessonline.com

marleen

Dec 27 2006, 5:00 pm

Wow, still blown away by the news. Memories flooding in. Sad
because I won't see your fun, happy ass. Smiling because of who you were. I'm gonna celebrate the fact that you went in your sleep and will really, really miss ya, love and rip

smokinbasser

Dec 27 2006, 3:07 pm

Smoke sent up for the chef. May he be in heaven 3 days before the devil finds out.

teri

Dec 27 2006, 2:58 pm

I'm still in shock...and having a hard time with the loss of Ra. I suppose he went the best way any person could, in your sleep knowing that you have truly lived each day to fullest..still I think it was premature, there was still much to be done. Your silly giggle, your grand entrances,flambouyant outfits and larger than life attitude will be with me forever. Know that we will celebrate your life and mourn our loss of seeing and being a part of your life on a day to day basis. I miss you already.
Teri

danko

Dec 27 2006, 12:51 pm

Rest in Peace Ra!

Kathy Kennedy

Dec 27 2006, 11:23 am

This is very sad news. The AnnArbor HashBash will not look the same, Chef Ra was always there. Of course, I'm sure he plans a visit this year - we should all be there to greet him!

Mayor Dave

Dec 27 2006, 11:07 am

I knew Ra since high school where we played football together. He was the same then as he was always, a generous kind gentle and giving person. He was always for the underdog, and took up for those being oppressed.

Jim, I will miss you greatly, and I want you to know that I shaved my beard just because you said it would make my face look better!

Poo Yah ... This bud's for you!

Littlewing

Dec 27 2006, 11:07 am

R.I.P. Rah...you're one the most beautiful people I ever met on this plane of existence. I'ma smoke one for you this morning, Ra...I'll see you in the smoke in the sky.

rip RA

Dec 27 2006, 10:09 am

when i get home im gonna make the fattest edible ever just for u buddy hope ur blazin the best kush ever in heavin

Ben Dover's Cousin

Dec 27 2006, 6:46 am

Go for the red gren a gold light RA. RIP

ep skate

Dec 27 2006, 3:56 am

wow. thats fuckin sad dude. RIP Ra

Bugsy

Dec 27 2006, 2:37 am

I spent a lot of good times with Ra.
Many adventures that have greatly enriched my life. Man it hurts, I miss him. A true,great,rock solid friend for life.

Mike N Molly's

Dec 27 2006, 12:35 am

We will mis Ra Ra very much, we were honored to see him as often as we did. He was such a blast of positive energy. And him cooking out front during every WEFTfest was always a pleasure. We are still in shock, it doesn't seem real. RIP FRIEND... :-(

Raymie

Dec 27 2006, 12:17 am

good friends we had, oh good friends we've lost along the way...time is precious...I thought there would be the day that I saw that contagious smile and feel that embracing hug again...now it's an everlasting memory of good times and genuine love...Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my my soul...

R.I.P.

Dec 27 2006, 12:03 am

i will never forget the munchie generator u made, it dictated many a meals i ate, i love u man! this blunt it 4 u!

Bill

Dec 26 2006, 11:59 pm

Dear Comrades,

My girlfriend called me about an hour ago and told me that Chef Ra had been found dead in his sleep. I'd last talked to him the Saturday before last at the Esquire in Champaign, IL. He was telling stories about his father working in a coal mine and laughing his ass off and he was on his way to a happy hour to benefit WEFT, the community radio station we both volunteered at. I declined to go, as I had other concerns at the time. You never know when you'r seeing someone for the last time.

We'll miss his radio show, "Root, Rock, Reggae;" his top hats, long coats and dreadlocks down to the floor; his raconteuring in the bars; his annual appearance in the Fourth of July Parade in wild red, white and blue on his rollerblades; and pulling up by him while he was at work driving his Yellow cab.

Rasta was a man if the people and the people loved him. He was a man of stature and talent who will be sorely missed here in central Illinois. I hope that one of the breeders names a kick ass strain after him, as he was a big part of pot culture. I never saw Rasta angry or sad, an I'm sure he'd not want us to feel either way over his death. He'd rather see you raise a drink and a bong in his memory. He's at the eternal happy hour now.

Solidarity,
Bill