In Memoriam - Robert G. James, Co-Founder of the International Quilt Museum
From the International Quilt Museum: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of International Quilt Museum co-founder and proud Nebraskan, Robert G. James. Bob’s impact on this museum cannot be overstated." Click through to read the museum's full statement and learn of Robert's deep and lasting contributions to the quilting world. The Quilt Show sends its condolences to the James family.
More from the International Quilt Museum:
"It is an honor and privilege to have known Bob, and he will be missed! Bob and Ardis lived a wonderful life, and gave so much back to the communities and causes they believed in. Bob and Ardis loved Nebraska, and their legacy and philanthropic impact will be felt for generations by those in Nebraska, throughout the US and across the globe,” said Leslie Levy, Ardis & Robert James Executive Director at the International Quilt Museum.
The first iteration of the International Quilt Museum was founded by Bob and his late wife Ardis through a donation of nearly 1,000 quilts in 1997. In a Harvard Magazine article from 2014, Bob talked about the shared experience of starting this collection with his wife as a couple of empty nesters.
“Starting this, we fell in love again. It was a 50-50 endeavor all the way,” Bob said in the article.
Bob and Ardis’ support was instrumental in commissioning the IQM’s current building constructed in 2008. Having seen the growing collection, the Robert and Ardis James Foundation funded the expansion of the museum through a $7 million donation in 2015. The project doubled the IQM’s state-of-the-art collection storage and exhibit space.
Bob and Ardis were also pivotal in acquiring new pieces for the museum through continued annual support.
From his time in Nebraska and U.S. Navy, to Harvard Business School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it’s hard not to be struck by Bob’s diversity of interests and successes. But he also had a strong affinity for the artistry of quilts that undoubtedly impacted this museum and the quilting world at-large.
Our condolences to the James family and friends."
