Obituary of James Ristau Sr.

James “Jimbo” Ristau Sr., “Tie Dye James”, age 52 of Jamestown, passed away October 17th, 2023, due to natural causes after suffering a brain injury in early 2022. James Gastol was born on March 18, 1971, in Jamestown, NY to Barbara Wade (Breth, Carter, McGuire). James graduated from Southwestern High School, Jamestown, NY in 1989. He received the Golden Key Award in Photography and Industrial Arts Award in Energy and Shop. James attended Jamestown Community College from 1990-1992. James married Lori Ristau in 1994 and became James Ristau. James worked as a Graphite Technician and Pattern Maker at RHI Monofrax from 2004-2014. He was well known for many years as Tie Dye James for creating beautiful tie dye t-shirts, tapestries and more. James was a co-founder at Elegant Crafts in 2012. James is survived by his daughter with Tracy Spitale: Amanda Spitale, his grandchildren, Dante and Amara Spitale and Karma Washington; his sons with Lori Ristau: James Jr. and Joshua, his grandchildren Serenity and Everest Ristau; his son with Angelea Luszak, Landen Luszak. He was predeceased by his mother, Barbara McGuire and brothers Sean and Robert Breth. James was a great father and he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and his dog Daisy, spending time in nature, fishing, working on different creative projects and writing poetry. James was a problem solver and was quick to invent something to solve a problem. He was an excellent craftsman with graphite, wood, glass, tie dye and so much more. James was a fun man to be around and would give the shirt off his back and shoes off his feet to help someone. Arrangements entrusted to Riccardi’s Hubert Funeral Home. At this time a celebration of life is being planned but details have not been finalized.