Remembering James

Last night, I went to a memorial party for James Welborn, the owner of Hub Comics. I don’t normally do well in really crowded places. This one was full of incredibly friendly and sympathetic people, though, so I stayed for quite a while even though it was really packed.

I’m glad I did. I met a lot of people (though, of course, I wish it could have been under better circumstances). I wish James could have been there to see the turnout and participate in the inevitable piles of nerdery.

I didn’t know James that well. I chatted with him many times when I was in the store. He was always friendly, always willing to chat…I wish I had known him better. I wish I’d made a point of it.

What I do know is he created a space for a community I of people I care about. He made sure it was welcoming to women and didn’t make a big deal about that. So many of the people I met were in the store once a week and not just to pick up their subs. James hosted lots of activities and groups at the store. People often even came in just to hang out on one of the big sofas in the store and chat with him.

Hub Comics truly is a hub, due to James’ willingness to let people in and make space for them to stay a while and due to his friendly presence that will be sorely missed.