Biography

James Jago (c.1852 – 1915)

[From the Personal Column, The Evening Star, 10 September 1915, page 5]
“Everybody in Dunedin knew Mr James Jago, personally or by name, and his ability as a singer was acknowledged not only throughout Otago but also in the north, he having on several occasions visited Christchurch, Wellington, Wanganui, and other places, to take leading work in oratorio, or opera; so it may be fairly assumed that his death will be regretted throughout the Dominion – sincerely regretted, for “Jim” (his surname was not necessary for distinctive purposes) was a good-natured and sociable man who thought no evil of anybody, and probably did more gratuitous singing for public charities than anyone else who could be mentioned. He was a good singer, gifted with a commanding first-bass voice that by constant use was always reliable, and although he never studied very assiduously, he possessed in no small degree the ability to interpret, in witness of which statement we put forward the fact that he was the best amateur Elijah ever heard in New Zealand.

“He served his apprenticeship in The Evening Star office as a compositor, became a linotype operator when the machines came here, and he held a “frame” in this office until the end of May last year (1914) when symptoms of ill-health manifested themselves, and he went up to Ekatahuna. Gradually he grew worse and pernicious anemia took hold of him and he died this afternoon [19 September 1915] in Dunedin. His fellow workmen are very sorry. His wife, who was Miss Elder, survives him. There are no children.”