MANISTEE — The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts resonated with memories and heartfelt tributes Friday evening as Manistee residents gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of esteemed actor James Earl Jones on what would have been his 94th birthday.

Jones, who died in September 2024, had deep roots in Manistee County and a storied history with the Ramsdell Theatre

Born on Jan. 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, James Earl Jones moved to Michigan during his childhood. After a period in Jackson, he was raised by his maternal grandparents on their farm near Brethren, located in Manistee County.

After moving to Michigan and settling on his grandparents’ farm, Jones faced significant challenges, developing a severe stutter that left him nearly mute for several years.

Attending Brethren High School, Jones found solace and expression through poetry and writing. His life took a pivotal turn when his English teacher, Donald Crouch, recognized his literary talent and encouraged him to read his poetry aloud. With Crouch’s mentorship, Jones gradually overcame his stutter.

“Had he not made it in show business, he would have been a very good block layer,” said Terry Connolly, Jones’ cousin. “But Mr. Crouch saw something in him and helped him find his voice.”

Jones’s foray into acting began at the Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee. In the early 1950s, performing under the name “Todd Jones,” he immersed himself in various roles at the Ramsdell.

“To stand on a stage where greatness has been done—it’s a privilege,” said musician Kit Holmes during her performance.

Special guests at the celebration included members of Jones’ family, such as his son, Flynn Jones, as well as his cousin Terry Connolly, who lives locally.

“I was about four-years-old when he left,” Connolly said. “I dreamed that he would go out there and make it real big and famous. I told him, ‘I hope when you do, we will not only remain cousins but friends.’ Well, he made my dream come true, because that’s exactly what happened.”

Classmates from Jones’ high school days, Jerry Sleeman and Wilfred “Wink” Somsel, also shared personal anecdotes from their time together.

“We played basketball with James Earl Jones,” Sleeman recalled. “He was on the reserve team, just like I was. … James was pretty reserved but always a part of our team.”

The evening featured musical performances that paid homage to Jones’ illustrious career. Kit Holmes opened with “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King,” in which Jones famously voiced Mufasa.

She also performed the “Imperial March” from “Star Wars” on piano — a nod to Jones’ iconic role as the voice of Darth Vader. To close, she led the audience in a spirited rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” in honor of Jones’ role of Terence Mann in “Field of Dreams.”

Students from Kaleva Norman Dickson schools presented readings from “Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice,” recounting Jones’ early struggles and his transformation under the guidance of Donald Crouch.

“James stood up… all eyes waiting, watching,” the students recited. “He opened his mouth and began. His voice, deep and smooth, reciting from his heart.”

Cynthia Asiala, president of the Arts and Culture Alliance of Manistee County, discussed the organization’s project to erect sculptures of Jones and Crouch at Brethren High School.

“The theme of our project was ‘Mentorship can be life-changing,’” Asiala said. “If Donald Crouch had not encouraged him and believed in him and gave him the opportunity… think of how things would be different. We wouldn’t be here tonight.”

She shared photos of the sculpture unveiling and spoke about the alliance’s efforts to promote arts and culture in the county.

A video presentation included anecdotes from friends and colleagues, including John Brastrom, who shared his experience acting alongside Jones during summer productions at the Ramsdell.

“Todd seemed serious about his stage performance but delightfully friendly and funny when not performing,” Brastrom said. “I got to know him quite well in our six weeks together, painting sets, practicing lines or being in a group at the beach.”

Actress Toni Trucks, who grew up in Manistee and began her career at the Ramsdell Theatre, shared heartfelt stories of meeting Jones.

“As a 12-year-old, I was completely bursting at the seams because my friend Ann Wittig had arranged for James Earl Jones to return to Manistee for his book signing,” Trucks recalled. “He exuded warmth. I will never forget the beaming smile that he gave me as he looked down to sign my book.”

Trucks recounted a chance encounter years later in New York City, where she found herself sharing a brief moment with Jones after a Broadway performance.

“I blurted out, ‘I’m Toni Trucks. I’m from Manistee,’” she said. “He looked at me with that twinkle in his eye and said, ‘I’ll call you.’”

They later spoke on the phone, with Jones offering encouragement for her acting career.

“He wished me the best of luck in my career,” Trucks said. “He gave me his phone number, his address and told me to keep in touch.”

Musician Nick Veine concluded the performances with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and instrumental pieces from “Star Wars.”

“I grew up loving ‘Star Wars’ and everything related to it,” Veine shared. “The biggest impact that he’s had on me is the voice of Darth Vader, and how that contributed to the development of that character throughout the series.”

Ortiz-LaVelle closed the program by lighting a ghost light on the Ramsdell stage in Jones’ honor.

“As we light the lamp, we embrace both meanings,” she said. “His spirit now joins the great performers of the past… Thank you, Mr. Jones, thank you for remembering us, for holding tight to the essence of who you were and where you came from.”

She added, “May you always find a space to perform here, where the ghost light shines forever in your honor.”

Following the program, attendees gathered in Hardy Hall for a reception complete with birthday cake in honor of Jones’ birthday. Photos and memorabilia showcased his time in Manistee, allowing community members to reminisce and celebrate his lasting legacy.

“It’s just Manistee County’s way of saying thank you and showing respect for our native son,” Ortiz-LaVelle had said prior to the event. “He stood for excellence, for the pursuit of dreams, and for giving back to the places and people that nurtured him.”

Later that evening, the Vogue Theatre offered a free screening of “Field of Dreams,” featuring one of Jones’ memorable performances.

“Because of you, history was made here,” Ortiz-LaVelle said. “You will always be remembered.”