James J. Starbuck; Dancer, Choreographer

James J. Starbuck, 85, ballet dancer who became a renowned choreographer for television. After growing up in Oakland, Starbuck danced with the San Francisco Opera Ballet and then became the first American man to dance with the internationally famous Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Leaving classical ballet, Starbuck danced in Broadway shows including “Song of Norway” and “Sleepy Hollow.” He then began doing choreography for Broadway, including “Fanny,” and soon moved to the new medium of television, where he became known as “the dean of choreography.” His seminal programs included Sid Caesar’s “Show of Shows” and two classics that earned him Emmy awards, “Arthur Murray’s Dance Party” and “The Andy Williams Show.” His other work for the small screen encompassed “Sing Along With Mitch,” “Bell Telephone Hour” and Bob Hope specials. Starbuck designed the steps that introduced many stars to television, including Dinah Shore, Ethel Merman, Ginger Rogers and Maurice Chevalier. He also choreographed cabaret shows for Chevalier, Lena Horne and others, and a few motion pictures, including “The Court Jester” starring Danny Kaye. On Wednesday in Los Angeles of pancreatic cancer.