Veteran character actor James Rebhorn died on Friday from skin cancer at the age of 65, but not before a final curtain call of sorts: his own obituary. James Rebhorn’s career is familiar to many fans of film and television, spanning decades and comprised of quality roles too numerous to list here. But with his obituary, we have been given a rare glimpse into his life, as written by Rebhorn himself. While tragic, it is also quite wonderful in a sense. Read the actor’s farewell in his own words below … James Robert Rebhorn was born on Sept. 1, 1948, in Philadelphia, PA. His mother, Ardell Frances Rebhorn, nee Hoch, loved him very much and supported all his dreams. She taught him the value of good manners and courtesy, and that hospitality is no small thing. His father, James Harry Rebhorn, was no less devoted to him. From him, Jim learned that there is no excuse for poor craftsmanship. A job well done rarely takes more or less time than a job poorly done. They gave him his faith and wisely encouraged him to stay in touch with God . He is survived by his sister, Janice Barbara Galbraith, of Myrtle Beach, SC. She was his friend, his confidant, and, more often than either of them would like to admit, his bridge over troubled waters. He is also survived by his wife, Rebecca Fulton Linn, and his two daughters, Emma Rebecca Rebhorn and Hannah Linn Rebhorn. They anchored his life and gave him the freedom to live it. Without them, always at the center of his being, his life would have been little more than a vapor. Rebecca loved him with all his flaws, and in her the concept of ceaseless love could find no better example. His children made him immensely proud. Their dedication to improving our species and making the world a better place gave him hope for the future. They deal with grief differently, and they should each manage it as they see fit. He hopes, however, that they will grieve his passing only as long as necessary. They have much good work to do, and they should get busy doing it. Time is flying by. His son-in-law, Ben, also survives him. Jim loved Ben, who was as a son to Jim, especially through these last months. His aunts Jean, Dorothy and Florence, numerous cousins and their families, and many devoted friends also survive Jim. He loved them all, and he knows they loved him. Jim received his BA at Wittenberg University and his MFA at Columbia. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Nu Zeta 624, a life-long Lutheran, and a longtime member of both the AMC and ACLU. Jim was fortunate enough to earn his living doing what he loved. He was a professional actor. His unions were always there for him, and he will remain forever grateful for the benefits he gained as a result of the union struggle. Without his exceptional teachers and the representation of the best agents in the business, he wouldn’t have had much of a career. He was a lucky man in every way. – Jim Rebhorn, March 2014 Celebrities We Lost in 2014 Open Slideshow 1. Philip Seymour Hoffman R.I.P. Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014). He will forever be missed! View As List 1. Philip Seymour Hoffman R.I.P. Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014). He will forever be missed! 2. James Avery James Avery has passed away. The beloved star of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was 65. 3. Pete Seeger Pete Seeger has passed away. The late singer and activist was 94. 4. Shirley Temple Shirley Temple was a childhood star in the 1930s. She passed away at the age of 85. 5. Phil Everly A photo of the late Phil Everly. He passed away in early 2014. 6. Anna Gordy Gaye Anna Gordy Gaye passed away in early 2014. She was the sister of Berry Gordy and the wife of Marvin Gaye. 7. Eric Lawson Eric Lawson stars here as The Marloboro Man. He died from lung cancer at the age of 72. 8. Roy Garber Roy Garber passed away in January 2014. He was a star on Shipping Wars. 9. Cassandra Lynn Hensley Rest in peace, Cassandra Lynn Hensley. The Playboy Playmate was found dead in January 2014. 10. Darryl Robinson Darryl Robinson of Cooking Channel fame has died. He was just 50. 11. Sid Caesar Sid Caesar has died. He was 91 years old and will be missed. 12. Ralph Waite Ralph Waite is seen here on NCIS. The actor died at the age of 86. 13. John Henson Picture Rest in peace, John Henson. This member of The Muppets family died in early 2014. 14. Jamie Coots Jamie Coots has died from a snake bite. The reality star appeared on the series Snake Salvation. 15. Michele Savoia Michele Savoia, a famed Broadway costume designer, has passed away at the age of 55. 16. Bob Casale Bob Casale, second from right, was the guitarist for the ’80s band Devo, best known for the hit song “Whip It.” R.I.P. 17. Harold Ramis Harold Ramis passed away at the age of 69. We’ll always adore the actor for his role in Ghostbusters. 18. Jim Lange Jim Lange has passed away. The Dating Game host was 81. 19. Tim Wilson Comedian Tim Wilson, who incorporated NASCAR into his routines, has died. R.I.P. 20. Speaker Knockerz Speaker Knockerz has passed away. The young emerging rapper was only 19. 21. Sheila MacRae Sheila MacRae, best known as Alice from The Honeymooners, died in March 2014 at the age of 92. 22. Cynthia Lynn Cynthia Lynn has died. The Hogan’s Heroes star was 76. 23. Bob Thomas Veteran journalist Bob Thomas has passed away at the age of 92. R.I.P. 24. Wesley Warren Wesley Warren, The Man with the 132-Pound Scrotum, died in March 2014 of a non-scrotum related injury. 25. David Brenner David Brenner has died. The fixture on The Tonight Show was 78. 26. L’Wren Scott L’Wren Scott, a fashion designer and the girlfriend of Mick Jagger, is dead. She was 49. 27. Scott Asheton Scott Asheton of The Stooges has died. The drummer was 64. 28. James Rebhorn James Rebhorn enjoyed a long, impressive acting career. He died at the age of 65.
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James Rebhorn Obituary Written By Actor Himself: Read His Moving, Heartfelt Goodbye
