James W. Sapp "Jimmy" (Jameson Currier)

James W. Sapp, known professionally as Jameson Currier, and to his family as "Jimmy," passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, at his beloved countryside home in Upstate New York. He was 70 years old. A gifted author, editor, publisher, artist, and mentor, James leaves behind a legacy of creativity, generosity, and a lifelong dedication to literature and the arts.

Born on October 16, 1955, in Marietta, Georgia, James was the valedictorian of Wheeler High School's Class of 1973 before earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from Emory University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and cum laude.

James worked for many years in the legal department of The New York Times Company, where he retired in 2020 as a Senior Corporate Paralegal.

Throughout his life, James remained devoted to writing and the literary arts. He authored numerous acclaimed novels, short story collections, children's books, a memoir, essays, and a documentary screenplay. His work earned literary awards, grants, award nominations, and international recognition. At the time of his passing, he had recently completed the manuscript for his eighth novel.

Beyond his own writing, James was passionate about helping other writers succeed. He founded Chelsea Station, an independent publishing house and a literary magazine, publishing and mentoring hundreds of emerging and established authors. He also served for many years as an editor, reviewer, literary awards judge, columnist, and board member for several arts and literary organizations, making a lasting impact on the literary community.

In retirement, James embraced another lifelong passion as a self-taught artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. Living in Chatham Center, New York, he found inspiration in the beauty of the Berkshires, where he became active in the local arts community. Chatham Junction, a website dedicated and devoted to his artwork, which was often signed "Jimmy" or created under the name "Peachboy."

James is survived by his father, Robert Sapp of Marietta, Georgia; his sister, Roberta Sue Moore of Burlington, North Carolina; his brother, Charles Raymond Sapp of Rockmart, Georgia; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Currier Sapp, and his sister, Deborah Ann Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home. Family and friends are warmly invited to continue celebrating Jimmy's life immediately following the service at his countryside home, 1510 County Route 28, Valatie, New York.

An additional celebration honoring James's life, literary accomplishments, and lasting legacy will be held in New York City this fall, with details to be announced.

James will be remembered for his creativity, intellect, generosity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to literature, the arts, and helping others find their voices. His work, his mentorship, and the countless lives he touched will continue to inspire generations to come.

Chatham Junction Studio - chathamjunction.com

Chelsea Station - chelseastationeditons.com

Jameson Currier on Facebook

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in James's honor to one of the organizations that were especially meaningful to him: Saints and Sinners Literary Festival, Lambda Literary Foundation, Spencertown Academy Arts Center, Chatham Rescue Squad, or Tri-Village Fire Company, Inc. Donations to these organizations will help continue James's lifelong commitment to literature, the arts, education, and the community he so dearly loved.

Memorial Contributions in Lieu of Flowers

• Saints and Sinners Literary Festival

c/o Paul J. Willis

938 Lafayette Street, #514

New Orleans, LA 70113

• Lambda Literary Foundation

5482 Wilshire Boulevard, #1595

Los Angeles, CA 90036

• Spencertown Academy Arts Center

790 NY-203

Spencertown, NY 12165

• Chatham Rescue Squad

11 Moore Avenue

Chatham, NY 12037

• Tri-Village Fire Company, Inc.

111 County Road 13

Old Chatham, NY 12136