Super Chef has been reporting many deaths here in the latter part of 2009 but none with more regret than this week’s.
James Rossant FAIA died near Condeau, France, on December 15, 2009, of complications arising from long-term, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
In addition to architect, Jim was an artist and illustrator whose work graced both restaurants and books, both in collaboration with his wife, Colette Rossant.
Restaurant designs include the ongoing Dim Sum Go Go (see New York Magazineslideshow) and the defunct Buddha Green.
Illustrations for his wife’s cookbooks include The World in My Kitchen (2006), New Kosher Cooking (1986), Colette’s Slim Cuisine (1983), After Five Gourmet (1981), A Mostly French Food Processor Cookbook (1979), and Cooking With Colette (1975).
James Rossant was my father.
Super Chef will break from publishing through the New Year. We will resume publication on January 18, 2010. We wish you the best over the holidays and a Happy New Year.
Obituaries:
Le Monde (French)
New York Times
Architectural Record
Washington Business Journal
Boston Globe
Hyperion
Herndon Observer
Restonian
Le Perchoir (French)
PaperBlog (French)
Interior Design
Modern Capital
ArtInfo
Polis
Design Build Network
Hickory Cluster
Ikatan Arsitekt Indonesia
GG-Art
Reston Museum
About Dim Sum Go Go:
JamesRossant.com
New York Magazine (Dim Sum Go Go)
New York Times (Dim Sum Go Go)
New York Times (Dim Sum Go Go)
New York Times (Dim Sum Go Go)
New York Times (Dim Sum Go Go)
About Buddha Green:
JamesRossant.com
Buddha Green (Buddha Green)
New York Daily News (Budda Green)
I was truly saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim, along with Bill Conklin, gave me my very first architectural job. I had acquired several degrees by then but had no real experience. C&R was more than gracious in allowing me into the Real World of Architecture. I was just mentioning to my family today how I was beside myself on my first day of work at C&R: this was truly cool! Jim was my role model since I was claiming to be a designer although I had not yet earned my designer badge. But the awesome thing was that he and Bill allowed me to develop and grow. Jim always had a great sketching talent and I think, to this day, I owe a great deal to the exposure to his abilities. I also remember an exhibit of Jim’s drawings that I attended in New York where I stood in awe of his work. Now I’m retired and doing etching and artist books–something that I’m sure I, at least partially, owe to those early New York days. Those of us who shared his commitment to the joy of architecture and urban design are so much the better because of it.
Jack Fahnestock
My condolences, Juliette. May peace be yours during this very difficult time.
Thank you very much for your kind comments
JULIETTE,
I JUST LEARNED OF YOUR FATHERS’ DEATH TODAY. I AM DEEPLY SADDEN AND SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU, YOUR MOTHER AND ENTIRE FAMILY. I HAD SOME EMAIL WITH COLETTE LAST YEAR AND KNEW THEY WERE LIVING IN FRANCE. I HAD HOPED TO MAKE A TRIP AND INCLUDE A VISIT TO THEIR HOME. JAMES WAS A REMARKABLE MAN.
NOEL
Juliette,
I noticed that you father published a memoir. Is it possible to get a copy? I would like to have it for me, and my children and grandchildren too. I think I have found all of your mothers’ books( and with you too). Thank you very much.
Noel