James Jontz
Meet James.
Whether you have seen him at the high school, around town supporting multiple local organizations, or behind-the-scenes at local productions, James is a longtime South Pasadenan with a heart for art and giving back to the community.
About the Legend
Introduce yourself!
An SPHS Graduate from the class of 1993, I have worked at SPHS for almost 30 years, Eagle scout from Troop 342, Past president of the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses (2009-2010), Member of Kiwanis, Assistant Stage Manager at the Haugh Performing arts center in Glendora and senior Tech at Sexson Auditorium on the PCC campus. Technical director for Theatre 360 in Pasadena. Have worked on Projects with Dreamworks and Pixar on their campus's.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My mom taught at El Rancho High School in the special ed department till her retirement and lives in South Pasadena. Father passed away in 2014 from cancer. Before his passing, my father served as President of the SPHS Bingo group for many years and stayed active with the group well after both sons graduated High School. He was also an SPHS grad from the class of 1958.
What are you passionate about? What do you love about what you do?
I do a lot of theatre. I have one or two major shows a month. I also love to go see shows either in the professional or community or children's but rarely have time as I am often on a production of my own. I volunteer at the SP Rose float serving on the board and as one of the members of the construction crew. I love to go a ride train or trolleys so when a new one opens I want to ride it or I like going to the active museum's where you can ride the trains.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I think students going into production and being successful would be a good one.
What inspires you?
When we are doing a show and the kids just get and make it work like a well-oiled machine
What is something on your bucket list?
Visit every Disney park, Take cross country train trips on multiple continents.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Probably doing the same but hopefully being able to take some vacation time.
What is something interesting about yourself that most people don't know about you?
I like building model railroad set and layouts.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Try to be kind (sometimes it is hard)
Your South Pasadena Story
Tell us your South Pasadena story! How did you come to live or work in this community?
My parents moved back to SP a few years after I was born. My dad lived here and went to SPHS in 1958 before going into the Navy
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Pretty much all my life and I have worked at SPHS almost 30 years
What words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word "HOME"?
When I think of the word home it is in South Pasadena. I have lived in 3 house and 2 apartments in the city and I can not imagine living anywhere else. Going to the store and seeing 5 to 10 people I know just makes the town so much a home.
What are some of your favorite restaurants or businesses in South Pasadena?
I think if I went anywhere else for breakfast other than Hi-Life my bank would have a heart attack. Now that Twoheys is in town it is also a favorite and La Fiesta Grande was a in town favorite and is so happy it reopened even if it is not in town.
What is your go-to "happy place" in South Pasadena?
The high School Campus after school is over and there are event happening on campus where the community has come out to see what we do
What local landmark, business, organization, etc. feels to you like it captures the South Pasadena spirit?
The area around the Iron Works where the Farmers Market is.
What is your favorite community event or social outing in South Pasadena?
4th of July
What are your hopes and dreams for our community?
More art and theatre
What do you think makes South Pasadena so special?
I am biased but I think it is the schools. The different things we offer and the fact that the community sees and knows that and is willing to help is fund all the different programs.
Some Fun Stuff!
What is the last show you binged? What show(s) are you hooked on right now?
A bunch of Disney cartoons like Amphibia and Owl house right now Star Wars Bad Batch
What are your top three favorite MOVIES?
Castle in the Sky, The Muppet Movie, The Harry Potter movies
What are your top three favorite SONGS?
Back in time - Huey Lewis and the news, Dead Mans Party - Oingo Bongo, From Now On - Zack Brown Band
What is your favorite band? What is your favorite album?
I am kind of all over the place but a good Cast album from a show is a go-to
What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season? Or even a favorite date in general?
Model Railroad and Lego-building season is Halloween
Who is your favorite artist? What kind of visual art inspires you?
Not sure. I follow David Kornis who is a broadway artist/designer.
Help spread the word and celebrate our Legend! Download the images below to share as posts and/or stories on social media and congratulate our Legend and share their story with our community! Be sure to tag @LegendsofSouthPasadena so that we can give you a shout-out on our social media.
