Eternal rest grant unto James "Big Jim" Modesitt, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

My heart goes out to his sons, I am so sorry for your loss.   I only met Chef Jim a few times in the Isla Vista circa 1991-1993.   Went to one of his St. Patrick's day parties he threw and I brought a huge container of homemade potato salad.   Have not seen him since those years, but I had hoped to enjoy his BBQ and reintroduce myself.  Now I will need to wait until eternity.   He was very kind and easy going, I was a shy college girl, but he always made me feel welcome, the few times I went to his home while living in IV.  God bless you Chef Jim and God bless his sons!  Was so shocked to learned he had passed away suddenly, I was a fan on FB following him.   

To Tiffany, Patrick and John,

I’m sorry to learn of Jim’s passing.

The best way I remember I remember him was your mom coming outside to pick him off the fence he was always climbing and determined to get over. He was maybe three. The last time I saw him was at Scotty’s Market. 

And yes Patrick, I still have Big Blue! 62k original miles! In Del’s honor I’m having some things done to keep it in good condition. I do drive it sometimes and every guy wants to buy it.

My heartfelt condolences to each of you.

Carolyn

Faith helps us through, giving us strength every single day. Jim had a lot of faith, love, and pride every day wrapped in warmth and giving. Jim worked hard to achieve his dream to be a chef and provide for his family. Jim will forever remain in our hearts, remembering Jim’s boisterous laugh and free spirit with bear hugs to fill the heart and soul with love, joy and laughter wherever we go. Forever missed. I know you are in heaven BBQing away!

If you are interested in helping Jim’s dream, come true to provide the boys with a college education, please consider a donation to either the Memorial page or the go-fund-me page on Facebook.

They say when Paul Bunyan wandered west with Babe the Blue Ox, he stopped dead in his tracks somewhere near the scent of hickory smoke and sizzling brisket. That’s when he found Big Jim’s BBQ—and hung up his axe for good.

Because when it comes to BBQ, Big Jim wasn’t just a man—he was a mountain.

A legend in an apron. A pitmaster so skilled, they say the clouds themselves would slow down to catch a whiff of his ribs.

With tongs in one hand and dreams in the other, Big Jim built something sacred—not with blueprints or bricks, but with fire, smoke, and love.

His smoker didn’t run on propane—it ran on pure heart and hardwood.

 His secret sauce? A mix of stubborn Marin pride and a dash of “don’t stop ‘til it’s perfect.”

Folks came from every corner of the country just to taste what dreams on a plate tasted like.

And they didn’t just eat—they believed.

Believed in flavor.

Believed in friendship.

Believed that if you think big enough, and love deep enough, you can change the world one brisket at a time.

So here’s to Big Jim’s BBQ—the best damn BBQ this side of the Milky Way.

A place where every bite reminds you:

If you dream it… you can live it.

Rest easy, Big Jim. The coals may cool, but your fire will never fade.

To Jim's family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim and I were good friends back in the late 80s and through the 90s. We were all buddies...Kent, Wade, Allen, Matt...Isla Vista years, great memories! My most sincere condolences. He was a great soul. 🙏❤️😄

-James(Jimbo)Raymond 

Gonna miss those laughs ya big lug.  Void in my life buddy thanks for all the laughs over 18 years brother. Too all the people you made smile with your larger then life personality.