Memories of James

On James’ passing here’s some thoughts from the Urban Peasant community. Please leave your own thoughts and memories below in the comments.

Reading the other thoughts, it looks like James had quite a community around him and I was a part of it! Even though I was watching the show on my own, every day after school. Thanks, James. Today I thought to write to you, how your voice is still in my head when I read your cookbook. That’s when I went online and learned with deep sadness that I could no longer email you. But I will anyway. You were a good friend to me. Perhaps you are celebrating food of a different sort with my infant daughter, Olive, and showing her the delights her namesake in heaven. She was lost to me for this lifetime in December. Peace, fruitfulness and grace I see in your gentle life.

Greetings,

I was sorry to hear of James’ passing. Back when my daughter was a toddler and I was the stay-at-home Dad, we used to watch his show regularly. James’ style of cooking appealed to me (it still does) and we still enjoy those memories. James seemed to exemplify living with gusto and enjoying everything he did. What better role model could a person be?

Best wishes and my sympathies to his family.

I’ve been thinking of James Barber lately — not knowing that he has moved on to the greater world beyond our own. Over the years of enjoying his TV shows, as well as his writings & his Web site, I have gained so much from his intelligence, his humor, his kindness and his love of life. Yes, and his love for and enjoyment of food and drink. But more than that, really. I realized one day long ago that something that projected from his inner spirit was truly inspiring to me. And as I am now greyhaired and bearded, often carrying my cane, I still look to him as an inspiration, even a role model for the joys of a lively maturity. As with others I’ve known who have crossed over, I don’t feel his absence. Because although I know I will now never be able to see his new shows or even catch him in a public appearance (as I have hoped to do), I still feel his presence in this world. He has truly left a warm, warm legacy — one which will continue to be enjoyed by many of us for as long as we draw breath (perhaps even longer). And I don’t think any of us could aspire to more than that. Cheers, James ! Travel safely !

I was deeply shocked to find out recently that he passed away in November. Growing up I always loved cooking but never really knew much about it. I watched his show religiously on CBC during the 1990s and he inspired me to create my own dishes and just have fun cooking. I also saw him a the local TV channel last year (A-channel Edmonton).

He was an inspiration and will be missed.

The best part of James’s cooking shows was that he was himself. I loved the fact that he measured everything out rather then have it ready. I loved the fact that he could offer suggestions if you did not have one thing the recipe called for. His smile and love of cooking has helped me become the great cook my family loves. I have faithfully watched his shows over and over again! I will truly miss his smile and love for cooking. My deepest sympathy for his family and many wonderful friends. He will be truly missed at home and around the world.

My 90-year-old Mom and I will remember your fantastic recipes on CBC. Thank You. God Bless You James.

Whenever my husband and I cook with wine, we always do our favorite impression of James by saying with glee, “You just put a bit of booze in it!” He will forever remain a memory in our kitchen.

I feel bad because I just found out about his passing a couple of weeks ago. He made cooking enjoyable and was full of knowledge. I didn’t know the man personally but he was the most pleasurable TV cook to watch and listen to with a wonderful natural charm and sense of humor.

I must express my sorrow to James’ wife and family- I watched his CBC show “Urban Peasant” without fail, but I’ll always remember him for his newspaper reviews of cheap Vancouver restaurants in the early 1970’s. Even in those days James was a keen and much appreciated commentator on good and economical food for students like myself and my wife, our idea of a good meal was one of Jame’s recommended restaurants- specifically, the one we remember the best, was the Vietnamese “My Tan Cordon Bleu” at the corner of Broadway and McDonald in Vancouver. Truly the finest (and probably the cheapest) ethnic food we have ever eaten.

We are going to miss James for sure- on the other hand, he has had a long and productive life, there are clearly hundreds of people who remember him as an inspiration. God bless you, James- you aren’t going to be forgotten.

I was so excited to find the site and see James again. I am preparing a beef stew with beer for my family and couldn’t find the old recipe from the Urban Peasant anywhere. It is a sad surprise to hear of his passing. I have been watching cooking shows since I was a young boy and had a few culinary heros (unlike most children at those age). Martin Yan from “Yan Can Cook” was the first and James Barber was the next and longest standing. My family is from the UK and so as children we would practice different accents, mimicking family members, my parents and various tv and movie personalities, including James. James became part of our family legends when he mentioned in one show that it was so easy and quick to make the dish he was preparing that after you put the lid on you could just “float around looking beautiful”. The way he said it was perfect and we all laughed and continue to laugh when we say it to each other (the way he did, in his accent) after finishing a task. I think what was so important to me about James and his show was that he made cooking so accessible. You didn’t need to have fancy ingredients, lots of money or a sous-chef to make his recipes. Not only was it ok to make substitutions and find low cost alternatives but he encouraged it! He seldom seemed to measure ingredients and promoted having the whole family, including children, cooking together. James had a wonderful sense of humour, a love for people and good food, a passion for cooking but never seemed to take himself too seriously…that is why he was and still is my culinary hero. The recipes and laughs live on, God bless you James and your family.

Back in the mid 80s here in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, when I was a younger man in my early twenties, I learned many a trick and cooking technique from James. I’m really quite good now. But before “THE URBAN PEASANT” in the 90s there was the show I think which was called “THE FRYING PAN MAN”. He was always having an “inbibement” during the show and telling us the virtues of cooking with and using “Money’s Mushrooms”. I never missed if I could help it.

Funniest thing I remember from that early show was the time he showed how to warm up your dinner guests plates if the oven was being used and full. He just lifted his shirt up and slapped a couple of the plates on his stomach for a few minutes. THAT……….is a guy who can get the job done. No matter what the situation eh? Thanks James, I’ll keep your traditions alive here in Calgary.

I have only just found James had died. I used to watch him religiously on cable TV in the UK on Sky One in the 90’s , and he is my all time favourite chef. IS, not was. I use his no nonsense techniques daily, and often quote him to my wife “You use what you got!” He was never seen enough of in the UK, we have a 24/7 food channel now which has never shown the Urban Peasant. I still miss watching him, and my condolences to those he left behind.

I was a first time father at the age of forty-two. Despite my advanced age I had little more parenting sense than a twenty-two year old. My life, you might imagine, had dramatically changed. When my son was less than one year old and still required pillows to sit up straight, I would try and find something on tv we could happily watch together. The only animation my son, also named James, seemed to enjoy was Fantasia 2000, but he was most fascinated by the James Barber cooking show. I even sang my son the theme song at night and it seemed to comfort him. James was too young to feed him “people food”, but I enjoyed some of the recipes and I have been looking for a cookbook ever since. If you have any videos let me know. “Oh, James it’s true, we get hungry when we think of you!”

My name is Bill, I’m from Ireland
I only found out about James Barber’s passing the other day. I am deeply saddned. I have only seen a few of his programs, ” The Urban Peasent ” on TV here a couple of years ago and I was trilled at this soft spoken gentlemans approach to cooking at once. I used some of his recipes and found them great !

He will be missed all over the World by gentle people who like his simple approach to cooking. ” Lord Rest Him “

I just heard of James passing to the heavenly kitchen in the sky, and I’m going to miss his wonderful laugh and smile every time I would tune in on his show, and would like to send my warmest thoughts to his family. He will be missed dearly.

I have watched James programs since the came to Television in the mid-west, and I always enjoyed his style and knowledge and relaxed way of cooking. I will miss his programs and his style. Thanks James,it was a wonderful ride.

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

We shall truly miss you James

I had not seen or heard about James in a year or two, and only during a recent visit to Vancouver did I learn of his passing. I become a chef at 39, after a whole working life in the steel business, and men like James and Pasquale Carpino are the reasons why. May they both spend their eternities in front of the stove.

We will miss James Barber. I have never tried a recipe of his that I didn’t like. His show was fun to watch, and you could get up and cook after watching it because all his recipes were simple. I’ve often thought that if I had to part with my cookbooks, his are the ones I’d definately have to hang onto. Here is a man whose work will live on long after he is gone!

My love for cooking began with James. I started watching his show at the age of 4, I would be glued to the television everyday when it came on. I will definately miss him.

I watched James for just a few seasons in America, but bought his cookbooks, and read his “Urban Peasant” website. James, your going to be missed!

I started cooking because of James in the early ’90’s. I never missed his show, it was brilliant and simple. A true pioneer long before 24 hour cooking channels. His original cookbook still inspires me. I feel like I’ve lost a deer friend.

Well I just want to say I loved James very much!! He was like an uncle to me and very understanding of life and human nature. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Barber himself when he came to our variety talk an entertainment show on channel 4 Metrotown, Burnaby back in 1997. My mum and I loved to watch his television shows on CBC and the Food Network as well. My heart an prayers go out to his family and all who loved him!!

I loved to watch James cook. He has been a big influence on my style. Every time we make orange salmon I shall think of James. What a nice nice man. A gift to all Canadians.

I always admired and enjoyed how Mr. Barber used the simplest of ingredients and cooking methods and never made a big fuss about correct ingredients or quantities. This has always inspired me when cooking. His humanity and humble but pleasant demeanour will always be remembered. I always wanted to sit with him at the end of the show and share his meal! My condolences to his family and friends.

I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear of James’s passing. I watched his show in the UK before moving to Canada. As a chef myself I always admired his honest, passionate approach to cooking..He made it real and accessible to many, a true inspiration to so many people. To me that is the mark of a truly valuable, successful life!

I raise my glass to you James, Heaven is a much richer place with you in it.

So sorry. But he lived a good long life with many accomplishments. I hope to one day be able to ay the same.

My husband and I watched james cooking show for years and it will be sadly miss for all viewers . I send my deepest hard felt to you and your family

Very well done, he’ll live on forever, is the thought that comes to mind. Bigger than life people like James are not easily forgotten. Thanks for this

I remember watching James when i was about 4-9 years old, i am now 18 and have the dream to become a chef, i have no doubt that it was because of him. I would come home from school, and watch his show faithfully. I would relay what i saw to my mother, and hope to see his creations on my dinner table. When i heard about his passing, i was shocked, and i must admit, shed a tear.

My thoughts with you and your family, a faithful viewer and hopeful chef, Eric.

When I was a fledgling adult and just learning to cook outside of mother’s macaroni and cheese; I found “The Urban Peasant” and everything changed. It was as if a door opened to a world of competence and success in the kitchen. His simple approach; lack of persnickety measuring and worry set me free. I am now a home economics teacher and encourage my students to think in this simple, confident way. Although I never did get to meet James, I have also had the pleasure to befriend his son who also is a fantastic cook. As I tour around his garden and we talk about food I feel as if I have met James in some way. I am thankful for his work and for the spirit that he has cultivated. May it live and on in all of the lives he has touched.

Salut James,
Salut l’amoureux de la bonne bouffe.
J’ai souvenance d’un dîner chez une amie, il y a bien
de cela une quinzaine d’années, et j’ai été frappé par
le naturel de ta cuisine.
Merci et bon appétit dans l’au-delà.

I remember coming home from Middle/High school and waiting to see what delicious wonders he was going to cook up. I would then proceed to duplicate what I saw, much to my families delight.

He taught me almost everything I know about the simplicity of enjoying healthy food.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandpa. I only met him once and sadly don’t own any of his cookbooks. This is probably why I still can’t cook at the age of 55! (Maybe Santa will bring me one for Christmas this year.)

It was wonderful reading all the other thoughts of James from people who have been blessed by his life,his show, his books, his cooking and his big smile. It was good to know that he died doing what he loved.

God bless you all this Christmas ! Keep on cooking.

When my daughter was little (she is now 21) she watched the Urban Peasant faithfully. She would call out to me about what he was cooking, and she would write down the recipes in her own style of spelling. I had to keep her recipes from the show because she enjoyed it so much.

Sorry to hear of his passing away.

I bought James’s first cookbook and used many of his very simple receipes and watch a lot of his shows. I loved his simplicity, his relaxed way of cooking. No fuss, a bit of a mess but what the heck!! I also loved very much his attitude of bon vivant and his joie de vivre. See you sometimes, James. Jean-Yves Violeau, Delta, B.C.

I was saddened to hear of James’ passing. I’m consoled to know his beautiful soul is in a beautiful place. I began watching The Urban Peasant when I was in my early 20’s. Although being a vegetarian prevented me from recreating most of his recipes, I did adapt a few that turned out delightful. I can honestly say watching James inspired me to want to learn how to cook interesting and delicious meals. I guess what really attracted me to the show though, was that he was a loving grandfatherly type. You just felt so welcomed, as if you were his guest he was cooking for.
God Bless You, James.

I’m from Québec city and I remember when I was still in high school I was watching the “Urban peasant” just because it was very inspiring for cooking and also for music. I was playing saxophone and feeling the same pleasure watching James Barber improvising with food than to listening to jazz. And now… when I’m in a kitchen, I just realised recently how much you taught me when my husband told me that I’m kind of jazzy with foods as well!… and I always ideas!!

I hope they have great food up there! And I wanna send a sweet thought for your family as well… they probably miss you much!

Although I never met James, he is still a part of several of my sweet memories growing up. After school, I would always come home curl up on my couch and watch the Urban Peasant. He radiated through the tv a warm and friendly guy, and for a girl aspiring to be a chef, he felt like a grandpa in some respects.

I remember when I was about eight or nine visiting my grandpa (who is an EXCellent cook) and seeing that his tv was also turned to James Barber. It made me happy, not only was I on the road to becoming a great chef, but my grandpa and I had an interest in common.

The year my Dad won a James Barber cookbook my sister and I decided to make my parents a romantic dinner for their anniversary. We decided to make the heart shaped burgers recipe…but we were about nine or ten so they didn’t end up getting fully cooked in the center.

Years later when I had just finished my application for VCC’s chef course I decided to make a nice big meal for the family. I used three recipes from the book my Dad had and I’ve used them to try to impress people ever since.

When I found out that he lives in Vancouver I started to keep my eye out anytime that I was in the market or at a restaurant for him, always hoping to see him in person. As a local celebrity chef, he has touched my heart and filled my stomach. I will miss him.

I remember watching James when I was younger (I’m 30 now) and Urban Peasant is one of the reasons I cook to this very day (and quite well I might add). James was a true joy to watch (and to listen to, I loved his accent) and overall a great inspiration to amateur foodies everywhere, he always made it look so easy.

He will be missed, but his cookbooks and his passion will live on in all of us who cherished him.

James Barber, a true character if there ever was one, passed away recently at his home located a short drive from Quail Hill. I had heard he lived somewhere around here, but sadly I will not get the chance to say hi and thanks for writing two of the most influential cookbooks a young bride could have – Ginger Tea Makes Friends and Flash In The Pan.

Long before the days of graphic novels and anime, these were the first cartoon style recipe books that any fool with a spatula could follow! From his books, I learned that a pinch of anise makes a fantastic hamburger and I still don’t know how he managed to get the ‘Nun’s Farts’ recipe past the censor! His humour (British and slightly skewed) peppered his books and they were a joy to read as well as to cook with. He was also one of the first to cook ‘on the radio’ – you could listen as he chopped, stirred and fried away in a single pan with one burner in the studio!

He died the way he wanted to, at home, sitting at the dining room table, reading a cookbook, with a pot of chicken soup simmering on the stove. So farewell James – you who called this area, ‘Canada’s Provence’.

May you cook up a huge pot of chicken soup in Heaven.

Thanks for sharing your recipes with us.

I’m so sorry to hear that James has passed away. It’s unbelievable! We adored him and admired him. I’m a friend of a friend of his and will always cherish his kind words to me as an understudy of his fine cuisine. I hope that he enjoyed his last days and that it was sudden. God bless those around him and I’m sure that he’s giving God some culinary advise now.

I used to watch James every afternoon – either because I was skipping classes or I was waiting for my shift to begin. I was in university. I was a messy girl in mismatched clothes who played in bands. I never, ever raised a finger in the kitchen and I ordered in a lot of takeout. What I’m trying to get at here: I was the least likely person to watch a cooking show.

But this wasn’t a regular cooking show. This was a glimpse into James’ soul. It was magical. I wanted to be one of the pesky neighbours who knocked on James’ door just as the pot of goodies he was simmering boiled over and got the stove all sticky. I loved that he didn’t have neat little bowls of pre-diced, pre-chopped ingredients. He got messy. His kitchen got messy. And he didn’t let a little sizzling or smoking get in the way of a good story. I remember extolling the virtues of his show to my friends: “He injects oranges with booze!!”

James shared his passion for life through his cooking. And he brought a lot joy into the world. I will miss him.

When I was in my teens I was quite a fan of his, which sparked lifelong culinary interests. He was an inspiring cook and a delightful man, and will surely be missed.

James, James, hold the ladder steady. We’ll all be joining you one day. How sad it is to hear that you have gone before us. You were a treasure, an inspiration, a natural winner. We’ll miss you.

Thank you for your lasting mementos.

My condolences for your loss. I watched the Urban Peasant religiously as I had always hated cooking and felt that it was such a chore, that is until I watched your husband having soooo much fun.

Although I didn’t know him personally, he was a regular in my kitchen every day and because of him, my kids and friends enjoy so many more home-cooked, delicious and nutricious meals because he made it fun and easy.

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time, but I thought you should know that James had a lot of positive influence in this world and he was very much appreciated. His sense of humor and his gusto for life will live on…

had awaken one morning and logged online. I checked my daily bookmarks and was about to log off, when I decided to check a few older less visited pages. I saw my James Barber pages and decided to check in on the big guy and see what he was up to. To my surprise and sadness, I had learned that he had passed away. A great sadness fell on my heart. James Barber and his show, is what got me in the kitchen and started me cooking. His ever so cool laid back jazzy style inspired me to pick up a fry pan and cook.

Man he was so cool. I will miss him so much. All I can do now, is hope that they will release his series of Urban Peasant on DVD. I want so much to revisit my old friend, and to see that smile of his. Bless you James, sleep well my dear friend.

James gave me the courage to be creative in the kitchen. When I was growing up it was not for me to do just my mothers. James opened that door for me.

Thank-you James I will miss you!

I was a 30-something father of two in the mid-1990’s working out of my home as a part-time college art prof and full time artist. As my wife worked outside of the home it was my job to make the evening meals so most weekdays around 3 or 3:30pm I would turn on the T.V. to see what James was cooking on “The Urban Peasant”. I loved his relaxed, laid back attitude toward food and life and his advice to “use what you’ve got” and to not get “too fussy”. He made me a better cook. I too will be raising a glass to the memory of a kind-hearted man who knew how to live well. Here’s to you James. Cheers.

You couldn’t get more real than James. He prepared everything in front of you so that you could see how easy it was. No pre diced ingredients sitting ready in those little glass bowls. He chopped them himself and pulled flour directly from the bag. I loved that show.

I just read the unfortunate and sad news. Today I’ll be sure to open my bottle of wine while I’m cooking dinner, and I’ll enjoy it thinking of James. I spent two semesters in high school rushing home at lunch time to watch the show…inspiring.

I hope where ever he is there is a stocked fridge and a fantastic wine waiting for him. What a great guy!!! He will be sorely missed .

am so sorry to hear of James’s passing but pleased to know he went while doing the things he loved at home. He will be missed in the valley.

He will be joyfully missed by all who knew him, and all who knew of him.

I had the very good fortune of working as a set decorator on the Urban Peasant in 1994/1995. I was recently finished the stagecraft program at Douglas College, when an opportunity presented itself for me to work at CBC TV in Vancouver as a props person/set decorator. After I had worked there for a few months and a couple of productions, the regular Set Decorator for the Urban Peasant took some time off to work on a film, and I was brought in to be her replacement. I was extremely nervous, being quite green and not having worked on such a professional and highly acclaimed production before. It was a lot of work, a huge learning curve, and a lot of fun. The crew was great to work with, and James, as the host, was lively, fun and helpful. He was confidant, professional with a touch of mischievousness, and I have been proud to say I worked on his show. I have some good memories of James, including a delightful Urban Peasant staff Christmas party I was invited to. James was the life of the party, and he made me feel accepted and an integral part of the team. I am sad to hear of his passing, and thankful for my memories of him.

I would like to send his family my condolences, compassion and sympathy.

I read last week about the death of this amazing, lovely man and I was inspired to write this poem in tribute. I hope you like it.

More Than A Cook

James Barber was a mirthful man
Or so he seemed to me;
His laughing eyes and cheery grin
Uplifted my t.v.

He rarely used a measuring tool;
His pinches were an art!
He cobbled up ingredients–
Cooked only from the heart.

We’d watch with rapt attention as
He’d whisk and scrape saucepan,
While telling his historic tales–
No recipes he’d scan.

His squeak and bubble legend,
Flambées that made one drool!
All recipes were basic–
Stay simple was his rule.

Rarely does it move me when
Celebrities have died,
But when I read the “Peasant” passed
I must admit, I cried.

But sure, in Heaven’s Kitchen,
Our James, with spoon in hand,
Is whipping up a special dish,
Not fancy, but so grand.

My husband and I were so very sorry to hear of Mr. Barber’s passing. Although we didn’t know him personally, we felt as though we did. I believe his is the only cookbook we own and we still use his recipes. I remember a week that my husband was on holidays and I wasn’t. I would come home every night to a new dinner that my husband had learned from watching Mr. Barber’s tv show. The recipes were so easy to follow and taste great.

He and his big generous smile will be sorely missed.

Nous avons pu profiter et apprécier vos recettes de cuisines. Merci James.

James taught me how to cook! When I was first married I couldn’t even boil water! OK that was a bit of an exaggeration but I did regularly burn grilled cheese sandwiches. As much as everyone tried to encourage me I knew that I was hopeless until I came across his TV program. I was HOOKED! I didn’t have to be pretentious and have fancy ingredients that I couldn’t afford. I religiously watched and scribbled down recipe after recipe. I learned how to time everything so it happened together, make sure meat was cooked perfectly without having to butcher it by constantly checking it and most of all cook vegetables so that you had to chew them instead of suck them through a straw. Now I make better roast beef than my Mom, Sorry Mom! Every time I have a party everyone asks me how did I learn how to cook. I just tell them The Urban Peasant taught me!

James you will be sorely missed!

While most people became acquainted with James through his cookbooks and television shows, we met as neighbors and quickly became friends. When developing our organic beef farm, he was never too busy to offer insightful marketing ideas. When the winter storms took the power out for days, we shared hot rum toddies and woodstove cooked meals, all infused with side splitting humor, a la James. (This incident is recounted with much literary license in Installment 1 of his diaries, Farming!) When I was away, and my wife was pregnant, pots of ginger tea and bowls of soup seemed to majically appear. Sadly, my little bits of mechanical expertise or farm help seemed so paltry in comparison to the riches bestowed upon us by James and Christine. But the greatest gift from James was the lessons he taught by example. Live life big, see the humor in a world seemingly hell bent on coming off the rails, and plan to live life to the fullest forever. He taught me not only not to fear advancing years, but to relish them.

James, we all knew this day would one day come, and we miss you dearly.Our community is poorer with you gone, but we are all so thankful for our intersecting lives. To Christine, Pat, Mary et all, no good things last forever and great things, even less. I hope that within the sadness, the brightness continues to shine through.

A wonderful man. We never met him personally but thru his shows we felt like he was “One of us”
He will be missed.

My deepest sympathy to the family of James Barber. I loved watching him cook.

My wife and I are so sad to learn of James passing. We saw most of his shows and when we vacationed for several years with my sister and her husband everything stopped at camp so we could all watch James. It will always be a nice memory. We always say if something doesn’t turn out right ” nice that way isn’t it?” Please offer our heartfelt condolences to James’ friends and family.

The Urban Peasant inspired my love of cooking that goes in to each dish I make for my family today. James Barber taught me one of the most valuable lessons about cooking: be fearless – and in the event of a kitchen disaster pour more wine He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

I am deeply saddend by the Passing of James. I have been a fan of his since 1995 when he was aired in the States, He has been a big inspiration to me with easy to do cooking . I raise my glass to you in memory. You will be deeply missed.

For someone not blessed with the cooking gene(s) and starving on a student’s income, James Barber was an Angel. I loved his simple ways with food, the charm and twinkle in the eye and just the gentle mischief of his on-screen personality. He gave me courage to try to cook, and shop. The show brightened many of my days. Most of all his joy of life gave me inspiration. Somehow that translated way past food. His is missed. Please let us have some re-runs of the Urban Peasant !

My heartiest condolences and best wishes to the family of James. I absolutely loved watching the Urban Peasant on TV, and always looked forward to how James would describe, and then execute a simple yet delicious meal. Because of this man, I took a much stronger interest in food preparation and cooking, and will always be able to smile fondly because of this person of great influence. His enthusiasm and love of what he did shows, whenever my friends compliment me what I bring “to the table”. I will miss you James, but will always keep that smile as I think of you, and of your show. Thank you so much.

When I heard this on the news I thought, this is the chap I used to watch on tv when I emigrated to Canada from the UK 16 years ago. He used to really cheer me up when I was homesick because of his happy nature and his English accent. Home away from home. The world is a poorer place without him!

James Barber inspired my 12 year old son to try cooking. I hadn’t suggested it or even suggested he watch James’ show. He stumbled across it and watched James making shepherd’s pie. James was able to explain how to make good food with simple ingredients and without difficult techniques. He inspired my son to give it a try. This opened the kitchen to him and to this day he is willing to cook and try new things. Thank you James Barber!

The Urban Peasant came on either right before or immediately following Video Hits on CBC, if I remember correctly. I was a kid then, so who knows how accurate my recollection is now. I began watching James by default, while I waited for my real shows of interest to come on. Kids don’t normally flock to television shows with bearded men getting excited about particular mushrooms. But this changed over time and I began to admire James and his cooking. He was…comfortable, his food a metaphor for his persona. I loved how his sometimes gravelly voice would chuff at the often snobby overtones associated with cuisine. He created an environment that was rich in substance, but never aloof of its audience. Everyone was welcome. I cannot think of any show more aptly titled and better suited to those important human qualities we rarely see on television today. I will remember The Urban Peasant with great fondness, and James as well.

What pleasant man. I think he would always have room for one more friend. The world needs more James Barbers.

Thank you James. God Bless.

I have the opening song to the Urban Peasant playing in my head as I type this note. I was so surprised and saddened to hear that James Barber had passed away, he was one of those very special people that you thought would just live forever. I remember bumping into him at the wine festival in the Okanagan a few years ago, he was in his element, living and enjoying life to the fullest. Cheers to the next recipe in Heaven!

I enjoyed watching Jame’s half hour cooking show a lot and I owe much of my cooking talents to Mr.James Barber. Making great healthy food with a few ingredients and a touch of fun and whimsy is how I would best describe his style. What I gleaned from him I use everyday in my life, cooking for me, family and friends. I think that is the highest compliment I can give the man.

I look forward to having his TV episodes available digitally someday. A great teaching resourse.

Cooking for Mr. Barber and his lovely wife, at my Victoria Fish Shack in the late summer 2007, was a real honor for me. I watched the Urban Peasant from a young age, even saw it in India. I remember how patriotic I felt seeing what a passionate Canadian could accomplish, even if a transplant. (just like my own parents).

I remember my little nephew William being so amused the day that James made Watermelon Soup. His ability to captivate the attention of people of all ages was truly remarkable. I love to cook as a result of watching his unhurried, easy mannered approach to cooking. Rest in Peace.

James Barber, the Urban Peasant, died last week. He died peacefully sitting at his kitchen table reading a cookbook while attending a pot of soup on the stove. Very apropos.

I started watching the Urban Peasant TV show in the early 1990s around the same time I started cooking on a regular basis. I found the cozy, low stress, loving, and joyful world that James created in every episode very inviting. It was nearly the complete opposite of my super high stress, intense, demanding and occasionally hostile work life in a software startup. “The Urban Peasant” became my constant night time unwind program. Over the years I learned a lot from watching James but more importantly I adopted many of his attitudes and approaches towards food and cooking. A simple meal can be the best meal. Improvisation and creativity are as important as the ingredients. Let every trip to the framers market inspire you. Make joyful food.

I am not sure if James’ background as an engineer and his way of thinking about the world were part of why his work struck such a chord with me, but, especially after hearing Don Genova comment that James was a bit eccentric in a nerdy sort of way, I’ve decided it must be the case. Don has two excellent podcasts about James on his site. Don says he learned a lot from James about food and was grateful for having known him. Though I did meet James once at the Calgary Stampede and spoke to him on CBC during a callin show I never knew him and Don should feel very lucky that he did. Don highlighted many of the same things he learned from and loved about James as I have. James made a lasting positive impact upon many people and that’s the best thing to be said about someone’s life, no?

My lunch today was a homemade pasta dish which I hope James would have approved of. A sliced smoky sausage, chopped onions and red pepper, frozen corn and a few brussel sprouts all sautéed in a single pan (of course) with a small amount of oil and paprika and black pepper for seasoning. I served it over rotini pasta. It was delicious, comforting, reasonably healthy, simple and took less time than going down to the corner for a burrito or nuking a frozen dinner.

Some of my favourite memories of James are – 1) Him taking me for a cruise in his Miata when he just got it – he was grinning from ear to ear. 2) Visiting him at his place on the island where he cooked a delicious lunch, and we chatted for a few hours.

Timeless is what best describes James for me – whenever I think of him – I will smile…

I remember James. I enjoyed his last article [as posted on his website], number 9, spring in the country … I have two cats. Very interesting and special and oddly revealing. What is the old saying? A cat has 9 lives. The black and white of James’ life is that he shared so much with so many. Simply stated one of the best.

As we get a little bit older with each passing day, we miss a few more people, and for reasons quite unknown, some are a (secret) friend. James Barber is someone who will take a tad out of my every day spirit for a while. He wouldn’t want this, but that is the way it is. Some, like him, will never come again.

My sister and I used to watch Urban Peasant and when possible we watch the reruns on saturdays. We are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. James Barber please extend our sympathies to his whole family. He will be sadly missed!

I enjoyed watching the urban peasant on the CBC as a kid. My mom is to this day awe-struck how an every day guy could keep a four year old’s attention for the entire show. Although I don’t remember the recipes or what exactly he cooked, I just watched in wonder and intrigue as he sliced, diced, simmered, and stirred (and sometimes used his fingers). I loved watching him cook and even would occasionally bound up to the television and smell the speakers when he told us to take a big whiff of what he had cooking (did i add that my mouth was watering?). Anyways, today I am a full time University student living a province away from home and a mother’s home-cooked meal. I have five roommates, and together we strive to figure out this thing that grown-ups call cooking. When it doesn’t come out of a package or with directions how to cook it, my roommates come to me for cooking advice, despite being the youngest in the house. Most of the time when they ask me questions, I wing it and make something up- usually the food turns out all right. My little secret is that I actually dont know too much more about cooking than they do, i’m just not scared of doing it. After all, i’ve learned that cooking is not all that complicated, there are only four things you can do with food; “Bake it, boil it, fry it, or screw it up”. James Barber, the Urban Peasant, will always have a special place in my childhood memories, and I will forevermore be jealous of the neighbours downstairs who always got to eat his delicious creations at the end of the show. My condolences and deepest sympathies to the family, as I feel a sense of loss for a great man, and only imagine the loss felt in the lives of the ones he cherished.

I was sorry to see on the TV News that James died a dew days ago. I have been a great fan for years; I enjoyed his appearances on TV, and followed many of his precepts. As well as being good, he was a lot of fun, and I am sure this was true of him in “real life” as it were.

I shall miss him, as will, I am sure, many others. Please give my regrets to his family and friends

My hearthfelt sympathy to the family of James Barber. I know for certain there will be some mighty fine cookin’ goin’ on up in heaven !!!! James Barber took the STRESS out of cooking & made it FUN by using common sense receipes. His “if you don’t have this— then just substitute that” meant you didn’t have to rush out & spend a fortune on exotic spices that would most likely be used once. Many of his cookbooks I read over & over just for fun. I thoroughly enjoy his wit ! Whenever I make his “clean the fridge” soup my family always raves about the results! Thanks to James Barber I have become an excellent cook. I’m so relaxed in my domain {kitchen} that I can just as easily cook for 20 as for 2. His love for cooking always shone so brightly !!!!!! We shall miss you —- James. God Bless You !

I remember watching James religiously on TV in university, and when I was first on my own after college. I liked his homey and comfortable attitude towards cooking. His ability to just throw what looked like the right amount of stuff into a pot, cook it until it looked about right, and discussions about what else could be substituted if you didn’t have an ingredient really influenced my personal style in the kitchen.

My favourite episode ever was the one about what to do with leftovers after a party. I was amazed to see him throw salad into a pot to boil it down for soup, and even now extra salad in my house will find its way into the soup or stew instead of into the compost bin.

I have one book of his, Fear of Frying, picked up at a sale. I don’t have a lot of cookbooks, preferring the web and a lot of creative thinking, but now that there will be no new recipes online from my favourite chef I’m thinking I better get moving and pick up the books for better reference. I would hate to forget the lessons I learned from him. The Food Network chefs of today are all pale comparisons with this friendly and casual man who could make the most interesting fare look so darned simple to make.

I’ll be making a salad soup and Chicken Like You’ve Never Had It Before and raising a glass of wine for the Urban Peasant. Here’s hoping he’s got the perfect little functional kitchen where ever he is, with a fridge loaded with the best ingredients.
Goodbye, James. You will be missed.

i just wait to say to the family of James barber that i ‘m sorry for your lost . i just wanted to say he was a very interesting chef with a lot of talents i can still remember the days when i was a kid growing up watching him with my mom when she was alive brings back good memories of me and my mom sitting and watching it together she was a very big fan of the show.

It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of James. I was a big fan, and enjoyed whenever he would share his passion for cooking. Whether on television or radio, James had a wonderful ability to make you feel relaxed and attentive to whatever he was doing. He made it look easy, and that is probably the hardest thing to do. We take for granted that people will be around for ever, and when they leave us it is hard to understand. However, not many people get the chance to share what they love to do in a public way. I am certainly grateful that James could share with all of us. He will be missed, but his legacy will carry on in his many appearences on TV, and his wonderful cookbooks. Go in peace my friend and I raise a glass in your memory.

So sorry to hear this Bad news, I will miss him for sure.

When I was a little girl, growing up in Newfoundland, sick days and storm days that meant I was out of school were a treat. And mostly because I got to lie on the couch swaddled up in a blanket watching James cook. He was better than the best chicken soup could ever be!

I remember watching James on Television when I was in college and still really defining how I was going to cook – was I going to be a slave to a recipe or was I going to understand how food went together as a creative process. Recipes and cookbooks are inspiration – I can thank James Barber for the fact that I would rather play with what I have in the kitchen and come up with great and sometimes unexpected results than follow a cookbook to the letter for the same old same old over and over.

I’m incredibly sorry to learn of James’ passing: he’s the only reason a wide circle of people around me think I can cook. I started reading his hilarious, whimsical little classics, Ginger Tea Makes Friends, Flash in the Pan and Fear of Frying in their original 1970s editions at a friend’s place when I was a teenager: I read them for sheer humorous pleasure for about three years until it occurred to me to try to cook something out of them. I think the first thing I tried at age 17 was Chicken and Peanuts, and it was a huge success with my family (not to mention many other people over the years…it even motivated one spontaneous marriage proposal). Suddenly, just like that, I could cook. I got my hands on a copy of the Immodest But Honest Good Eating Cookbook and it accompanied me to UBC in Vancouver when I went away to university: tragically, I never met James there but I cooked almost every single recipe in the book and instantly developed an almost supernatural reputation in my dorm. The thing about James’ recipes that really taught me how to cook was how vague they sometimes were: put in “some” of this, don’t worry if you don’t have that. The way my mother learned to cook made her regard cooking as a dull chore, and made her a slave to recipes: the way I learned to cook from James made me knowledgeable, adventurous, and creative. Twenty years after trying that first recipe, cooking is one of my favourite, most comforting and celebratory things to do: thank you James, for teaching me everything that was important.

Sorry hear about James. His shows were always interesting and comical at times. I used to say to my husband Would not want to clean up after that man..LOL. He used to remind me of an old Sailing cook I worked for always pleasant and understanding.

Our thoughts are with his family and know he is in a better place.

I am so sorry about the passing of James. I interviewed him a few years back when I was a reporter for Thompson papers and my story was wired across the country. He was a wonderful man and an inspiration in the kitchen.

He will be missed and my heart goes out for his family and extended family around the world – yes, those who are wielding a measuring cup and imagination. Cheers and God bless,

I wish to send my deepest condolences to James’s family. I first found James back as The Fry Pan Man. I was maybe 11 or 12 yrs old. He made cooking exciting. I must say he would have laughed at my first dish I copied from him. It was a chicken dish that called for wine. I could only find red wine, so that night I presented pink chicken to my family. Quite the site. Now I’m in my 40’s with a family. I still read all his cook books like they are novels. James was a real man’s man. I had the opportunity of meeting James in Toronto at a signing. I was not disappointed. The world has lost an important man, but he will live on forever in those of us who enjoyed his company.

I first stumbled across James and the Urban Peasant after having my first child. As I fed my daughter each day, I tuned into his show. I had always loved cooking but this show taught me how to make simple, delicious meals. I was hooked and continued to watch him for many years. To date, I still frequent this website to look up recipes.

James was a truly valuable Canadian resource. He will be missed.

Wow, I am very blown away. One of those cooking icons, to me at least who you didn’t ever expect to pass. The Urban Peasant was one of my first forays into the world of cooking. He taught me that cooking didn’t have to be haughty or pretentious and that good food didn’t have to be complicated. I’m glad he passed away in a way that he would—with a pot of soup on the stove and all. That would be the way I would think he would wish to die. I loved seeing him, although this may sound a bit odd, burn a finger as I would in the kitchen and to do all without missing a beat. It gave him a realism most tv cooks or chefs don’t have. He along with another great chef I befriended, Georges Chaignet, are my mentors as far as the kitchen goes.

My sympathies to his family and friends….

My wife and kids say that I’m a good cook. I have a few people to thank for that….and one of them was James. On my days off, I’d be glued to the TV, watching his techniques, ingredients whatever. I loved his wit, humor and how they, along with his passion for cooking helped me as well as God only knows how many others improve our culinary and social skills. He will definitely will be missed.

I had not thought of the Urban Peasant for a long time and then the other day in a conversation he became the topic. I told how I would watch his program and delight in his use of common and everyday ingredients for wonderful dishes. I would quickly write out the recipes and then try them in my own kitchen. Later, after the conversation, I reminded myself to look him up on the internet to see if he was still cooking. I was so saddened to discover he had passed only two days ago. I am sure that where ever he is he is stirring up a pot of something with what ever is there. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I watched your shows faithfully James and bought your books. Condolences to your family.

I met James Barber on the set of 90 Minutes Live with Peter Gzowski in the late 1970s. I travelled across the country doing research and publicity when I met James during his appearances on the live programme where he cooked up a storm from time to time. He was always, as others note, a wonderfully amusing wit. As well, he treated those at the bottom of the pecking order with the same delight and kindness as those at the top. I still have his gift of a cookbook with his personal cartoon of us having a lunch we never shared. Pity. His is a spirit of life worth living. Wishing his family and friends condolences in this time of loss….

I’m so sad to hear that U.P. has died. I used to sit in the livingroom and watch his show, and copy down his recipes with U.P. and an arrow beside it to signify that he would always go UP. I was thinking up in the world, but now I hope he’s up with the angels. Certainly he would be a good companion for them. I do hope that his website will remain on the computer for a good long time to preserve his memory.

During the years that I was watchig him, I was very lonely. I felt that he was my friend. I really felt that he could see me there in the livingroom and that there was a relationship between us. Those days have passed. Now I’m on medication and I may never again reach that level of sensitivity, but at the time, he was the main provider of my joy in life. My cooking was great because of him, and I am grateful. May light perpetual shine upon him, and may he be with God.

I have loved James Barber since the early 90s when I watched his show when I should have been tending do my university studies.

He always seemed to be having such a great time. He best advice to me was “if you don’t have/like (a certain ingredient) don’t use it!” It was all so completely simple. I still repeat it when I cook.

I miss him already. We should all be so blessed to pass so gently after an amazing life.

When my wife and I first moved in together, I remember many a meal that started with a can opener and 60 seconds in the Microwave. I grew up watching all kinds of cooking shows, but never really learned much from any of them. As soon as I stumbled across The Urban Peasant, I was hooked. It was on twice a day on two different channels, and I watched them both faithfully for years. He taught me just about everything I know about cooking. James is the reason that I am now the family chef, and my family loves what I cook for them. I tell people all the time who my teacher was. I even recently mentioned him on a cooking bit I did on YouTube. I only wish I could have met the man. I did, however, have the honorable pleasure of speaking to him on the phone. I had looked up his number and Canada411 and called him. I left a long winded message on his answering machine. The next day, James returned that call, bless his heart. Let me just say that James knew that day how important he was to me. I know he lives on in all the hearts and kitchens that he has blessed. James, I raise my glass… ‘Till we meet again.

I saw james in the money’s mushrooms comericals in the 1980s and he was nice and funny to listen to and I even saw a few episodes of the urban pesant and it was verry good he will be missed by alot of people. My thoughts and Prayers and sympathies go out to his family and friends.

So sorry to hear of James’ passing. My first and only time to see him in person was in 1986 at Expo ‘86 in Vancouver. He was doing outdoor demonstrations of recipes. The one I walked away with and used many times during the years was marinating mushrooms in a large jar with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and whatever spices are on hand….hats off to the memory of a great chef and local food icon…just think of all the people like myself who think of him every time we make one of his recipes…

My condolences to James’ family. We will dearly miss him. My daughter met James in Toronto a few years ago and he always stayed in touch with her.She will be truly heart-broken when she finds out he has gone forever.

I was a big fan of the Urban Peasant series and I realize that I continue to cook with his inspiration in my mind. Simple ingredients cooked with courage, creativity and joy, served with love. His wisdom and smiling face live on in this grateful learner.

My wife and I watched him religiously every week, when I started watching him I was afraid to even go in the kitchen but after a few shows I would experiment and I am very proud to say because of James Barber I can now cook, thank you James and we’ll all miss you very much..

Wondering if James’ Urban Peasant episodes will ever be available on DVD? I have some of his excellent cookbooks, but watching James prepare dishes while telling funny stories and chatting away like we were all his friends was so special. He was the one TV chef that “spoke” to me and the way I like to cook. Just everyday, wonderful food; prepared quickly with simple ingredients. I used to watch his show on the Food Channel when I lived in Ontario. I now live in Calgary and have watched many reruns on ONE. What a huge loss his passing is, but at the same time what a dear, unique, multi-talented man we will always remember. My sympathies to all the family, and I hope it’s a comfort to know how many of us loved him too!

I’m so sorry and sad to hear of James’ passing. I loved his show a lot and I learned a lot about cooking from him.

My mom and I would watch his show together. He taught us to love food, to love life, and to love each other. He will be missed.

I remember watching James from an early age and he was a great inspiration to me and help make my decision to become a chef a real dream I have to agree The lord has gain him self one heck of a sous chef rest in peas and carrots my friend

I just heard, My deepest condolences. In a time like this all one can do is say a prayer and rejoice in the memory of better times spent with the departed. We will truly miss James, May God keep him in Peace. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Loved the show for many years and my fav James quote ” it doesn’t matter, just use whatever you’ve got” (as he’d wrinkle his nose a tad) is something I think of when I toss anything and everything I might have on hand, lovingly into my huge Paderno fry pan. He put the comfy in comfort food. God bless.

Just wanted to send my condolences, Mr. Barber gave me many wonderful hours of enjoyment and inspiration. I especially enjoyed that he was cooking real food for real people before everyone else figured out that not everyone has a Lobster budget and palate. I also think he made an impact in me creatively as I’m certain he did on millions more of us.

So very sorry for your loss, I am glad he went peacefully doing what he loved.

If it wasn’t for James Barber, I wouldn’t cook at all.

I remember watching him on TV when I was quite young, and being entranced both by the realistic and straightforward method of his preparation and his open and friendly manner.

His was the first cookbook I ever owned, and remains what I turn to most often. In fact, I had just prepared something Saturday night to share with a special someone from his book, and found out about his passing when she returned home and saw the news on TV.

I only knew him from TV and books, and I’ll miss him, so I can only imagine the loss to those closest to him. I will continue to remember his show with great fondness, cook the way he taught me, and share a love of food with those I love.

I raise my glass to the Urban Peasant.

Sorrow is knowledge: they who know the most
Must mourn the deepest o’er the fatal truth,
The Tree of Knowledge is not that of Life.

Today, in honor of James Barber and the inspiration that he gave me as a child I am dedicating my foods class at Victory Christian School in Edmonton, Alberta to him. I loved watching his cooking show and started me out in the love of both food and cooking. I hope I can inspire the boys in my cooking class, just as The Urban Peasant inspired me as a boy.

I loved his views on cooking just going for it philosophy to this day I follow that phlosophy i rem James said if you did not have wine use apple juice,

He will be missed alot God has a great cook up in heaven
God Bless James

I loved his show and was shocked to see that he is now gone. He was a nice man and had the nicest personality. I am trying to find his most recent cookbooks for my collection. His legacy will live on and he will not be forgotten. First Julia Childs and now him – what a great loss.

I want to make sure I have the right person. Did he have a PBS show many years ago? He seemed to cook everything in a single skillet on the stove in the days where the best view of a TV cook was an overhead shot.

I remember learning several knife cuts from this gentleman and most notably, how to peel an onion by cutting it in half, vs. doing it in one sphere. With the plethora of garbage programming purporting to teach people how to cook – I really miss the shows where I learned something applicable to everyday life.

I met James 30 years ago and he made me feel like a long-time friend right away. The gift he gave me was the confidence to be unintimidated by cooking and adventurous in my tastes. He was a fine man and we’ll all miss him.

James was a Great Chief. My folks and I used to watch all the Time on CBC Channel 10, his style of cooking anybody could do and it was mostly things that you already had in your kitchen ,he was a Great Talent that will be sorely Missed !!!!!!!!!

James Barber, The Urban Peasant showed me that cooking could be easy and did not have to be fancy, at all! He showed me that simple ingredients, cooked with love and care could taste like a gourmet meal, on a beer budget. I am so sad at his passing, but just the same I am sure he would say it was a good life. I’ll raise a glass to his honour when I next cook one of his simple, but tasty recipes. Condolences to his wife and family. He was a good cook, which I think is the highest honour you can bestow on anyone.

James, thanks for welcoming so many of us into your kitchen. your creations fed me through university, and your attitude inspired me to work in a small restaurant kitchen during those years, as well. like others here, I think you took away the fear and just enough of the mystique.

James on occasional indulgences:

“if you’re from Szechuan… or… Saskatchewan.. it’s a bit colder.. you need a bit of extra fat in your diet”.

James held a strong sense of community and felt passionately about living in the Cowichan Valley. James was planning to employ his passion to help build a strong farmers Market in the core of Duncan. A market that would celebrate local foods and agricultural diversity. His support, ideas and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. James possessed the energy and spirit of one young at heart.

It was a pleasure knowing this great gentleman. Good -bye James!

We thoroughly enjoyed all of his television episodes. He made everything seem easy to make. Always with a tip or two that could make cooking more fun and easy.

I enjoy his cooking show and i sorry for family lost a great person.

I was so, so sad to read about James’ death. I loved to watch his show and he was always so warm and genuine. Since I moved to the US 10+ years ago, I’ve really missed being able to see him. His books were great, but just not the same as hearing his sweet voice and his stories. I loved his stories. Please give his family my most heartfelt condolances.

I just want to say how sorry I am at hearing of the loss of James. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. I always enjoyed watching and learning from James and appreciated his warm, humble style. I will toast a glass to James. God Bless.

Thank YOU for sharing your husband/dad with all of us. He will be missed. By the way, will never forget his special recipe for making a great turkey soup by adding everything, including the salad and dressing.

Big hugs to you all.

I used whatch James Barber on tv. It was quite a schock to hear he passed away. He was a verey good cook he had easy recipes and he seemed like a very nice person.

I started watching the Urban Peasant on TV over a decade ago, back when I was a young teenager, it used to be my favorite show.

Nowadays I love to cook, and watch FoodTV incessantly. I often credit James for fuelling my interest in cooking. I always loved his no nonsense, keep it simple approach, he took the mystery out of cooking and showed everyone that you didn’t need fancy ingredients or tools to make a good meal.

I heard he passed while reading a cookbook with a pot of soup on the stove, how fitting!

He will be missed.

Very sorry to hear of the passing of James-his cooking show was one of the first I watched and appreciated,he just seemed liks a nice guy with a passion for life-so long pal rest in peace.

We’ll miss you James……is very well said.

I have such nice memories of watching his show that was so unlike the others. It felt as though we were visiting a friend.

He also had a wonderful way of teaching us how to handle food and not to be afraid of creating with what we had.

Thank you James
from someone who truly appreciated your know how!

Well, that smacks!

I so thoroughly enjoyed catching him on the television from time to time. He had a great dry wit about him and a simple way of cooking that looked fun and edible. I will miss not seeing him (except in re-runs??), and I regret not being one of the lucky ones, who could ring the doorbell and step in for a bite to eat.

God speed! Say hello to Julia

James taught me to be fearless and have fun in the kitchen. His casual approach to cooking was, in part, what inspired me to write cookbooks. Even though I was a vegetarian when I watched his shows, I never felt like I wasn’t included in his kitchen. I learned something every time I watched. I was very sad to hear of his passing and will miss him.

xoxo

I recall watching his program not because I was personally interested in cooking, but because I enjoyed the company of a warm, jolly man doing what he loved in the kitchen. I felt at home with James Barber.

How sad but what a wonderful way to go—we all ahould be so lucky. James ,you will be greatly missed.

My condolences to the family.

Like many here, I was inspired to cook at an early age thanks to James on the Urban Peasant. His enthusiasm and warmth were inspiring and he will be missed.
Farewell James.

I feel as though a dear old friend has left us. I met James Barber in a tiny bookstore in Mission, years ago. I purchased “Ginger Tea” and he kindly autographed it. Loved his shows and he will be missed. It is chilly here so will make a cuppa ginger tea and lift my cup to James. Thank you!

Mr. James Barber,

You were the one that got me into the kitchen and to want to start cooking. I always remember coming home from school, only being 12 or 13 at the time and watching you on tv before dinner. Now that I’m 27 I still look back to your cookbooks for references and am still in the kitchen cooking for family and friends. You are a cooking legend and will be greatly missed!

I was so saddened to hear the news. James got me through my senior year of university. Living on the east coast, I was able to catch his show at 4 p.m. and then walk across the street to buy the ingredients. Excellent food, affordable and hardly any dishes to clean afterwards.

Best of all, he always made me laugh with the way he answered the telephone or told us the main reason to use a full wine bottle as a rolling pin is so you wouldn’t be tempted to push too hard and break it.

The world has a little less flavour today.

Please accept my sympathies on James’ passing. He taught me how to cook–at remote, of course!–and I have been a follower of his website and publishing career since his show became hard to find in the US.

We are all very sad to learn of James’ passing. I did not know the man personally; however, I felt I got to know him as well as anyone could by watching his T.V. cooking shows … I found him to be a very endearing man.

GONE … but NEVER-FORGOTTEN … we shall meet again!

I have watched James for years on CBC and the various syndications. I guess the earliest was the late 80’s. After my dad passed away in 1994, I took up some of the cooking in our house just to give mom a break and to add a little more variety to our meals. If I was home I would always tune into the Urban Peasant at 3:00 in the afternoon on CBC. Mom and I would watch together. He was always entertaining and informative. My favourite episode was the French theme when he had an actor dressed up as Napoleon. James was making a sabayon, (not sure of the spelling) a dessert made with eggs and champagne. Napoleon used his sword to take the tops off the champagne bottles and the champagne was flowing pretty freely. A few years ago I sent James an email to tell him that I enjoyed his shows and I wondered if he was making anymore. I think CBC had stop showing the Urban Peasant and the Food Network was only showing him at 7:30 in the morning. He said that there are already about 3000 episodes floating around the world now and he didn’t think he would be doing anymore. I told him that after my dad died, I had taken up most of the cooking and that his style had the most influence on my cooking, his ‘Use what you’ve got’ style. And that’s the way I cook these days and without a recipe. It’s just me and my mom at home, she can no longer work in the kitchen because of a stroke and her age so I do all the cooking now. I told him I thought about attending a cooking school because my ‘career’ wasn’t going well at the moment and I had a real interest in cooking. He told me cooking schools were good but they were too regimented and that I would not enjoy cooking the way I am now if I attended a culinary institution. I never did attend cooking school and I don’t regret it. I’m not in the food industry at all but I was so thrilled that James Barber had actually responded to my email! I have three of his cook books which I consult regularly.

He was missed when his show’s went off the and he will be dearly missed even more now. He was a remarkable man. I wish his family all the best.

I knew James Barber through the marriage of his son. We became a relatives and even though the marriage ended in divorce, we do share grandchildren.

I have not seen James for many years, but I find myself kind of missing the gentleman and his lust for cooking.

What I would like everyone to know is that my experience of James is that he was a kind man who did his best.

…and that’s how ya’ do it! It’s easy!

I am deeply sadened by this ordeal. the reason why i loved cooking was because of him, and that started a long time ago when i was still a teen. he will be missed. may he rest in peace.

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed James. Seemed like he was talking right to every viewer at home.

Will be sadly missed.

I was very sad to hear of James’s death yesterday (although from the news article on CBC it sounds like he was doing what he loved right to the end). He was probably the first cookbook author I was familiar with, as my mom had a copy of ‘Ginger Tea Makes Friends’ that I loved to read when I was very small (the drawings and coloured pages helped .

A couple of years ago she passed it on to me, and although food prices have greatly increased from the time it was first published, the recipes are as tasty as ever and I still make them when I’m looking for comfort food that is inexpensive, easy to make, and delicious.

Thanks so much for providing us a place to post our memories and thoughts. All the best.

I was very saddened by the news of James passing away – but at the same time happy that he died doing exactly what he loved to do – cooking away. Oh – how I wish we could all go to the bright light that way.

Watching the Urban Peasant over the years made me into a much better cook. When I left home to fend for myself – I didn’t even know how to boil an egg. With the help of James on the telly and as well as the cookbooks I have in my possession – I am proud to say that I am a darn cook cook. Even my Mum admits I’m a better cook then herself (my Mum doesn’t like to cook ).

Cheers James!!! I raise a glass in your honour!!

I have to say that I used to watch James a LOT when I was young. He inspired me to be cook and enjoy food. I especially appreciate his “corner store” approach to cooking. So many recipes and shows use ingredients that you have to search for. Usually in specialty stores or delis. I don’t mind going to such places but only for special occasions. James showed me how to cook good food on a day to day basis. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.

James was a great man with great meals!

Rest well old friend,

I watched James’ show with much interest, wishing someday that I would meet him and sit and chat. I am saddened knowing that he has passed on. God bless you all !

Althought we had never met, I felt I knew him. In May of this year my husband offered to take me on a special birthday daytrip. We decided on the Cowichan Valley, and I remembered an article I had read that featured James Barber, in which he had recommended wonderful places to visit. I couldn’t find the article, so I emailed his website hoping to get a clue where I could read it again. Instead I received a series of emails from the man himself, who seemed excited to hear of our visit. He outlined all the best eateries, wineries, and culinary delights that we simply could not miss, and then wrote back to see if we had a good time. I couldn’t believe he would take the time for a complete stranger. We did have a very special day and have spoken of him many times since. We have passed along his suggestions to others, who have also made the trip. What a kind man, and what a wonderful ambassador for the Cowichan Valley, it’s people, businesses and attractions. We have lost someone special.

To your family James:

I want them to know I admired the man that showed people cooking can be fun and economical. Our young generation has to get back to cooking because it can save them so much money versus eating out. Margaret Northern Alberta – 30 today

When I was in primary school, the Urban Peasant came on CBC either before or after their afternoon kids shows, and it was one of the first “adult” shows I loved to watch. He made cooking look like so much fun, and I knew I wanted a kitchen like his when I grew up. I know I’m not the only kid who felt this way, as my friends and I will still talk about watching that show when we were kids. I’m saddened by his death, but glad that he went doing what he loved – cooking.

I will miss him. Another of my chef-heroes passes….Thanks James for inspiring me and teaching us all that food is fun, and can be simple and enjoyable. Here’s to a “little booze” in dishes and I’ll have a “jar” for you…

Cheers Sir James,and untold thanks again.

What a treasure we have lost! Surely, he will live on in the fond memories of thousands of people whose lives he touched one way or another, however briefly. An unforgettable spirit.

I must add my condolences to the many on the passing of James. I heard that yesterday and in goggling him , I came upon his videos which until a month ago, I could never watch because we could not get high speed in “boosh” in Moonbeam, until then. I was driving past Cobble Hill this summer and had heard that they had his farm somewhere around there but didn’t know where it was and wouldn’t have intruded on him if I did. He was far more than a cook with a TV show. I have watched his re-runs for years and my wife even tried to get tickets to his show, until I pointed out that there was no studio audience. that made the show a lot more intimate, in my opinion.

Please don’t pull any of his web sites off the net, if you have any control over that. He is still with us.

I just heard the sad news. As a young man going into bachelorhood I weighed 132 lb because I couldn’t cook. James Barber gave me inspiration and his easy style was a genius in helping us learn to cook. I only wish someone would take those shows on CBC and convert them to DVDs. There would definitely be a market for those shows. If there was that possibility I would gladly help. I am sixty years old retired and consider myself competent to do it. Today I’m just a retired chef using his ideas to entertain my guests.

I loved the man.

My thoughts and prayers for his family. He was instrumental in shaping my cooking skills and appreciation of food. His nonchalant style was par excellence! I know of many a young child who grew up watching his show (strangely enough – but, hey, why not) and have subsequently grown up into more than competent cooks and budding foodies themselves. I only wish I had the opportunity to meet him.
Thank you James, Godspeed.

what a year of losses… the urban peasant taught me to cook and to care… a great great loss

So sad to hear that James has passed. I used to sit down to watch his show and say to myself, whatever James makes today is exactly what I will make for supper. His was the only show I could do this with. I could be confident that I would have most ingredients handy. I have created many family favorites that I still make today from this manner.

What an incredible loss to the community of Canadian cooks who love good food, food preparation, drink and fellowship. James showed cooking for what it really is..an art. His expressions of “art” reflected his down-to-earth personality. He cooked by instinct. Much like I do for my family. Measuring a tablespoon or teaspoon of this or that into the palm of my hand and tossing it into the dish. In James’s kitchen as in ours a pinch of salt is literally a pinch of salt. Art by instinct. We’ll miss you James. Blessings on your family.

Every dish I watched James create became comfort food for me. He came alive in my home and brought peace and serenity into my kitchen. The most charming man I’ve seen has made his final broth, and will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.

Thank you James for inspiring me to love cooking. Little did I know when I watched you as a teenager of the joy it would bring! I am now transferring this passion to my children. Rest in Peace. Donato

What a wonderful talent James had for creating healthy happy eating experiences. My mom and I both cook like James. If we don’t have an ingredient, we use something else. I used to watch the Urban Peasant every afternoon. My children used to say “Mom, your date is here” and I would run to the TV to spend half an hour enjoying his company. My condolences to his wife, family and friends.

He gave me some ideas that I used with my children and some of his philosophy I have used when teaching Special needs students. He will be missed and was appreciated.

My heartfelt condolences on Mr. Barbers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.

Was very sad to hear the news. It was always like a comfortable kind friend in the house when his show was on. He demystified cooking, taking the scariness away and the land is full of brave little cooks in kitchens everywhere because of him.

James just made food more beautiful. He will be missed.

I met James in another incarnation through an acquaintance back in the mid-80’s. His sense of fun and his sheer enjoyment of cooking was delightful to witness. More than once he’s come to mind when I’ve been dabbling in my own kitchen. I would like to express my condolences to his family.

Could not believe when I heard that Mr. Barber died a few days ago. My sincere condolences go out to his family.To me he was a great cook because he was down to earth and simple.Really miss watching his cooking shows. Thank-You James for you wonderful cookbooks and shows.God Bless You.

He made cooking easy and fun. Thanks James!

Damn. I learned to cook watching his cooking shows and reading his books. He had that unique grandfatherly manner about him, and made it clear he used recipes as guidelines and hard and fast rules. The handle of fork served as well as any measuring spoon. He rarely had those pre-measured bowls of ingredients, preferring to cut it, mince it or grind it up on air.

One of my favorite stories is how he was learning this African dish that needed a paste made from a certain nut, and went on describing the process of boiling the nuts, grinding them down adding this spice and that. It took a day or two to make. Barber reaches over and picks up a jar of peanut butter, “I’m just going to use this. Same thing.”

He’ll be missed.

Great Man. Great Show

What a life! The man who inspired perhaps millions of people to try things in a fashion that made it seem more fun and less fearful. A very gentle man, whose contagious personality and warm manner welcomed everyone. The breadth of his books spoke volumes to whom he wished to reach…. talk with. He was one of two or three individuals I can say that I watched for more than just the cooking. A rare man, a rarer personality.

God speed James, thank you.

The Urban Peasant was watched by my son as a toddler/preschooler and many times this little boy would call me and describe what to have for supper and how to cook it. The Urban Peasant has coloured my son’s life with a love for good, simple, beautiful, tasty food. My son is now 21 and many of the recipes he fell in love with at age 3 or 4 are still his favorite and ones that he cooks to share with a table full of his friends. James will be missed but every time trout with cumin seed is put on our table, he will be remembered. God Bless.

You were my neibours in east vancouver I made you a mirror out of an old window . You touched my heart I am always humbled by you. Peace

A fellow west countryman, when I came to Vancouver he made me realize that my idea of basic cooking was just fine: “Forget the BS, make the most of what you have; and let the food speak for itself. Above all, be honest.”

James had that unique ability to be good and really bad at the same time. He had the flirtiness and the dirtiness when it counted. He was also one of the most brilliant communicators of our time, bringing the new enthusiasm for DYI cooking to levels we could all understand.

I never realized just how much of a legend James was until I travelled with him … and had to humour the dozens of fans who recognized him as The Urban Peasant.

What an amazing, generous man…

I remember as a kid coming home and watching his show. It wasn’t cartoons or the Lone Ranger it was James. Even as a kid I was amazed by his wit and humour. The relative ease that he put stuff together with was simply amazing and inspiring. He will be missed. All my best to his family. My thoughts are with them.

As I am sitting here on my Sunday night, after cooking a nice winter meal…I have read the sad news that James has passed away. We have lost a great man. As an avid amateur cook living in Vancouver, I attribute my passion of cooking and food largely to James. Watching The Urban Peasant when I was a teenager, I began to harbour a passion for cooking. It was James’ simple style and tasty food that attracted me to what is now one of my life’s passions!

James, you have touched so many of us…and we will miss you.

I just now heard on cbc radio that james has passed away. It seemed like he would go on forever…

So even though he was 84, it comes as a shock. I knew James slightly back in the ’70’s when he would entertain with stories of his trips to Japan,and we would all sit around eating susie’s chocolate cheesecake…Ginger Tea With Friends made cooking real and simple and fun…

I ran into James again when he lived on Pender Island, and he made some of those long ferry rides back from the mainland so much warmer and more enjoyable…

What a big hole he will leave.
In sympathy,

I was so sorry to hear the news of James’ passing. He will be missed.

When my girls were small enough to still want to curl up on the sofa to watch ‘what Mum watches’, but big enough to enjoy cooking, we would all sit and enjoy the Urban Peasant. The show would come on just as they came in from the school bus. Usually our youngest would say, ‘James is on’, and on the tv would go. We didn’t often write down the recipes and recreate what he did, but enjoyed the show as more of a visit from, say, a favourite uncle … great storytelling, and good, solid advice. Who else would tell you to use what you have in the cupboards rather than making a special shopping trip? We were sorry when the program went off the air. I kept meaning to look for him on the internet, but didn’t get that far. It wasn’t the same.

Our girls have grown up, the oldest just out on her own with a kitchen of her own to enjoy… I will look for One Pot Wonders for her for Christmas, and hope that if there are any videos of the program I can find those too, and will enjoy the Urban Hub as well. Duncan Diaries are great!

Thank you to James… he will be missed. Please send our condolences to his family if that is possible.

I am so sorry to hear about the death of James Barber, a writer of whom I am so fond. Witty and mischievous and endearing, he taught me to cook all the while encouraging a joie de vivre. I embraced his approach. He was an inspired teacher and I enjoyed every minute from “blackening” the turkey to the horror of my friends to blowing their heads off with the most amazing ginger tea. I never met James Barber but I have always been grateful that he thought to write “Ginger Tea Makes Friends”, which it does, and Fear of Frying among others. His work always strikes the right note for me – funny, witty, poignant, kind, full of love for food and the joy of being alive. Ginger Tea Makes Friends was pivotal. It spoke to me in a way that no other culinary writer did and I’ve remained a loyal fan. I am so sorry for your loss and I thank you for sharing him.
Sincerely,

I was deeply saddened to learn of James’ passing. His show taught me to embrace cooking and to truly enjoy experimentation in the kitchen. My deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time. I will grieve the loss of a greatly entertaining and engaging man.

Warm regards,

Well after what I read on the news this evening, your email inbox must be overflowing with letters like mine but I wanted to pass along my condolences to James’ family on his passing. I always loved to watch James cook on television and his show made cooking an enjoyable experience for me whenever I spent time in my kitchen. Thank you James for sharing your wonderful talent and love of cooking with all of us… may God grant you rest in Heaven and I hope you get to have lots of fun cooking in His kitchen.

Kind regards,

I wish to offer my condolences on the passing of Mr. Barber. During the early 1990s, I discovered the Urban Peasant on CBC and warmed immediately to his humour and food-making philosophy. This was a particuarly trying and stressful time of my life, and I looked forward each day to seeing James. For some reason, he relaxed me, and for this I will always remember him with great fondness.

I watched the urban peasant daily. VERY much regret his passing.

What can I say…?

We enjoyed his show so much (although we haven’t seen it in years on Canadian TV, still the memory remains), and his recipes and love of food… I thought about him often, and wondered if yet he lived – now I know he did – and right here on Vancouver Island. I wish I could have known him personally.

He will be missed.

My first reaction on hearing of James’ passing was “Oh, no!”. He will be sorely missed. He raised simplicity in cooking to a fine art – there’s noone else like him. I’ve loved him since “Fear of Frying” and “Ginger Tea Makes Friends”. My deepest condolences to all.

While watching the GlobalTV news at 6pm this evening, to my shock and dismay I learned that James had passed away this past Thursday. I wanted to write to you to offer my most sincere condolences on your loss.

I had the extraordinary pleasure of meeting James in person only once about 7 years ago, at an event at Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks, but I had been a true fan of his for many years and have the cookbook collection to prove it. He graciously consented to sign and personalize every one of the books I had brought with me that evening. I have never forgotten the impression of James that I came away with from that brief meeting. He struck me as truly an “old soul”, a very gentle and caring man with a beautiful spirit and a lively sense of humour, not to mention a degree of comfort in front of the stove that was a joy to watch.

My deepest sympathies on the passing of a wonderful man ~ a great cook who freely shared his love of cooking and, as a result, became a cherished member of our community. The Good Lord has gained Himself an energetic, passionate and very talented sous chef!