A Memorial Weekend Honoring James Magee

October 10–12, 2025
We invite friends, family, and the extended community to join us in celebrating the life, work, and spirit of James Magee. Events will take place across El Paso and at the Hill.

Friday, October 10 – Welcome Reception
5:30 PM
The Foundation Room, 333 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79901

An evening for family, friends, and admirers of Jim’s to connect and learn more about the weekend’s events and the future of the Hill. Substantial appetizers and complimentary beer and wine with cash bar available for limited spirits.

Saturday, October 11 – Memorial on the Hill
1:00 PM – Arrival and Silent Pilgrimage
Guests gather at the base of the Hill and begin a 1.36-mile silent walk to the four-building site. Silence will be observed throughout the pilgrimage and the memorial, honoring Jim’s wishes for quiet intention at the Hill.
2:00 PM – Memorial Gathering
Reflection at the site, with time to move through the four buildings in silence. Please note: space is limited, and only a small number of individuals may enter each building at one time.
2:30 PM – Performance by Nameless Sound
A resonant performance by an organization Jim cherished, honoring his lifelong connection to music and art.
3:15 PM – Ash Scattering Ceremony
Jim’s ashes will be spread at the four corners of the buildings, carried out with love by his family.

Practical Notes:
• Transportation Options: Via the form below, guests may reserve seats on a chartered bus that will depart downtown El Paso from the Foundation Room. Alternatively, you are welcome to drive and meet us at the staging area at the base of the road to the Hill. Travel time is approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes.
• We know that some of our guests may need a little extra support, we want to make sure you can fully take part in this day. We understand that the walk up to the Hill may be difficult for some, and we will have limited transportation available for guests who are unable to make the pilgrimage. To help us prepare and care for everyone, please take a moment to fill out the form below if you would like this option.
•Please wear comfortable closed-toed shoes and bring sunscreen, refillable water bottle, and a hat.

*Please note, donation is not required to reserve transportation or request assistance.

Sunday, October 12 – Remembrance Brunch & Open House
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Guests are invited to visit and move between the following open sites at their own pace:
• Café Mayapan, 2000 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901. A central gathering place for the day, Café Mayapan was one of Jim’s favorite restaurants. Here you can meet others, share memories, and catch up in the spirit of community. A memory book will also be available to record your sentiments, and an open mic will provide space for guests to share reflections aloud.
• Museo Livermore (3915 E. Yandell, El Paso, TX, 79903)
•Jim’s Studio (1916 Myrtle Ave, El Paso, TX 79901)

Should you have questions, please contact Maya Sanchez at maya@epcf.org or via text/phone at 915-401-4018.

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James Magee, an extraordinary artist known for his multifaceted creations, passed away on September 14, 2024. Magee’s legacy is tied to his enigmatic body of work, which spanned sculpture, poetry, and painting. His most famous creation, The Hill, located in the vast plains of West Texas, is a monumental stone installation that has been compared to the scale of Stonehenge. This mysterious, awe-inspiring piece took over four decades to construct and stands as a testament to Magee’s vision of art that fuses architecture, nature and poetry.

Magee was born on June 3, 1945 in Fremont Michigan to parents Robert Magee and Mary Branstrom Magee and was Ivy League educated. As an attorney he worked with The Quakers and the United Nations on bills concerning the right to conscientiously object to military service. Later he continued to work with the United Nations on the “Law of the Sea.” Magee eventually settled in El Paso, Texas. There he adopted additional personas—Anabell Livermore and Horace Mayfield—under which he produced distinct bodies of work, particularly paintings. Magee’s metal collages and sculptures were often paired with poetic titles, and were exhibited across the US, Mexico, and Europe.

James Magee’s work, especially “the Hill”, eludes simple categorization, evoking a mix of awe, solemnity and even sacredness in those that experienced it. His artistic and literary legacy including his poems published in “Letters to Goya: Poems, Titles and Letters to the Dead”, remains an enduring influence on contemporary art and poetry.

He is survived by his partner Camilla Carr (partner), Barbara Kemble (sister), Susan Wente (sister) and Dale Wente (brother-in-law), as well as countless nieces and nephews.