James Freyslaben enjoying time at the beach. Photo courtesy of Linda Freyslaben.

He was surrounded by family, including Linda, his beloved wife of only 23 months; his daughter Courtney McCans; and son and “buddy,” Kevin McCans.

Jim was born on March 20, 1948, in San Francisco, where he was raised.

James and Linda Freyslaben were married 23 months before his death in December 2009. Photo courtesy of Linda Freyslaben.

In 1966 he graduated from George Washington High School. Later, he worked for Pacific Orient for many years.

He moved to Lake County 2004 from Napa where he worked in restaurant management for nearly 20 years. His family is currently working on establishing a scholarship in his name for student pursuing restaurant management.

Once in Lake County Jim worked as security at Robinson Rancheria for four years and one year in the vault. He had many friends and acquaintances both at Robinson Rancheria and in Kelseyville.

Survivors include wife, Linda; sons, Kevin McCans and Kyle McCans; daughter, Courtney McCans; and stepson, Sean Gay of Upper Lake.

The family thanked two outstanding oncologists who helped Jim in his final years, Mark Turrill and Jay Joseph.

Donations in Jim's memory can be made to the National Brain Tumor Foundation, www.braintumor.org/.\

The couple met after he came to Lake County. Photo courtesy of Linda Freyslaben.

Once in a Lifetime

Once upon a time,

A man fell in love with a woman

He gave his heart to her,

fully and unconditionally.

She returned that love passionately

and protected that love fiercely

Theirs was a love story for the ages

They loved without boundries

by just sharing a glance,

They danced in the moonlight

as he sang long forgotten love songs.

Then he was gone forever and her love for him endures.

The pain and tears your death has brought,

are reminders of how great my love was for you.

You have not left me

but wait for me

waiting to make our eternity

heavenly.

Whisper to me now my love,

use the wind as your voice.

The day we are reunited

I will be the one singing

as we dance in the moonlight.

– Linda Freyslaben

James and Linda Freyslaben. Photo courtesy of Linda Freyslaben.

The Comfort and Sweetness of Peace

After the clouds, the sunshine

after the winter, the spring.

after the shower, the rainbow,

life is a changeable thing.

After the night, the morning

bidding all darkness cease.

after life's cares and sorrows,

the comfort and sweetness of peace.

– Helen Steiner Rice

James Freyslaben's family is establishing a scholarship in his name for student pursuing restaurant management, an industry in which he worked for 20 years. Photo courtesy of Linda Freyslaben.