James Gerth
Obituary Reports the death of an individual, providing an account of the person’s life including their achievements, any controversies in which they were involved, and reminiscences by people who knew them.
James Raymond Gerth of Shenorock passed away on Jan. 18. He was 66.
Born on Feb. 6, 1955, in White Plains to the late William and Joan Byrne Gerth, he was raised in West Harrison and attended Archbishop Stepinac High School, graduating in 1973, and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Summa Cum Laude, from Adelphi University in 1977.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Karen Sorensen Gerth; son Michael James Gerth; sister Janet Prince (husband Rick) of Nashville, Tenn.; and brothers Robert Gerth (wife Janet) of Amelia Island, Fla. and William Gerth (wife Judy) of Trumbull, Conn.
A lifelong Westchester resident, James spent his life as a true renaissance man, excelling in the performing arts, communication skills coaching, structural design and construction.
To his many friends and fans, he was a brilliant actor and performer first.
His acting career highlights included the Broadway musical, “My Favorite Year” at Lincoln Center (understudy to Tim Curry as Alan Swann), the international tour of “My Fair Lady” (understudy to Noel Harrison as Professor Higgins) and starring as Don Quixote in a U.S. and Canadian tour of “Man of La Mancha.” He also starred in two Off-Broadway musicals, “On the Air” and “Madison Avenue.” His title roles in regional and stock theaters included “Man of La Mancha,” “The King and I,” “The Music Man,” “Pal Joey,” “Scapino,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Jim also toured his one-man show “Mark Twain” throughout the tristate area for many years.
Off stage, Jim was in high demand as both a technical director, stage and facility manager, master carpenter and shop supervisor. Among the many places his talents were on display: Westchester Broadway Theatre, Eclipse Theatre Company, Yorktown Stage, Taconic Opera, Northern Westchester Center for the Arts, Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns, Brown Paper Bag Video Productions and G&G Scenic. He also played a part in the founding of several regional theaters, including the Mahopac Farm Playhouse and Yorktown Stage.
In later years, Jim went on to a career as a communications coach in a global capacity for CommCore Strategy, where, as a senior communications consultant, he traveled the world to moderate medical advisory boards and deliver communications training and messaging to physicians and executives in a wide range of industries.
Most recently, the First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown brought Jim in to consult on needed work around the facility and found himself as the new caretaker to help oversee renovations and maintain this historic church.
Memorial gifts in Jim’s name may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown, 2880 Crompond Rd., Yorktown Heights, N.Y. 10598 in support of the food pantry that serves our local community in need.
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