Why did James Casey die? James Casey obituary!
Famous saxophonist and keyboardist James Casey, known for playing with bands such as Trey Anastasio Band (TAB), Phish and Lettuce, has died at the age of 40. Casey passed away after battling colon cancer.
A representative of Casey’s family shared that the talented musician died peacefully next to his loved ones on August 28, 2023. At the end of his brave fight against cancer, his wife Ayla Cobb Casey and mother Gina René Miles Casey were with him.
Casey first announced her diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer in 2021 after undergoing emergency surgery to remove a tumor. Despite intensive chemotherapy treatment, the cancer died a year later.
The music community mourns the tremendous loss of Casey’s immense talent and spiritual presence. Other artists who have played with Casey over the years share their memories and offer their condolences.
Cancer Diagnosis in 2021 Takes a Surprise
James Casey’s colon cancer diagnosis came as a shock in 2021 when he was just 39 years old. She first noticed the symptoms after a performance with Bill Kreutzmann’s band Billy & The Kids in Colorado in July.
He underwent emergency surgery to remove the large tumor in the saxophonist’s colon. Doctors diagnosed stage 3 colorectal cancer; this meant that the disease had spread to nearby lymph nodes but had not yet spread to other organs.
Casey spent more than a week recuperating in the hospital before starting her chemotherapy treatment. He documented his battle with cancer in the short film “Music as Medicine”.
Intense chemotherapy sessions forced him to withdraw from tours with the Trey Anastasio Band and other bands in 2021 and early 2022. But Casey made inspiring returns to the scene when her health allowed.
Animated Performances in 2022 Determined His Courage
Casey’s bold performances with the Trey Anastasio Band in the summer of 2022 highlighted her incredible courage and passion.
He made a surprise appearance at TAB shows in Baltimore and Asbury Park in July. The crowd roared as Casey showed up to sing emotional covers of “Ooh Child” and “Over the Rainbow.”
His saxophone masterfully played on the Phish song “First Tube” brought fans to tears as they understood the importance of Casey’s return amid his health problems.
These two shows will be Casey’s last concert with the band TAB, led by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio. But the impressive performances showed his dedication to the craft and the joy of playing live even while battling cancer.
Uplifting Music Released Amid the Sickness
Casey continued to create and release music that embodied her spirit while undergoing treatment in 2022.
In December, she released a holiday-themed EP titled “A Little Thing for Everyone” featuring songs like “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Sales benefited colorectal cancer charities.
In early 2022, he also shared the singles “New Bloom”, “EJBM” and “Outside” from his solo album “The Kaua’i Project”, named after the island of Hawaii where he was inspired.
Casey had to delay the release of the entire album due to her battle with cancer. However, the songs she shared radiated positivity and light despite her health problems. Music served as both solace and medicine in dark times.