James J. Ogden's Obituary
James Joseph Ogden, 83, peacefully fell asleep in Jesus arms on August 31, 2018 in
San Bernardino. We say farewell until we see you again in heaven and we miss you
more than words can say. He was a loving husband to his honey, Dee, and a loving
father to his daughter, his little flower Theresa and his loyal son Tony. He was a devoted
man of God always worshipping with an instrument in his hands. Now we honor his life
and remember his life time experiences.
Jimmy grew up in Long Beach, CA, and went through all the school music programs. In
4th grade he chose trumpet, and in 6th grade started playing solos. He continued on
with trumpet and graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a Bachelor of Music and
Business.
He became a professional musician playing all the brass instruments. As an
accomplished musician he played in the US Marine Corp Band, the Long Beach
Municipal Band and community bands. He spent 14 yrs performing in Big Band
Ballrooms in Long Beach and Catalina. He continued on playing in famous Big Bands -
Henry Mancini Orchestra, Orrin Tucker Orchestra, Harry James Orchestra, Frank Scott
Orchestra and others. He was asked to play tuba in the Disneyland Dixieland Band and
at Disney Studios. He also enjoyed strolling in Dixie Bands at Knotts Berry Farm,
Laughlin and many other venues including Lake Arrowhead Village, Octoberfests,
German and polka bands. He played in many musicals including: Annie,Sound of
Music, Oklahoma, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Big River, Wizard of Oz and Carousel [where
he met his wife of 61 yrs]. After numerous country club performances he became a
member of the Coachella Valley Symphony and the Desert Chamber Orchestra and the
Running Springs Woodwind Quintet and recently the Empire Wind Ensemble and the
4th of July Band. A few years ago he played for the Jimmy Kimmel Show and Baby
Daddy TV series. He was a Lifetime member of the American Federation of Musicians
and enjoyed a brilliant career for the glory of God.
He loved: 60 years of playing music for our Lord Jesus Christ
- 40 years of composing Christian music
- 10 years of church choir directing and vocalist
- 30 years playing various instruments on worship teams
13 years of volunteer teaching brass instruments in the Rim School music programs
Jimmy loved unconditionally his family and friends, his fur babies and his God. We
know he is playing his tuba or trumpet in the Angels Brass Choir in heaven, and is
incredibly missed by all who knew him.
Services will be held on September 12 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Arrowhead.
Visitation at noon and Funeral Mass at 1pm. Everyone is invited to celebrate with us in either service with
prayer and music. A Memorial Service will be held on September 30 at Running Springs Assembly of
God at 10am.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?