The following was submitted to Patch on behalf of the family of James F. Bingle, known to many in the Pass as "The Cabazon Cowboy" and "Cowboy Jimmie." He died in September at the age of 96.
James F. Bingle: July 18th, 1917 - September 1st, 2013
James Fremont Bingle entered this world in Bradley, Arkansas, and at the age of twenty-two married Lucille Smith in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Like many couples, they possessed little more than their wit and a strong work ethic, but they were a team for 61 years, raising two daughters and helping with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, until Lucille's death in 2001.
A craftsman and journeyman carpenter, James used his woodworking talents to construct cabinetry and furniture for his family. He taught himself to build Martin-style acoustic guitars, and with Lucille's assistance he produced many unique and beautiful instruments. Each child and grandchild received one of his hand-built chairs, and a custom guitar.
He wrote and performed music, sometimes with Lucille. When Lucille passed away, James was devastated. To ease his loneliness, he spent most of his waking hours singing and playing at the Senior Center or Stater Bros., where his many friends would stop by to visit with him. He continued for the next twelve years, until his final illness took him away. He lived the past five years in Perris. California, with his daughter, Geneva Burden.
James was featured many times in the local newspaper as The Cabazon Cowboy or Cowboy Jimmie. He is survived by two daughters, Geneva Burden of Perris, California and Dorothy Chase of Cottage Grove, Oregon. He left two grandchildren, Lisa Chase of Wethersfield, Connecticut and Albert Burden of Sun City, California. A third grandchild, Scott Chase, died previously. His great-grandchildren include Lauren Burden and Lance Burden.
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