James (“Jimmy”) L. White, 67, passed away early Thursday morning at his home in Santa Monica, after battling pancreatic and liver cancer. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, daughters Monee and Martina, and son Jimmy.
He was known for his Oscar-nominated screenplay for “Ray.” But he worked steadily and was commissioned by studios and networks to write many musical-artist-based scripts. At the time of his passing he was about to direct his own screenplay.
He credited his good friend Sidney Poitier for giving him his first writing job.
At Jimmy’s request, there will be no services. According to his family, he joked “Don’t throw me a funeral because I won’t be there.”
Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Statement by: Law Office of Matthew H. Saver, Beverly Hills, CA.
- More thoughts on James L. White from those who knew him.
Tom Hackford, who directed Ray, said in a statement about White, “Jimmy White was a lovely man and a terrific writer; His insights as a black man growing up in the south [Kentucky] were an invaluable asset in writing the script for Ray.”
