July 20, 1987-July 19, 2022
PLSN has learned that Edward “James” Poole, 34, lighting designer/director, passed away July 19, 2022 —a day before his 35th birthday. Poole was most recently out on tour as lighting designer/director with The Pretty Reckless, and prior to that, he spent about five years on the road as Tracy Lawrence’s LD.
While growing up in Texas, it was Poole’s dream to tour with a band, so throughout high school he volunteered at his local church in Sugar Land to work in the lighting booth. After high school, Poole attended Full Sail University, graduating in 2012 with a degree in show production. This led him to work with various bands. He joined LD Systems in Houston, TX where he became an LD and technician, and later moved on to Nashville, where his touring career took off. He was living in the Nashville area for the past seven or eight years, according to friend Jeff Matthews of Borealis Lighting Design.
“James was an extremely kind person, super creative and had an endless drive,” Matthews says. “I’ve known James for around 12 years, he’s honestly the first person that convinced me to start diving into lighting.”
Matthews shares a link to the following, Remembering JP, which tells more about the life of James Poole and offers a platform to share stories and words of condolences for family and friends. A Celebration of Life memorial service was held on Saturday, July 30 in Sugar Land, TX.
PLSN sends its condolences to family and friends.