James Kent Dudek

James was an engaging and humorous storyteller. He loved Berkeley in part because it was quirky and nonsensical and those qualities gave him great material for his stories. James had the perfect combination of dedication to the mission with the ability to laugh at the bureaucracy, the personalities, and the culture of higher education.

I saw James in November and he had just returned from a family wedding in upstate New York followed by an Amtrak trip from New York back home. He was excited to have seen relatives he had not seen in years and to fulfill a lifelong dream of this cross country train trip.

Better than anyone I worked with, James built community. I consider myself lucky to have been part of his vast network and to have spent time with this talented, creative, caring gentleman.

James was a wonderful colleague that brightened every meeting, event and get-together. I first met him when we served, as he jokingly put it, “in the same litter” on the Chancellor’s Staff Advisory Committee more than 20 years ago. I'm grateful to have known James and sending my condolences to his family and friends.

James legacy lives on in the energy and passion he shared in making Berkeley a better place to work. May his memory bring comfort in this difficult time and always.

Dear James, you gifted so much to UC Berkeley as an institution - new frameworks, different approaches, ways of thinking - that have already been shared and replicated across all the units/divisions you touched. Indeed, I still refer back to and forward tools that you created many years ago. Your positive ripple will be felt by all of us for many years to come. Thank you for being one of Berkeley's culture keepers - we are all better because of you. xoxoxo

Saddened by the news of James’s passing. Though our time together in SAIT was years ago, some people just stay with you - and James was one of them. Always kind, always witty, and never without his signature bowtie. A truly memorable colleague.

James was an exceptional human. He cared deeply about the students, staff and faculty of UC Berkeley. For the 4 years I was blessed to work at Berkeley, I had more happy hours than I can count with James. We talked about work and life, and we laughed so hard we'd cry. He was the most gifted networker and calendar stocker you'd ever know. He had many, many friends around campus, but to me, he was my best friend at work. I had been out of touch with James at the end, which is entirely my fault. To honor his memory, I'm going to reach out to 5 people I haven't talked to in a while. Knowing James made me a better leader, professional, and person. I will cherish his memory and miss him deeply.

James, I miss you. You were always a wonderful inspiration - your insight, your humor, your unique leadership style and just overall smarts,

Rest in peach buddy.

On behalf of the Chancellor’s Staff Advisory Committee, we honor the memory of James Dudek. As a former Chair and dedicated member. His leadership was defined by optimism, brilliance, and a wonderful sense of humor. We offer our deepest condolences to his partner Francis and his family. Thank you, James, for everything you gave to Cal.

So sad to hear the news. My condolences to his loved ones. James was a very nice person with an amazing sense of humor. He told me to always come early to events to get the best picks of food. :-)

James was an incredible colleague, friend, and mentor to me. I always enjoyed trading jokes with him. He shared many years of accumulated wisdom to help me transition in my career. I was saddened to hear about his sudden passing. James, you will be missed and I know you will be watching over all of us from the light.

I’m incredibly saddened to learn of the loss of James. I worked alongside James as a peer advisor in L&S from 2006-2009. He left a lasting impression on me with his humor and supportiveness. He enhanced my confidence and self esteem in a challenging time in my life. I will be forever grateful for having him in my life.

I am shocked and saddened to learn that James is gone so soon. During my decades working at Cal, he was such an ever-present, effervescent part of the staff community. His leadership, networking, and relationship-building skills were inspirational. Sending condolences to his partner and family--may his memory be a blessing always.

It seems like just last week I was at a "Committee" meeting with James and my former UCB colleagues. What a gift that James nurtured so many communities of people and sustained them for so long. I was just reading through text threads from one of them, the Numbers group (because we are all just numbers on a spreadsheet). I laughed out loud at James' quips just as I did years ago. I will forever cherish the decades of advising each other, sharing stories, bringing humor to what could be really challenging (and boring) times at work, and also celebrating all the really cool things we accomplished. I will miss you so much James. To James' family, and especially Francis, my very deepest condolences.

My dear, James. Your sweet soul and striking intelligence and style made this world such a better place. You made my life better. What a blessing you have been. I miss you immensely already and cherish every committee meeting, planning meeting, lunch, Happy Hour, campus party, un-birthday party, and, for the last almost 10 years, bi-monthly Zoom Happy Hours with you. May you be resting in peace, love, comfort, and great stories.

I am saddened to learn of James' passing. His impeccable timed wit makes work felt less like work when he was around, and meetings were more bearable when James was in attendance. James had a real gift in turned small talk into real conversation, and coworkers into friends! My deepest condolences to his loved ones who will have to navigate forward without James and his boundless optimism.

James was introduced to me by a colleague at a NOW Conference years ago as "one of those people you HAVE to know". I recall that he was very well-liked and regarded as someone deeply dedicated to the University and its mission. He was kind and approachable, quick to smile and laugh. I'm so sorry to hear of James passing.

I send my condolences to his family and close friends.

Sincerely,

Jenny Bombasaro Brady

James, I watched your career transitions and resilience, always knowing that which ever team had you, had a gem. Thank you for your laughter, and your wise and wonderful answers to big and small questions. You will always sparkle in my memory.

James I’m so glad we got to have dinner the last time you were in Austin. I’m also so glad you were at my wedding - those days seem so long ago now. You are one of the funniest people I have ever met. You were an amazingly talented University administrator. You were a friend. You were a Bowlesman.

I’m so glad I got to know you and to be aware of your gifts to so many communities. The world is at a loss today.

I'm saddened to hear about James' passing. I worked with him when I was at SAIT. I remember his collection of little toy dinosaurs and he one time started our 1:1 meeting with, "let's play dinosaurs like we are five." Sat there for 20 minutes reenacting the first Jurassic Park movie. He always had a knack to break the ice and making people feel at ease. Fond memories.

James had a great sense of humor and a special talent for writing witty and hilarious song lyrics! May he rest in peace.

I am saddened by this news, when I worked with James he always brought a unique and positive perspective.

Some news just stops you in your tracks. I was heartbroken to hear about the passing our former colleague, James.

If you ever had the pleasure of working with him, you knew two things immediately: you were about to hear a perspective nobody else in the room had thought of, and he was going to be wearing his signature bowtie while delivering it.

He had this rare gift for cutting through the tension of meetings with a perfectly timed bit of wit.

It’s a quiet reminder that the people we sit across from for 40 hours a week leave footprints on our lives long after the projects are finished and the laptops are closed.

Rest in peace, James. The world feels a little less colorful—and certainly a lot less dapper—without you.

James, I am in shock. I remember all the times we worked together. From MOR to you helping me when I had some challenging times. The best memories were of us having adult beverages, way too many times.

I am going to put on a bow tie so I can feel closer to you. My heart is with you, always.

James always welcomed me and others with a smile and an unmatched openness. He valued relationships, which was valuable to me, our team(s), and our community. I'm grateful for our time together, whether in the office or at events.

Sincere condolences to James' family, friends, and community.

James lit up every room he entered, and his greetings ranged from booming hellos to slyly witty observations. Years ago, James handed me an envelope with an impish smile and simply said, “Because you like them!” Inside were more blue raspberry Jolly Rancher candies than I could count. What?!! James picked out my favorite flavor from (how many?!) mixed bags after I made an offhand comment in our change agent training with Patrice.
James in this microcosm moment:
Charismatic,
Charming,
Witty,
Observant,
Considerate,
Change engine.
Sending love to all his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.

On behalf of the LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff at UC Berkeley, LavenderCal shares their condolences with James’ family and friends. We are deeply grateful for his essential work to make Cal a place where we can experience belonging, community and joy.

James was a first class individual. He was always supportive of his friends and colleagues. He will be missed but his impact will remain with many of us

Words can’t express how deeply I feel about losing James. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.

Knowing James meant becoming part of a bigger, brighter world. He was genuinely a people person, whose warmth and compassion touched everyone around him. When he entered a room, his signature bow tie, sense of humor, and genuine kindness made everyone feel welcome and appreciated. He always knew how to make me laugh, offered thoughtful advice, and inspired hope in all of us. I will cherish the memory of James and his beautiful spirit forever. Cheers!

I’m sorry to hear of James’ passing. For someone admittedly face blind (if he watched a show with several people with blonde hair he couldn’t tell them apart) he knew just about everyone on campus. His face blindness made him actively connect with people. I don’t remember when he started wearing bow ties but he made them fashionable before they were fashionable. If you needed to unwind or have a kind ear, he always saved a seat at the bar for you with a glass of wine. My heartfelt condolences to his partner and family.

Very sorry to read of this. May his memory be a blessing. He made an impact.

Gone too soon, he had a big-hearted soul and a smile for everyone! Bless you James Dudek I am sure you can feel the love from out there!

I was so sorry to learn of James' passing. He was certainly one of the highlights of my time working at Berkeley. He was no doubt one of the smartest, savviest people on campus, and always a pleasure to get to chat with. Sending love to all the people in his life.

High School Classmate of JKD. I was happy to reconnect with him on Facebook a year ago. This one hurts from far away. He was a unique spirit, and no words can completely comfort his partner and family.

What a shock! it's hard to believe James is gone. I recall him being key to so many changes and advances for when and how staff at UC collaborated. He was one of the anchors as various staff communities of practice got off the ground.

James was a true professional Compassionate and caring, and willing to go the extra mile and get the job done. He will be missed.

James, your warm smile, kindness, and leadership will be deeply missed by all of us in the Berkeley community. You made every room more joyful. I am sending love and positive energy to all of James' family and friends.

I am so sad that I never got to tell you how much our friendship meant. You were such an inspiration and a light in this world.

I am shattered by this loss, yet deeply grateful that so many friends and family are united through the appreciation and love we share of James. In that way, his spirit will continue to live on far beyond his time on this earth. To each of you — and especially to Francis — I offer my deepest condolences, along with my hope that these memories will remain a lasting and cherished gift.

I was very sorry to not have been able to say goodbye directly; to not hear that acerbic wit one last time. But I am grateful to have been there for those last moments, to meet his family members & partner Francis and share a last laugh or happy memory of his life with them.

So deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James. He was such a joy to be around, such a force for creative good and a pleasure to sit and catch up with. I believe he is looking after us all from above as he did as a friend and colleague.

What a terrible shock. James was such a gift - a clever contributor and leader, always willing to help, especially with our summer series, and he kept me laughing. He will be missed.

I was deeply saddened to read this. While we grew apart after high school, reconnecting again on social media was a great joy for me. I grieve with his family and the rest of his friends.

I am sad and heartbroken about the loss of James. He as always so fun to work with on CSAC. Made the heavy work light. I pray for peace and comfort during this most difficulty time. With deepest sympathy.

James, I will always remember your optimism and style in the workplace. You had the best bowties! May you rest in paradise.

To James' family and friends, I am incredibly sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful human being.

James always brightened the room when he walked in. His signature style, his delight in seeing you every time, and his amazing optimism always made your day better. I am so sad that such a bright light in the life of everyone he touched has left us. Such a loss for us all. Whatever lies beyond is now brighter and better with his arrival.

I am very sad to learn of the James' passing. He was a great UCB colleague and campus co conspirator. James was among the first to greet and support me when I got to Berkeley. He helped me to understand how to navigate our complex campus landscape and always had sage advice. I called on him often. I was just looking at our last email exchange when he announced he was leaving Cal, as usual he was approaching it with the optimism and clarity he always displayed. RIP James you will be missed! My condolences to his partner, siblings and all his beloved family and friends.

I had the pleasure of coaching James in the MOR Leaders Program and working with him for several years after his graduation, as he shepherded others through the program. He was always up for an adult beverage, lunch, dinner or just a chat when I was on campus. Frankly, I think he taught me more than I coached him. Always looking for ways to help, to encourage, to humor... the world is a little less bright without this kind man. My deepest condolences to Francis, Christina and James's UCB family.

I'm shocked and saddened to hear of James' illness and passing. He was a lovely human being, supportive colleague, and a fun and dynamic presence. And of course one of the best dressed men at Cal.

He made my time at Berkeley so much better by virtue of working with him and knowing him. As Russ wrote, working with him the summer data communication training series was a joy, and for me was one of the highlights of my career.

Condolences to his husband, family, friends and former colleagues everywhere.

James and I were hired on the same day as APCs. Working with him and getting to know him over the years was my privilege. I have so many fond memories of him, it's hard to pick just one. He was a wonderful colleague and friend - his wit kept me on my toes every day. I learned so much from him. He was genuine, witty, intelligent, loyal, and just a special person. Gone way too soon my friend. Rest with the angels.

James was one-of-a-kind -- funny, smart, perceptive. As mentor/mentee, we got to spend time together getting to know each other and building a special connection. May his memory be a blessing.

James was an amazing person and a wonderful colleague. Our time working together on several summer training series was one of my most memorable experiences at Berkeley. I'll miss the wit and wisdom you brought to every conversation!

I have so many fond memories of my time at Cal with James, from him riding up to the office on his scooter to his iconic bow ties and wicked sense of humor. James always told the best stories, loved Cal, and was a kind and genuinely good person. He is missed.

I have so many fond memories of you, James, including: your deep dedication to making new staff feel welcome and having an orientation to Cal to help them succeed; such a huge network of friends and colleagues; a wide variety of roles in multiple departments on campus; and being in a meeting room together and working on new job descriptions for us both. You made a tremendous impact at Cal!

James was a brilliant and creative person. He even convinced me to wear a bowtie once as was his signature style piece. Gone to soon and his wit and dedication to his friends and colleagues will surely be missed.
Rest easy my friend and share some heavenly laughs with my daughter.

Dear James, thank you for seeing something in me many years ago as I was navigating my early career at Berkeley. I loved our talks over lunch and seeing you at campus events. Your spirit will live on and I’ll always treasure our time!

James was my colleague on the Kuali project at UC Berkeley. I will always remember his quick, biting wit, which enlivened our daily routine. It was a delight to work with him! R.I.P., James.

James, always the dapper gentleman: refined, articulate, and giving. You will always be the best! Roland Addad
roladdad@gmail.com

James lit up the room with his quirky humor, kindness and eternal optimism. LOVED him. He was so compassionate, knowledgeable and understanding when it came to the highs and lows of campus life. He handed me my sacred 20-year service pin in the I-House a couple years ago. I had flown in from Boston for the event and was thrilled to be greeted by James at the check-in table. Bow tie greeting! ❤️ He always encouraged me to reach for the stars. Now he’s among them, encouraging us to keep reaching. ⭐️✨💫

You left this earth too soon, James! Your light shined in all that you did and I will always remember you sitting in my office and helping me make my Facebook account.. so patient and thoughtful and generous with your time. Continue to shine over us like the star that you are...

James was a wonderful colleague and friend. I m heartbroken at this news.

As shocked as I was to hear of James’s passing, I reveled in the spirit that he was. All who were lucky enough to know him got to bask in his wit, intelligence and humor. I’m better for having spent time with James.