The Legend and Lore of the O.B. James Gang- Nov. 21, 2019

OBHS NL Nov Dec 2019 mrAs we celebrated the 40th Annual Ocean Beach Christmas Tree and Parade, we had an opportunity to meet the family that not only started this holiday event but were instrumental in other cherished O.B. traditions as well.
Brothers Ron, Greg, Mike, Pat, and sister-in-law Susan reminisced about the trials and tribulations of working together in a family business while also trying to make a positive impact on the community.
For over four decades, the James family has been an integral part of the Ocean Beach community. They were instrumental in the founding of the Ocean Beach Merchants Association (now the O.B. Mainstreet Association) and the Ocean Beach Historical Society. Over the years, they held leadership roles with the O.B. Merchants Association, O.B. Town Council, O.B. Planning Board, and O.B. Historical Society. The brothers were the catalyst in beginning the Ocean Beach Fireworks Festival, O.B. Street Fair, the Ocean Beach Christmas Auction, O.B. Parade, and the Christmas Tree, as well as the Community Mural Project.
The presentation touched on the history of the James Gang, with anecdotes, images, and artifacts from Ocean Beach’s past. They also paid tribute to their late brother Rich James, the founder of the O.B. Christmas Tree, whose life epitomized the O.B. spirit.