CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — James Casey, a celebrated saxophonist renowned for his contributions to the Trey Anastasio Band, has passed away at the age of 40 after a valiant two-year battle with colon cancer. The music world mourns the loss of this talented artist, whose commitment to his craft was matched only by his dedication to raising awareness about colon cancer screenings and prevention.
James Casey’s passing was announced through statements on his social media accounts, confirming that he peacefully departed on August 28, 2023, in the presence of his loving wife and family.
In March of this year, James Casey made a significant impact on the Lehigh Valley community when he visited the Olympus Corporation of the Americas in Center Valley. His visit coincided with colorectal cancer awareness month, and Casey, even in the midst of his own health struggles, fervently advocated for colon cancer screenings, particularly colonoscopies, as vital tools for early detection and prevention.
During the event, Casey passionately conveyed, “this particular type of cancer that I have is 100% treatable, and it’s 100% preventable if you get tested early enough. So I just want to make sure that nobody else has to go through this mess that I’m going through right now.”
Beyond his musical achievements, which notably included performances with The Roots, John Legend, Meghan Trainor, and other prominent artists, Casey’s legacy is magnified by his determined efforts to shed light on the significance of screenings and the importance of understanding one’s family medical history.
Notably, Casey’s advocacy also encompassed the recognition of the higher susceptibility of Black men to this form of cancer. Medical professionals have emphasized that early detection significantly improves outcomes. A colonoscopy, recommended every 10 years for individuals aged 45 and above, becomes even more urgent for those with a familial predisposition, warranting more frequent and earlier screenings.
As the music industry remembers James Casey’s musical brilliance and advocacy for a worthy cause, his legacy serves as a reminder of the profound impact that an artist can have both on and off the stage.
