With great sadness we report that Jim Warde, co-founder of the Irish Classical Theatre Company with Vincent and Chris O’Neill, died on Monday. Born in New York City, at the age of five, Jim moved to Mayo in the West of Ireland. He graduated from University College Dublin Medical School and returned to New York City, where he took up psychiatry at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. He also received a master’s degree in public health administration. He was the first commissioner of mental health for Erie County and served in that position for 20 years. Always devoted to the arts, in addition to co-founding Buffalo’s Irish Classical Theatre, Jim was a noted poet.

He is survived by his children, Clodagh, Dara, Nuala, and Jamie, his wife Lucy, and nine grandchildren. Visiting hours with the family are today, Thursday April 8, 4-8pm at Amigone Funeral Home (1132 Delaware Avenue, near West Ferry). A funeral will take place on Friday, April 9 at 11am at St. Joseph’s University Church (3269 Main Street).

A man of sparkling wit and great humor, known as a loyal friend, Jim will be missed deeply and with great affection.