James Huffman, a renowned birdwatcher and comic book collector, passed away on March 21 at his home in Pacific Palisades, where he had lived since 1972. Born in Evansville, Indiana, Jim moved to Manhattan Beach in 1946 and went to work as a metallurgical engineer for North American Aviation until his retirement in 1967. He played jazz clarinet as a young man and loved jazz and classical music. He especially enjoyed playing classical piano. Jim had a sly sense of humor and was making people laugh until a few days before his passing. One of his prize possessions was his collection of “Pogo” comic books. He also enjoyed his collection of Nero Wolfe mysteries by Erle Stanley Gardner. Jim, who was regarded as one of the world’s foremost birdwatchers, found his greatest pleasure in helping other people spot and identify birds. He was president of the Los Angeles Audubon Society, for which he often led birding trips, and for many years he regularly returned to Evansville to enjoy the spring migration. Most of his friends were birders with whom he traveled to Africa, Europe, Australia, Malaysia, Mexico and Central and South America. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Margaret, a naturalist, photographer and writer; his sister Ruth McQuady of San Clemente; his son James of Eugene, Oregon; two granddaughters; two great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson. There will be no memorial service. Gifts in Jim’s name may be made to the Bill and Mable Dedon Fund c/o the Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society, P.O. Box 35, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.
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