James P. Underhill

James P. Underhill was born on January 13, 1959, in Southern California. He was the youngest of four children born to John and Carolyn Underhill. One of his most beloved childhood memories was movie making with his friend Steve Clever. So, it’s no surprise Jim’s passions growing up included movies (Clockwork Orange, Eraserhead, and the Graduate were some of his early favorites) as well as music (Oingo Boingo, Jethro Tull, Warren Zevon, and Slo Children were among his favorites) and writing (scary off-beat short stories and movie reviews). After high school he attended Cypress Community College and California State University Fullerton, graduating with dual bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology. He took additional courses later at Fullerton Community College in Photography, Art, and Computer Technology and Application, even working for a bit as a paid computer lab tech and as an independent wedding photographer.

Jim was the kind of person who put everything he had into experiencing the most in life. He loved meeting new people, running (5K and Half Marathon) and hiking, roller coasters and theme parks, and trying new adventures- like parachuting from a plane at 13,000 feet, zip-lining over alligator pits, he was even making plans for bungee jumping and possibly trying his hand at learning the trapeze on a future trip he was hoping to take before he passed from a tragic accident on August 18th.

James was married twice, first to Jackie (Greer) Underhill, and to Cary McCabe-Smith. He is survived by both ex-wives, as well as by his two daughters Danielle Underhill (of Marion, OH) and Cyrene Underhill (California), his two sisters Mary Cummins (Arizona) and Jeannie Underhill (Wisconsin) as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother (Michael), his nephew (Douglas) and many beloved pets including one dog and many cats (Midge, Herman, Fluffy, Mew, Lyon, Bennie, Eli, Lucky)

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary Inc. a non-profit cat rescue center that Jim actively supported (74 Prairie Lane Saint Pauls, NC). https://blindcatrescue.com/