James Billings, age 89 years, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2022, after suffering the debilitating effects of dementia. He was an operatic buffo-baritone, librettist and stage director.

Born in Springfield MO, Billings graduated from Springfield Senior High, receiving a BME from Wichita State University and MM from Boston University. He was one of the original members of the Opera Company of Boston; and in 1972 was engaged by the New York City Opera [NYCO] which remained his artistic home for the next twenty-six years. He performed throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, including the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy; the Caramoor Festival; as well as the opera companies of Chicago, Washington, Cincinnati, Houston, and Toronto, among many others. His guest artist appearances include the orchestras of Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, New York and Cleveland. During his legendary association with the NYCO, Billings performed over 150 roles, eight of which were PBS "Live from Lincoln Center" telecasts. He recorded for Angel, Vanguard, New World and in 1986 received a Grammy Award, for Leonard Bernstein's Candide with the NYCO.

Billings performed with many of the most renown singers, conductors and stage directors of his generation, including: Beverly Sills, Placido Domingo, Marilyn Horne; Erich Leinsdorf, Julius Rudel, Michael Tilson Thomas; Tito Capobianco, Peter Sellars and Harold Prince, respectively. He was so highly regarded for his interpretation of the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire, that a British tenor once inquired, "Why have I never done theatre with this gentleman in London?" He thought Billings was also a native.

As a lyricist/librettist, Billings won an ASCAP award for Children's Theater, what he affectionately christened his, "Baby-Grand Operas." His published works, with composer Dennis Arlan, include: The Ballad of the Bremen Band, Meanwhile, Back at Cinderella's and The Daughter of the Double-Duke of Dingle, which was later released as a children's book, with illustrations by Eugene Green. He also penned a book of musical humor, The Nutley Papers , which inspired Nutley Papers – The Musical , with score by Herbert Kaplan. The piece debuted and enjoyed an immensely successful run at the Vandivort Center Theatre (now Springfield Contemporary Theatre) Springfield, MO.

After retiring to his native MO, Billings was Managing Artistic Director of Springfield Regional Opera (1990-96) and later joined the music department of the University of Arkansas, at the invitation of legendary opera conductor, Sarah Caldwell. He continued in the dual capacity of singer/stage director for numerous opera companies throughout the country - most notably, Ft. Worth Opera's production of Tosca, on the inaugural season of the stunning Bass Hall; and his beloved HMS Pinafore for NYCO. Billings also continued to write, coach and teach private voice in his home st

Parents James & Mildred Billings, and a sister, Mary Agnes Henson, preceded him in death. He is survived by: his wife Judith Billings, sister Amy Montebello (Andy), sisters-in-law Jill H. Kendle (Greg) and Janice L. Hendrix, many loving nieces & nephews, and countless dear friends & colleagues who performed with him over his distinguished decades-long career.

As per request of the deceased, there will be no funeral service. A private family celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Donations may be made to the James Billings Memorial Fund through Springfield Contemporary Theatre at www.springfieldcontemporarytheatre.org or by mail to Springfield Contemporary Theatre, PO Box 6228, Springfield MO 65801.