In Memory of James “Jimbo” Joseph McDermott Jr.
Marin Stables & Trails mourns the March 8, 2023 passing of JAMES “Jimbo” JOSEPH MCDERMOTT JR., who managed our stables for 41 years, from 1980 to 2022.
Per his Obituary on legacy.com (https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/marinij/name/james-mcdermott-obituary?id=51534014):
“Born to James Joseph McDermott Sr. and Marie Ann McNally. Jim attended Saint David’s our Lady of Mercy Catholic Schools during his youth on the East Coast, where he was a choirboy, alter boy, and a paperboy who saved enough money by 14 yrs old to visit his Aunt in Germany. In 1968 he moved to San Rafael and attended San Rafael High School. Jim worked during and after High School at various businesses in San Rafael, British Car dealership, A&H auto parts.
“Jim’s life changed full trajectory in 1973 when a friend of his gave him his first horse, ‘Rough Spots O’Plenty’ an Appaloosa stallion. Jim knew nothing about horses and kept him at C-bar-N which is today Olompali, CA State park. He didn’t realize until he met Tracy and she (who did know horses) pointed out all the baby Appaloosa horses the ranch rent string was producing. In early 1974 Jim and Tracy Cavit moved in together with her 2 very young children, they married in 1978 and were together until Jim’s death March 8, 2023, they were together for 49 years.
“In 1979 he moved his horses to Marin Stables in Fairfax where he set down deep roots. He rebuilt the stable one building at a time and as horses are termites there was always maintenance. Working with him was Jon Roberts his son, and Rebecca Larcher his daughter also James Peters the hardest working man we ever met. Jim was a proud member of the Marin County Sheriff Posse (1991 – 1999) back when they rode horses in parades, color guards and search and rescue, he was captain for two terms, always called out late at night he would load up his horse and they would ride the hills of Marin with walkie-talkies and lights searching. He also rode for over 10 years with Dennis Reis Universal Horsemanship now Reis River Ranch Winery in southern Petaluma. Together with members of his group they rode without bridles through sound, physical and jump obstacles in exhibition in Las Vegas for 8 days. As one person in the audience said after the show one evening, “Gee you all ride so well and really fast, for old people”.
“Jim held the lease for 29 years until the MMWD decided they wanted to give the lease to a non-Profit, so among the stable old timers it was formed and in 2007 Friends of Marin Stables non-profit signs 50 year lease with MMWD to restore the facility and continue community outreach programs.In 2008 Marin Stables & Trails name is adopted by Board of the non-profit. The mission of Marin Stables & Trails is to steward the land and create a safe place for the community to connect with horses and the natural world. 1980 – Jan 1, 2022, Jim McDermott managed the stables for 41 years. During that time Rebecca, Jim’s daughter has been the trainer, Jon, Jim’s son has grown up there and now is raising his son Jon there. James Peters has been our indispensable man of all things ranch for Marin Stables.
“On March 6 Jim suffered a massive heart attack and was gone in an instant. Anyone who remembers Jimbo and his dedication to the ranch and horses please make a contribution to Marin Stables and Trails, Address 139 Wood Ln, Fairfax, CA 94930 to help keep this slice of old Marin alive for all those who remember how peaceful an old barn and horses are.”