James Peter Glaser, a past recipient of the Florida Storytelling Association’s “Ambassador” award, passed away on June 14 at HCA Florida Capitol Hospital. He was 75.
Each year, the Ambassador of Storytelling Award is presented by the Florida Storytelling Association to an individual who promotes and shares enthusiasm for storytelling, encouraging both tellers and listeners. James received it in 2018.
James and his wife, Wanda Violet, founded and produced the Madison County Storytelling Festival which was held for six years. They worked with Madison County school children, helping them with developing storytelling skills and stage performance.
At the first festival, James and Wanda had 75 attendees in a barn, sharing stories, By 2019 there were more than 300 in attendance.
A native of Minnesota, James joined the Marines after high school. He served in Vietnam and was a decorated veteran. He studied art and constructive design at Arizona State University where he received his bachelor’s degree.
James was a prolific writer, gifted storyteller, woodworker, and sculptor who was known for his pursuit of excellence and perfection in his work.
He was trained as a Master Gardener at the University of Minnesota and grew perfect tomatoes. He designed and built an immense treehouse with towers, screened-in porches, and adjoining walkways, and transformed the yard he shared with Wanda into an oasis of thriving plants, fruit trees, and gardens of both flowers and vegetables.
James is survived by his wife of 14 years, Wanda Violet; his three children: Nikki Glaser (Larry), Garrett Glaser (Lucci), Whitney Glaser (Rob); two sons by marriage: Caleb Green (Malia), Joseph Green (Courtney); six grandchildren: Jazmin, Amelia, Mia, Mason, James, Lizzy, and four by marriage – Joey, Matthew, Mya, and Nathan; three sisters: Jean Hartle, Jackie Chiapuzio, and Jodi Chafin (Mike).
Jim was an enthusiastic supporter of FSA, a keen producer of Madison County’s Tellabration, and a gifted storyteller in his own right. His gifts will be missed, but his work will continue to inspire others. Deep sympathy to Wanda, and the entire beautifully blended family.
Peace to Jim and all those who loved him. Oh, what a loss. He and Wanda were a great team. Of course Jim ‘suggested, initiated and nominated’ the first Ambassador to Pat Nease. He observed her enthusiasm for storytelling and recognized the importance of ‘Ambassadors’. He will be missed and I send love to those that loved him well.
Peace, Jessica McCune
From Linda Spitzer,Lantana,Florida.HOW I MET JIM GREGORY.
I was telling stories in Jim Gregory’s class around 1992.When I finished with the class,Jim asked me how he could become a storyteller.He started coming to our MIAMI Storytellers guild meetings and participating in workshops and local festivals which I coordinated in the Miami area.Then Jim started to attend the storytelling camps pre-Mt.Dora and just loved all the friends he made .And he was also very good at sharing photos he took.
After 15 years of coordinating the Miami storytelling meetings and venues,Jim decided he would be the one to take my place.
I attended 22 Florida Storytelling camps, 10 National Festivals,received a Masters Degree in storytelling, was The Biltmore Hotel storyteller for 10 years,and a featured storyteller at a National storytelling conference. I gave workshops everywhere I could on a variety of subjects.I even taught several classes for teachers at Miami Dade Jr.College for credits.I moved up to Palm Beach County in 2004 and have been very active telling folktales and recreating some life stories of famous people …..until the Pandemic arrived.I’m still telling stories as well as talking about the passion for storytelling life I’ve been having for over 30 years.
Here’s a funny personal story.My then 3 year old grandson handed my daughter some of his favorite storybooks.When I arrived in Atlanta she handed them to me and said “Micah wants you to read these to him.” I said “Lori, I tell him stories all the time.Why does he want me to read these to him.” She answered,”He doesn’t think you know how or read.”