JAMES E. VAN COURT

Redwood City Standard

February 1, 1923

Hundreds of persons, men, women, and children in all walks of life, gathered at the First Congregational Church Sunday afternoon to pay final homage to one of Redwood City's best beloved citizens, James E. Van Court, who passed away early last Thursday morning. Rev. C.H. Stevens, pastor of the church, paid a glowing tribute to the memory of this truly wonderful man, whose presence in the community had meant so much in the life and history of many of the boys and girls of Redwood City the past two decades.

"Jimmy" Van Court, as he was known, conducted a photograph studio at the corner of what is now Main and Webster. It was here that he started a club for boys and girls of Redwood, fitting up the rooms at his own expense and charging no rent. He gave lessons on the violin to anyone who wished to learn without any charge. He made play things and toys for the children and built canoes for the older boys and girls to be used in the creek below his home. He arranged picnic parties and camping trips, paying all the expenses himself, besides giving his time and efforts for the enjoyment of the young people. Later he started a library at his home for the boys and girls and this became the foundation for the Redwood City Free Library.

Jimmy Van Court was one of God's noblest creatures. He found his happiness in the happiness of others, he cared nothing for honor or wealth and spent his money in doing something for somebody else, as a result of which he sometimes found himself in straits but he was always cheerful.

His health failed him a year ago and shortly before Christmas, when he became seriously ill, some of his old friends placed him in a private home, where he was given every care during his last days. Jimmy Van Court came across the Isthmus of Panama with his parents in 1850 and settled in San Francisco where he learned the photography business. Later his family moved to Belmont where the son purchased a home for his parents. In the early seventies he located in Redwood and established his photograph gallery, which for many years was known from one end of the Peninsula to the other. His parents died a number of years ago. Two sisters Mrs. Virginia Arne of Berkeley, and Mrs. J.C. Lucas of East Orange, N.J. survive.

The singing at the church services Sunday afternoon was furnished by a quartet composed of Mrs. C.L. Dimmit, Mrs. Otis Carrington, Miss Kittie Crowe, Mrs. N.C. Cummings with Miss Clarisa Dodge at the organ and Miss Mary Murray on the violin. All of these six young women were formerly members of one of the girls clubs that was organized and carried on by Mr. Van Court.

Following the services, the remains were taken to Union Cemetery, where they were placed in the family plot alongside the father and mother of the deceased.