A podcast created by James & Brett Turner (one of his closest cook friends in Seattle) on Sep 3, 2015.
Click to listen: Food Obsession Episode 1
Click to listen: Food Obsession Episode 1
Written on August 23, 2017 by Nick Nietfield (James' close friend since 7th grade):
Sat down to try and play guitar to get my feelings about everything out of me. But after awhile I put on some Alice In Chains songs and played along with them. James loved them, we'd listen to them all the time while we hung out, drove around, and we jammed their songs together on guitar. Eventually I just started playing along with all of his favorite songs and the ones we used to play together all the time (I even played rhythm while the solos happened and let James take it away from up there). It reminded me of all the good times we had, and how much fun we would have staying up all night playing guitar together till early morning. I felt happy that I had the privilege to be his friend and to be able to make those memories with him. I think I found something I can do whenever I start to feel crushed by what happened. I'm sure James wouldn't want anyone to be sad about him leaving us so soon, instead, I think he'd rather have me just jam out our favorite songs and remember the good times. I know that he's playing music with all the greats up there and I can't wait for us to jam again one day. Love you James!
Sat down to try and play guitar to get my feelings about everything out of me. But after awhile I put on some Alice In Chains songs and played along with them. James loved them, we'd listen to them all the time while we hung out, drove around, and we jammed their songs together on guitar. Eventually I just started playing along with all of his favorite songs and the ones we used to play together all the time (I even played rhythm while the solos happened and let James take it away from up there). It reminded me of all the good times we had, and how much fun we would have staying up all night playing guitar together till early morning. I felt happy that I had the privilege to be his friend and to be able to make those memories with him. I think I found something I can do whenever I start to feel crushed by what happened. I'm sure James wouldn't want anyone to be sad about him leaving us so soon, instead, I think he'd rather have me just jam out our favorite songs and remember the good times. I know that he's playing music with all the greats up there and I can't wait for us to jam again one day. Love you James!
Written by Allison Ormsby (former coworker at Altura) on August 23, 2017:
I snapped this photo before dinner service on a random day in 2014 when we were both working at Altura. Everyone we worked with exhibited passion for the industry, but I was (and continued to be) so impressed with your skill and drive for success.
I remember chatting with you one night at the pantry station as you casually mentioned, "my prom is tonight." I was confused, searching for a metaphor that would match your statement, until you clarified that your high school prom was that night; you had dropped out of high school to pursue your culinary dreams. I remember being equal parts awestruck and worried for you, as I know life is potentially tough out there for someone lacking a high school diploma. In the end, it was clear that even at the tender age of 18, you knew exactly what you wanted and who you were. My worry proved unnecessary, as you would experience success at a number of well-respected fine dining establishments.
The last time I saw you, you were staying in a luxury suite ;) at UW Medical Center. We reminisced, and you spoke about your plans for the future - you always had so many plans. I've never known anyone as fired-up about their potential for personal and professional development. It was a lot of, "I can't wait to do [xyz thing] when I get my new heart..." I was so excited for you, because I knew if anyone could manifest their big dreams into reality it was you.
I snapped this photo before dinner service on a random day in 2014 when we were both working at Altura. Everyone we worked with exhibited passion for the industry, but I was (and continued to be) so impressed with your skill and drive for success.
I remember chatting with you one night at the pantry station as you casually mentioned, "my prom is tonight." I was confused, searching for a metaphor that would match your statement, until you clarified that your high school prom was that night; you had dropped out of high school to pursue your culinary dreams. I remember being equal parts awestruck and worried for you, as I know life is potentially tough out there for someone lacking a high school diploma. In the end, it was clear that even at the tender age of 18, you knew exactly what you wanted and who you were. My worry proved unnecessary, as you would experience success at a number of well-respected fine dining establishments.
The last time I saw you, you were staying in a luxury suite ;) at UW Medical Center. We reminisced, and you spoke about your plans for the future - you always had so many plans. I've never known anyone as fired-up about their potential for personal and professional development. It was a lot of, "I can't wait to do [xyz thing] when I get my new heart..." I was so excited for you, because I knew if anyone could manifest their big dreams into reality it was you.
Written by Jessie Worley (neighborhood, childhood friend) on August 23, 2017:
Looking at this photo from six years ago, we were so young. I never would have thought I'd be where I am now, and you'd be gone. I will miss you every day until I see you again, James. You inspire me with your courage, you make me a braver person. Thank you for your friendship and your love. I'll never forget that.
Looking at this photo from six years ago, we were so young. I never would have thought I'd be where I am now, and you'd be gone. I will miss you every day until I see you again, James. You inspire me with your courage, you make me a braver person. Thank you for your friendship and your love. I'll never forget that.
Shared by James' friend Christopher Nissen - Aug 23, 2017:
Something James Stojack and I live by and will always live by. Love everything about you for you. Life is so amazing when you love you for you.
Something James Stojack and I live by and will always live by. Love everything about you for you. Life is so amazing when you love you for you.
Written by Will Burnett (Seattle area cook & coworker) - Aug 22, 2017:
James Stojack was the first person I ever trained at cafe presse. He was quick and driven. He was only seventeen. I was stoked when he left presse to work in some of seattle's most respected kitchens. When he returned to presse several years later I was stoked that he'd chosen to come back to the space and family that birthed him into the Seattle restaurant industry. I have so much respect for his dedication, focus, and the way he pushed those around him to strive for something more.
I remember the first morning I trained him I ordered a double shot of espresso for myself. When I asked him what he wanted he said he'd try whatever I was having. He took a sip, spat it all over the table, and swore that he'd never try it again. Flash forward and he was drinking the extra strength stumptown cold brew coffee. It has been so wonderful to see him grow as a cook and a friend and a singular human being.
I learned of his passing during the peak of today's solar eclipse. It hit me hard; a bright light so suddenly extinguished. I guess I just feel lucky to have known such a radiant soul. James was someone who was always on the move, always jumping into the next job or project. He will continue to be an inspiration to all who knew him. Farewell, James.
James Stojack was the first person I ever trained at cafe presse. He was quick and driven. He was only seventeen. I was stoked when he left presse to work in some of seattle's most respected kitchens. When he returned to presse several years later I was stoked that he'd chosen to come back to the space and family that birthed him into the Seattle restaurant industry. I have so much respect for his dedication, focus, and the way he pushed those around him to strive for something more.
I remember the first morning I trained him I ordered a double shot of espresso for myself. When I asked him what he wanted he said he'd try whatever I was having. He took a sip, spat it all over the table, and swore that he'd never try it again. Flash forward and he was drinking the extra strength stumptown cold brew coffee. It has been so wonderful to see him grow as a cook and a friend and a singular human being.
I learned of his passing during the peak of today's solar eclipse. It hit me hard; a bright light so suddenly extinguished. I guess I just feel lucky to have known such a radiant soul. James was someone who was always on the move, always jumping into the next job or project. He will continue to be an inspiration to all who knew him. Farewell, James.
Written by Ruby Jane Bahian (Seattle area coworker) on Aug 21, 2017:
Last time I saw you was a chance meeting at The Wandering Goose. I wasn't surprised, Seattle is small and I knew you were a fan like myself. It was a pleasure to have met and known you. You were a special soul; passionate, energetic, stubborn, and crazy optimistic. You are loved and you will be missed.
Last time I saw you was a chance meeting at The Wandering Goose. I wasn't surprised, Seattle is small and I knew you were a fan like myself. It was a pleasure to have met and known you. You were a special soul; passionate, energetic, stubborn, and crazy optimistic. You are loved and you will be missed.
Written by Christopher Nissen (Seattle coworker & friend) on Aug 21, 2017:
We always had each other's back from day 1. I just wana go have a man date for pizza somewhere then late night pho. You really were the best human to come into so many people's lives. You inspired us all, showed us how to be better people, supported us, went out of your way to make us feel better, and always put a smile on our faces when you were around. I love you forever brotha! JUICEBOX FOREVER!
We always had each other's back from day 1. I just wana go have a man date for pizza somewhere then late night pho. You really were the best human to come into so many people's lives. You inspired us all, showed us how to be better people, supported us, went out of your way to make us feel better, and always put a smile on our faces when you were around. I love you forever brotha! JUICEBOX FOREVER!
Written by Aubrei Ackerman (Seattle coworker) on Aug 21, 2017:
James was a role model for all of us. As a midwife, who deals mostly with bringing life into this world, James was a constant lesson to me that yes, life does end too but we should not be afraid, only brave. James taught me this not because he was seeking attention or wanted sympathy and certainly not because he wanted to talk about the fact that his heart was literally functioning half as well as mine yet he was still working three times as hard as me in the kitchen. He taught me this because James had a very special soul. He wanted to SHOW us tenacity and perseverance. He wanted to TEACH us how to face struggle with courage. Above all, he wanted to TELL us to love ourselves and love each other because life is fragile; life is precious. I think he accomplished all these things as he was wise beyond his years. May the life and love he created live on in tiny parts of all of us.
James was a role model for all of us. As a midwife, who deals mostly with bringing life into this world, James was a constant lesson to me that yes, life does end too but we should not be afraid, only brave. James taught me this not because he was seeking attention or wanted sympathy and certainly not because he wanted to talk about the fact that his heart was literally functioning half as well as mine yet he was still working three times as hard as me in the kitchen. He taught me this because James had a very special soul. He wanted to SHOW us tenacity and perseverance. He wanted to TEACH us how to face struggle with courage. Above all, he wanted to TELL us to love ourselves and love each other because life is fragile; life is precious. I think he accomplished all these things as he was wise beyond his years. May the life and love he created live on in tiny parts of all of us.
Written by James O'Hern (Seattle coworker) on Aug 21, 2017:
James Stojack or as I and many others new you Juice. you were one of the most talented people I have met and someone who truly showed me what self motivation and pushing yourself to be the best can do. We worked side by side for a year and a half and there is no one else that I would rather have in the middle of a the rush than a warrior like you. You will be missed and Seattle just lost one of the greats.
James Stojack or as I and many others new you Juice. you were one of the most talented people I have met and someone who truly showed me what self motivation and pushing yourself to be the best can do. We worked side by side for a year and a half and there is no one else that I would rather have in the middle of a the rush than a warrior like you. You will be missed and Seattle just lost one of the greats.
Written by Jillian Lowe (coworker) on Aug 21, 2017:
Knowing you Squeeze, always gave me inspiration and lessons on appreciating this life we were given. You are one of the greats. And we will all miss you so dearly. Your light passed to soon but will illuminate all it touched forever. #BADASSCHEF#BADASSHUMAN
LOVE YOU BUDDY.
Knowing you Squeeze, always gave me inspiration and lessons on appreciating this life we were given. You are one of the greats. And we will all miss you so dearly. Your light passed to soon but will illuminate all it touched forever. #BADASSCHEF#BADASSHUMAN
LOVE YOU BUDDY.
Written by Liam O'Brien (James' closest elementary school friend) on Aug 20, 2017:
I have spent the last few hours in a conscious denial, but now it's really starting to hit me. One of my closest friends and someone who I will always consider a brother passed away tonight. James Stojack, you have always been the best friend I could ask for, and the love you had for my son truly touched Heidi and I. Thank you for all the times we had brother, I miss you already, and I will make sure Henry knows just how great of an uncle you were to him. We love you so much buddy.
I have spent the last few hours in a conscious denial, but now it's really starting to hit me. One of my closest friends and someone who I will always consider a brother passed away tonight. James Stojack, you have always been the best friend I could ask for, and the love you had for my son truly touched Heidi and I. Thank you for all the times we had brother, I miss you already, and I will make sure Henry knows just how great of an uncle you were to him. We love you so much buddy.
Written by James Sebenoler (Seattle area cook / coworker) on Aug 20, 2017:
The world lost one hell of a cook, and one of the strongest people I've ever met. Love you James Stojack, you will be missed brotha.
The world lost one hell of a cook, and one of the strongest people I've ever met. Love you James Stojack, you will be missed brotha.
Written by Nick Nietfield (James' close friend from Jr. High School) on Aug 20, 2017:
A best friend, and a brother. I remember the day in 7th grade when our class made posters about ourselves and you saw mine had guitar stuff on it. I found a sticky note attached to it with your name and number and that you also liked to play. That day we hit it off and became instant best friends. Throughout the years you've taught me a lot about staying strong, and doing what makes you happy and not caring what others think. After you moved to Seattle we didn't see each other as much, but every time we got together I cherished it. I'm so glad I got to see you before your transplant. I'll never forget all the time we spent playing guitar all day and night, the movies we watched together, all the bumbershoots we went to, and all the office and Seinfeld quotes you'd say. You were an amazing person, and you made a positive impact on everyone you met. I love you James, we'll play guitar together again.
A best friend, and a brother. I remember the day in 7th grade when our class made posters about ourselves and you saw mine had guitar stuff on it. I found a sticky note attached to it with your name and number and that you also liked to play. That day we hit it off and became instant best friends. Throughout the years you've taught me a lot about staying strong, and doing what makes you happy and not caring what others think. After you moved to Seattle we didn't see each other as much, but every time we got together I cherished it. I'm so glad I got to see you before your transplant. I'll never forget all the time we spent playing guitar all day and night, the movies we watched together, all the bumbershoots we went to, and all the office and Seinfeld quotes you'd say. You were an amazing person, and you made a positive impact on everyone you met. I love you James, we'll play guitar together again.