You've seen him.

I know you've seen him.

He's the guy who is standing out on Main Street every morning. Just standing there....standing and staring at the sun.

He stares at the sun for a few minutes, then turns and walks a bit. Then he stops, turns toward the sun again. He stands and stares.

I'm a pretty curious person, so I started to wonder, "What the heck is that guy doing?"

After watching him go through his same routine year after year, I just couldn't stand it anymore. I had to know what was going on. So I decided to go talk to him and ask, "What the heck are you doing out here?"

This is where the interview took two unexpected turns. First, he was extremely friendly. Not chatty, but his answers were very quick, and obviously he didn't mind talking at all. Secondly, I was surprised that he had been doing this for 2,000 years. But I've only lived in Woodland for about 8 years, so I really don't know what was happening here before about 1998.

No.

I am a different type of being. The sun gives me power. It gives power to everything. The sun recreates power. It is the creation and the re-creation of life in everyone.

Because I am a different type of being I can stare into the sun and not hurt my eyes. You couldn't do that.

The language is Aramaic.

He proceeded to speak in a language that I did not understand. He spoke for about 15 seconds.

No, I don't think you're crazy. Throughout history people have come to believe in many things- including science. Think of this, over 99% of all scientific 'facts' have been proven to be false. In fact, everything we believe to know today may be disproven in 100 years.

Brilliant. Thanks so much for letting us share your time with JC. Maybe those of us who have thought he was "crazy" will think twice now. Keep up the great work.

woah this is a cool site. your stories are always interesting to read about.

Thank you so much for this. My mom and I have been so curious about him for as long as we've lived here.

I, too, have seen JC around. And, I was curious. Thanks for the informatiion. Love your site.

Who are you ?

Dude, once again, I must proclaim my deepest respect and admiration for introducing us to JC, who I always thought of as Walking Man. But now that you have established his identity, YET ANOTHER INSIDE WOODLAND question has been answered. You officially rock.

Thank you - I've often wondered but been too "busy" to do more than wonder. People are so much more complex than we first assume, aren't they?!

While your pseudo-journalism fascinates me like a rubbernecker at an accident, I have a hard time giving full respect to you and your "blog". While you come off as a legitimate source of journalism, let's face it -- You publish a 'blog. A web-log. A diary of your opinions and a flush mechanism for your daily thought-crap; Factual, fictional, or fun -- the integrity of the forum is irrelevant. Unfortunately, from the posts on your site I don't think the bulk of your audience bothers to make the distinction. You present ideas in a manner that influences those who are inclined to "think" like you (someone referred to you as Woodland's Michael Moore, as if that were a compliment...) I can't understand why anyone would slap you on the back for exploiting 'JC' as you have. I'm not impartial or 'politically correct' by any stretch but still try to be as open-minded as possible. Still, isn't it beneath you to exploit 'JC'?

I tried to be open to your master plan (where have I heard that before?) for downtown but finally gagged after this "JC" 'expose'.

Are you aware of the decades of work that have been invested in revitalizing downtown? Have you ever put forth an ounce of effort to work with the people who have actually put the gloves on and done the work to improve downtown? (Admittedly for their own benefit). Have you ever gone toe-to-toe with a real nut-job at a meeting who has no clue about the practical requirements when trying to effect change on this level? Have you ever ridden down Main Street as a child and marveled at the fact that you COULD ride down a REAL Main Street? YOUR Main Street? Welcome to a living, breathing small town. Your ideas are grand, but impractical.

Who are you to judge JC or "fix" downtown? You can say you didn't judge JC, but let's be honest -- IF you and the rest of us didn't see him as different and potentially insane would you have bothered? What would it have mattered to you? In fairness to you, I read it. I don't want to start a "flame" war. If you and your readers are honestly open, please direct more thought to the gravity and impacts your publication will have on the individuals it affects. Funny thing is -- In a small town: You know them, they know you and somewhere down the road it will come back to bite you in the ass even if you think you're somehow removed from it all because you publish an 'anonymous' web-log.

Thank you.

Please, have some respect for your fellow human and the human condition.

Mr. IW responds: I try to give people in Woodland an alternative opinion on things- one not seen in the 'real media' and not shared by any official agency. I do not expect everyone to agree with it, or even be entertained.

Everyone wonders the how and why of citizensthat stand out in the community for various reasons and I think you handle them with diginity. "The Observer" above sound pompus and full of him or herself.

I used to work nights in Sacramento for 4 years and on my drive home to Woodland at 7:30 in the morning, I used to see him walking in the same spot everyday. I used to wait and see him on my way home. I ALWAYS wondered about him. Thanks for introducing me to him.

To the Observer: I have lived in (apparently "your") town for 7 years. Along comes this dynamic, unusual journalist who yes...publishes a blog. This is Mr. Inside Woodland's blog. He's a nice guy. He cares about our town and makes some interesting observations. He ACTUALLY POINTS OUT THE THINGS THAT MAKE WOODLAND WORTH LIVING IN...like yard sales, like JC, like Al's Drive In when it was still pretty good. Let go of the past and your kvetching about what everyone HASN'T DONE. Anyone as sanctimonious as you should at least be less of a coward and publish his/her real name if you are so loathing of this site. Remember that old adage, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all". tuffy.

Dear Observer: As a supporter of the local downtown scene, I pledge to pay for A TWO YEAR SUBSCRIPTION to the Daily Democrat for you so that you may receive the daily dose of vitrolic type of journalism which you seem to crave. Bring it on! Need a real name and address from you though...LOL. (That's a blog thing. It means "Laugh Out Loud". )

We always see JC about town and say to ourselves, "There's the 'Sun Worshipper'"...I guess that's partly true. After all these years, it's good to know that he has his basic needs met...food, shelter, some income.

I agree with Leslie. I was glad to read about JC and enjoy your different pieces as entertainment. Observer must believe everything he/she reads in the "real" papers. Keep it up. I enjoy them.

To the Observer: Have you ever tried to talk to Inside Woodland prior to ripping him apart in this comments section? Instead of doing what you did here, and I'm sure this isn't the first time, try being an upfront person - contact him directly so you can have an actual conversation. Enlighten yourself next time and spare us from the rant.

I agree with tufluv and Leslie, YOU are the one who comes off as a jackass. You said it yourself, this is a BLOG and Mr. IW can say whatever he wants on it. I don't see anything in this article where he "exploits" JC. He's asking him interesting questions, that apparently, many of his readers have wanted to ask JC themselves.

You ask, "Who are you to judge JC or "fix" downtown?" He's an American who has the right to express his own opinion based on his own judgement, thank god. If you don't think we should have that right, then move to the Middle East or North Korea.

Did you ever think maybe JC wanted attention? If he wanted to just sun worship, why didn't he do it in his own yard?

Observer, if you want to get on your soapbox and pass your judgements, start your own BLOG...LMFAO. (That's a blog thing. It means "Laugh My F**king As* Off". )

-Teresa

I have always referred to JC as Ghandi, (goodness, I hope that doesn't offend anyone - but I have heard more than one person refer to him by that name!). I, too have wondered about him but unfortunately, my experience was much less friendly. He was crossing Third street at Pendegast & I was driving south on Third. I slowed to let him cross & he stood in the middle of the street glaring at me! I was at least 20 feet away waiting for him to continue but he didn't. He stood in the middle of Third street for several minutes until finally I softly honked my horn, (honestly, I did only softly honk!) then he made a gesture & walked on. Ghandi, he is not.

I was born in Woodland, but lived in San Francisco and San Jose for 15 years and where there are many individuals like JC that the State and Government do not do enough to help. Some are dangerous and some are not. It would be wise of you to not interview or write about these individuals. Interview people that have interesting stories about Woodland not people that will cause controversy for you.

Also, since you are not a Woodland native you should do your research. There have been so many wonderful people and plans to restore Main Street over the years. Many road blocks have been hit. But, it has improved greatly over the past 20 years and, hopefully, it will keep improving. You have not been here to see this improvement. I could point out many things to you, such as your "put down" of our small taquerias. Most of these are wonderful. Mexicans are a huge part of our culture! Stick to what you know and you will be fine. Another is Al's Drive In. In high school we ate at Al's almost every day. It is very different now (kind of sad for a lot of us). It was an Institution! That's the story.

From Mr. IW: Patricia, you hit the nail on the head with this one. You described the exact reason I though it would be a good idea to interview JC. You mention how he might be 'dangerous'. That is EXACTLY what I am trying to combat. I am trying to humanize JC. I want people to know about him- know that he pays bills and watches Oprah. So instead of people avoiding him, maybe they can walk by and say, "Hi JC, how are you?"

In regards to your comments about Als and the taquerias- have you seen this story, or possibly this one?

Lastly, your advice of "stick to what you know and you'll be fine" is once again EXACTLY what I am trying to combat with this website. I am trying to show people all aspects of Woodland. All types of people- not just the ones you read about in the paper. Go here to read more stories to find out about more of your neighbors.

I've worked with Mr. Inside Woodland before on a story, and we ran into a Daily Democrat reporter on the scene. We were there twice as long and talked to three times as many people before posting the story. The next day, this site had a 1000 word in-depth story and the Democrat had a single picture and caption.

AND WE DIDN'T GET PAID. Or at least I didn't...

Of course, the Daily Democrat reporter was probably paid in peanuts and then immediately flogged by the public for not having a Pulitzer.

My point is just that what makes this site special is that no one's being paid a cent. If anything, Mr. Inside Woodland eats the cost month after month to provide this site for us.

Taken in this light, anyone attempting to derail his efforts is an asshole.

Great article! I have always wondered about the sun worshipper (and I also almost ran him over near Third St.) Good for Mr. Inside Woodland for continuing to post interesting, insightful and respectful articles despite all the people jumping down his throat. Perhaps he hasn't been around long enough to know everything about the town or the Main Street project, but new blood and new ideas sure seem like a better alternative than pretending that Woodland can't or shouldn't change for the better.

Again, as always, you've brought to light a very interesting subject. JC undoubtedly fascinated you and anyone else who bothered to notice another human being doing something out of the ordinary. I really liked this story. I really like JC.

The only problem with it is this self-centered nutcase that commented here and calls himself the 'Observer'. Is he for real? Geez, if he suggests that he observant, he might want to go back and reread his initial comment. The Observer is quite opinionated but his opinions are only found interesting by his own self. He bores me. I can smell his arrogance from here.

Mr. Woodland, thanks for your creativity, your interesting way of writing, your story appeal, your wit, your intellect, and your open-minded approach to the real world. It's refreshing, entertaining, educational, and most of all, appreciated.

Sincerely, Marsha

I knew him as 'Sun God.' I am pretty sure that I used to see him in Vallejo. I am glad that you posted this story - I now see him in a completely different light. Keep up the good work on this site. It has opened me up to many new places and experiences that Woodland has to offer. As a new Woodland resident, it has been very helpful to me. It has also encouraged me to support our local businesses. Ignore the nay-sayers!

The wonderful thing about Yolo County is that you have Davis at one end and the rest of the world at the other end. Perhaps the Observer would happier at the south end of the County where they debate the benefits of not spraying for West Nile Disease. I find the InsideWoodland a great source of community information and send it to my friends all over the state, who often comments that they wished they had someone doing the same thing where they live. Thank you InsideWoodlander.

I ride my bike to work some mornings for extra exercise and I like to ride down Main Street and usually ride past JC. I was just telling my co workers that I've been wanting to stop and talk to him and ask him why he stands there day after day but since I'm a chick I was hesitant cause I didn't know if he was dangerous or not. Thanks for talking to him and sharing with us what you found out. Now I know a little more about him and look forward to saying hi to him.

Thanks for all the useful and entertaining information you give about Woodland and the people who live here. I was born here and I love my little town of Woodland. I sing in the rock band Four Barrel and our favorite gig of the year -even though it's a free gig - is the Woodland Summer Concert Series in Freeman Park. It's a wonderful way to enjoy our town and the great people who live here and I feel privileged to be able to play to the families who love music and love be go out and enjoy Woodland. What a great place to live.

Very interesting article Carl!

I have a new challenge for you. So far you've interviewed at least two of the "characters" we see all the time in Woodland. I believe your last "similar" interview was with the bicycle lady that wears too much make-up.

There is another fellow around town that alot of us see almost daily. He has long blond hair, always wears jeans and usually a light sweat-jacket(even on very warm days). He is a guy in his late 30's or early 40's and he is constantly walking or jogging around town. He listens to headphones and randomly talks to himself or curses at trees or bushes etc... I work downtown and in driving around, I must see him on Main street or on the side streets around town at least once a week. I'm sure others have noticed him.

An interview about that person would be fascinating, and would add to the list of Woodland characters yuo have already interviewed.

Cheers!

Cal

For us Woodland 'Natives' there have been many unique residents over the years. Can you interview Delta Dawn next? I'm sure there are many people that would like to know her story as well. She is the older woman with the wig & red lipstick. I had lunch with her once when she wondered in during a business luncheon. She was very nice.

oops...just noticed (and read) the most famous woman in woodland article. I know the correct history on 'Beverly', it is a sad one and she has come through with grace.

IW, sorry. Possiby, I didn't explain myself well enough, which is horrible since I'm a psychologist. You have raised a very controversial issue. If you are going to interview individuals like JC and want to humanize them and have people speak to them, you had better make sure you know these individual's backgrounds and just how safe they are. You say you want people to be friendly with this person. I just don't think it is something you should suggest. I'm just saying, be careful.

I read all your stories and find them all interesting. I love your photos. My comment about the taquerias comes from your article on "Broken Main St." "We have a Fifty dollar downtown -- two tacos for $3" I also read your article about Al's Drive In. I had just hoped you would research more clearly. In this case, Al's "essence" and what it used to mean to people in Woodland. It is completely different now! Not the same at all.

I think its really Shel Silverstein.

"Downtown Cal" and I are not the same. Interesting article about JC. Just like Paul Harvey, "Now you know the rst of the story....good day!

I'm hooked on your site, I was raised in Woodland and have heard that J.C. was a Marine, did you get that in the conversation? Just wondering, Love the story, the pictures are great.

Often In the early AM he is in Rafael's for breakfast.

Thanks sooo much! I really wanted know what he stared at.

My husband and three children watched Star Wars at the theatre with this man and ate red vine licorice. He was pleasant and kind to our family.

JC or as I used to call him (sun god) rocks. Thanks inside woodland for NOT EXPLOITING JC but informing the people of Woodland about him. Keep up the good work!

Hi: My comments are about JC. Being a retired psychologist, I do qwuestion whether JC is seriously delusional or not. Seeing that he has not been taken into custody (as far as the public knows), he very well be functional. At the same time, he may be putting you on or be smoking "something." I do agree with you that letting people know a little about someone who apparently makes himself a street-fixture is not bad. I have concern for JC, but My concern may be unwarranted. Thanks.

I hope no one picks on him, or takes advantage of him - they'll have the upper hand since they know a bit more about him. I recently heard through the grapevine that someone twisted their ankle in front of his home last year and were suing for damages.

I KNEW THIS GUY YOU CALL JC HIS NAME IS JIM. I FIRST MET HIM IN THE TOWN OF CAPAY. HE WOULD COME INTO THE LOCALL BAR HAVE A PEPSI AND A BAG OF PEANUT'S. THE STORY I WAS TOLD HE GOT SPUN OUT IN VIETNOM. THIS WAS 20-YEARS AGO.

I've lived in woodland all of my life-20 years now--I used to see the "Sun God" as most of us called him almost on a daily basis--rain or shine even in his yellow parka jacket when it was flooding--and my friends and i never knew what to think of him. We knew where he lived and his house seemed pretty normal, and he wouldnt hurt anything of course, but he was always in his own world so to speakalways looking up at the sky...I think its pretty cool that someone like yourself talked to him and asked him questions i know i always wanted to know the answers to but never had enough guts to ask. And maybe it was his crazy dimeanor that attracted to you to him and maybe some people are mad because this isnt"the issue" you should be worrying about...but i know for atleast the ones in my age group, now we have some idea about what this guys about..though i dont like what i hear about your comments on the mexican population in Woodtown for they do provide alot about what our towns about-especially the "roach coaches"(taquerias)-and the fact that the "sun god" sort of preaches unity in all cultures makes me think you could learn a little from him, because we all our chilren under the sun and its refreshing to know that at least he has love for all people even if they dont respecthim.And all this talk about mainstreet and what needs to be done has nothing to do with him and what you were trying to find out about him...bu its cool that now he has a name rather than be called numerous names over the years--and maybe now ill be able to say hi to him rather than be scared or weirded out...yes hes still a little "crazy"---but harmless...

thank you soooo much for this insight on his life--it brings a sort of closure to years of guessing

wow his name could be jesus christ

In response to those who wonder about the blonde haired dude that walks and walks around with headphones and talks to bushes... his name is Gavin. He used to come into The Stag (by himself) in the afternoons and order two waters. One for him and one for his "friend." And he was real good friends with the golf arcade game in the back of the bar. They have had many a long conversations together. However, he eventually got kicked out for stealing tips off the bar. And for the walking that he does.. I have often seen him in Davis as well, or even on Road 98 en route. GOOD TIMES!

As for JC, I myself always called him Gandhi too, but also know him as James. I have seen him in The Stag as well (drinking water or soda, no liquor). Sadly, though, one late night, some drunk a-hole sucka punched the poor fella, and he fell off his barstool and was bleeding. We helped him get cleaned up... He was crying... it was so sad. He was just sitting there minding his own business, but because he is of a different sort, he got smacked around. Not cool. NOT cool at all....

So, a story on Gavin would be totally awesome!!! You may have to camouflage yourself as a bush. He talks to plants more than people.... I would like the answer to the question I think many have asked about him: was it too many drugs in his younger days??? Enquiring minds want to know...

This truley is an amazing story. I find it refreshing that such a person as J.C. is so passionate and positive to the world......hhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! makes me believe........oh ya, dear observer, maybe you should go have lunch with J.C. since your so full of hate. You just might learn a thing or 2......

You tell them Karen S.

I think this story is pretty cool and I think that J.C could stand for Jesus Christ?

Cool Interview! I thought you asked the right questions without getting too personal with JC. We don't need to know more about him, but I think it's great that JC has an opinion about the town he lives in. TO OBSERVER: Shame on you, you are embarrassing to us native Woodlanders-myself over 40 years. Mr. Inside Woodland had the opportunity to speak publicly at an event in Woodland filled with professional men and women of this community, we found him to be charming, funny, insightful, informing us of people and things that we forget about in our small town, and hopefully by now you have noticed Woodland has grown. We are not the Woodland of old, and some of us enjoy the changes, and welcome those who are not natives. Mr. Inside Woodland did grow up in a smaller community where his parents instilled in him the value of community and community service. OBSERVER, you should start your own website so you don't have to be bothered by this one, unless it is so interesting that you cannot stay away. MR/MRS OBSERVER, YOU NEED A HUG.

I think that "Observer" needs to Appreciate the fact that many of us longtime Woodlanders are very curious about people and things like JC. I'm sure that IW asked his permission before puttuing this whole thin together, so the only person that has the right to have their boobies in a vice should be JC himself. He didn't seem the least bit concerned with the whole interview process. As for IW, I applaud this persons efforts for giving Woodland it's own blog. Lord knows that The Daily Dissapointment has been trying to do what IW has been doing for years. IW just made it more fun, and less politically restrained. We should be happy that someone cared enough to creat a place where REAL Woodlanders can go and exchange ideas, stories, and event about WOddland for Woodlanders. I'm sure that was IW's main goal, and it's working. As for re-shaping downtown, I'm for it. I know it will take more than just ideas, but it has to start somewhere. Why can't we close Main once a week during the summer and move the Farmer's Market in. I personally go to Davis because it's so much more together. It woulf help the vendors, downtown, and give a harmless little glimpse at what we could do if Main street was actually closed permanently. Keep it up IW!!!! This blog KICKS ASS!!!! Observer, maybe you can start your own blog and call it "I CAN'T STAND CHANGE, IT SCARES ME."

hey thanks for interviewing this guy. I see him a lot on my way to work in the morning going down Main Street and always wonder what the heck he is doing staring at the sun all the time. Thanks!

Cudo's to James Mello who got it right!!! I Also receieved the same info from Continental Barbers 15-20 years ago!!! JC served our Country in Viet Nam-THANK YOU!!! Let us appreciate his service!!! Unfortunately, he brought home a lot of "baggage", which he is now dealing with!!! If you have a chance to stop, and hear JC sing, his voice is incredible and would do any choir JUSTICE-His recital, and memory of opera aria's is amazing!!! And yes, he does live around 3rd street below Bartlet.

I know I'm late in joining this discussion, but I read it a few days ago and am still impressed, not to mention amused by some of the negative remarks people have felt the necessity to write. How dare you interview anyone, Mr. IW, what are you? Some kind of sicko? Interviewing innocent people like that, just to satisfy your insatiable need for money and power - wait, you do this for free and you're not even running for any kind of office?

Just kidding, oh gosh, I love your site and I hope you never retire from it.

I was wondering, could you interview the woman I've always refered to as The Wig Lady? You know, the one who rides her bike all over town with the make-up that makes her look like that one puppet from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. I always thought she was crazy, mostly for wearing six sweaters in the middle of summer, but I've heared rumors that she's really nice. Of course, you need to be careful not to "exploit" her, so get a psychological evaluation on her first, and perhaps have her attorney sign a release. And, even though I've lived in Woodland since I was three years old I've never known her to be violent, perhaps you should bring police officers with you, but not Officer Harriman, just to keep yourself safe. Better yet, you probably shouldn't interview anyone at all, because it might be, as one commenter said, "controversial". Heaven for bid you allow for any controversy, Mr. IW. That would be, horrifying.

Like, I'm sure that the Hot Dog Sargeant on Main Street might be interesting to get to know, he serves hot dogs all day, every day, which are unhealthy to eat, and you really should consider all the folks in this town who have high cholesterol and how they might be affected by your publications if you were to write about him.

There are many fascinating people in this little town and I'm glad to get the chance to know a little about them.

I think that this is a great interview. Keep it up! JC seems like a wonderful sweet person.

the "OBSERVER" is a crackhead

I lived across the street from JC aka James for 2 years back in 1997 and 1998 on fifth street. When you get the time to actually talk to him you'd come to the conclusion that he is a really nice guy. There are many secrets about him that he use to share with only few selected people such as myself. Me and my mom would bring him dinner a couple of times a week and i'd sit with him for maybe an hour or so. The things he would tell me now amazes me. At the time I didn't understand... but now it all makes sense. I promised I'd never tell so I'll stay true to my promises.

I know this guy, he's not crazy at all. He is a really nice guy and would give you the sandals off his feet. Just like Jesse, i know stuff about this guy that i promised i wouldn't tell. but think about it...not just anyone can stare at the sun everyday for atleast the last 20 years that i've known about and not be blind by now.

My cobbler came home last night and sadly informed me that JC passed away earlier this week. William (orange vest,Main St icon) is the know-all of the goings-on in Woodland and relayed the information. I can only assume this is true. When my kids were young and we all drove to school together we passed him every morning. My kids always called him the Sun Worshiper; I would have never learned his name and his story without your profile. Thank you!

Yes it is true. JC has passed. Details are unknown, but i heard he was found inside his home by a neighbor or friend. Very sad.

is he really dead??? And Can we hear more about the bag lady and pictures?? I want to fine her somehow

Life of Woodand's 'Sun God' has finally set

JIM SMITH/Editor This is a story about a man most of you have seen but few people have really known. I don't know if I can tell this story very well - there are many gaps which need filling - but I'll try for his sake. James Clifford Smith died of a heart attack in his home on Third Street last week. Smith was 58 years old and he died alone with no reported living relatives.

You probably don't know Smith by that name. You probably know him as the "Sun God," the bald-headed man sporting a goatee, who would walk around the community wearing sandals and shorts during all types of weather. Sometimes he would stop on the sidewalk, turn his head skyward and stand still for minutes at a time as though drinking up the rays.

An official from the Yolo County Coroner's Office say they are trying to find out of there are any relatives. They know a lot of people know of Smith but few people actually knew him.

Coroner's say those who did know him have spoken of Smith with a smile on their faces reflecting pleasant memories.

And everyone agrees he had the best tan ever seen.

For myself, I've seen Smith around - as have we all - and I had often wanted to do a story about him. I'd pitched it many times to reporters but never got a nibble of interest. I had it on my special projects list, but never found the time. I now count it among a select group of stories which will never be written because I waited too long.

One of the only stories I've been able to find on Smith was published by "insidewoodland.com." The piece basically had the writer hanging out with Smith for what seems like a good portion of the day. Based on the writing, I'm not able to tell how much of Smith or the writer came through. Regardless, the story is still interesting.

Doug Scougale of Yolo Gold and Silver said he's known Smith for about 20 years and that he moved to town about 10 years ago after living in the Capay Valley with his mother and father.

Woodland Mayor Dave Flory confirms part of that story, recalling that Smith's mother died sometime in the 1980s which led to the move. Scougale thinks Smith's dad was in poor health and passed away soon after they relocated to Woodland, leaving Smith with the home and inheritance.

Both Scougale and Flory agree that while Smith wasn't well educated he was smart. Flory said he could quote Zen verses from ancient Chinese texts.

And both agree Smith was savvy when it came to buying valuable "junk."

He wasn't a loony as some might think based on sight alone. He was odd, but not dangerously so.

"He could smell a deal a mile away," Flory said with a mixture of awe and respect.

Flory said Smith was forever buying trinkets at a Salvation Army or Goodwill store for a couple of bucks and then selling it for several hundred dollars. He could spot precious gems and metals and apparently knew antiques.

"Sometimes he'd come in and buy an estate piece" at his old jewelry store, Flory recalled, "and then he'd quibble about the price. Flory said he visited Smith's home several times and was impressed by his collection of jade and Asian artifacts.

Scougale agreed with Flory, recounting that Smith would come by from time to time with an object to sell would be worth hundreds of dollars, that he bought for pennies.

Flory said Smith didn't trust outsiders much. When some pieces needed to be appraised by an unknown person, Smith asked Flory to come along.

But Flory also believes Smith fell on hard times recently and didn't have much money left.

They also say that despite his eccentric nature, Smith was a very nice man. Once in a while, Flory said, he would get angry - particularly after he was attacked several years ago by some youths - but that he was always nice to his kids. "He was always polite to them and always had something nice to say," Flory recalled.

Flory said he thought Smith might have some other brothers or sisters, but wasn't sure. He put a call to friends in the Capay Valley in hopes that someone might know a little more of his history, or any relatives..

In any respect, Smith is now gone and he died alone. Maybe that's the way he wanted it. But it's too bad no one really knew him well.

- Jim Smith is editor of The Daily Democrat. Write to him at The Daily Democrat, 711 Main St., Woodland, Calif., 95695; or e-mail him at news@dailydemocrat.com.

(c) 2007 The Daily Democrat. All rights reserved.

I knew him as "Mr. Smith". My grandmother knew his parents a lot of years ago and said that they were incredibly nice people. I was surprised to hear that he passed, he seemed to be in good physical health.

Also, Sarge's Dog's isn't anywhere close to the same kind of person or story as these. He is a retired Sgt. from Woodland PD who has many, many friends in Woodland. I hope that wasn't a serious comment.

it's sad to hear J.C. has passed away, everyone in Woodland will remember him.

That is vary sad. :(

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