Just got a phone call from Kenny Dodd, who on behalf of Jimmy''s only known relative, a 97 year old lady in Ohio, is attempting to make the funeral arrangements. Had a nice visit with Kenny who informed me that Jimmy had died Monday August 31st at the South Bay Hospital in Sun City, Florida from cardiac arrest. He will have a private funeral in Columbus, Georgia and a Memorial Service in the fall. |
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Jimmy James
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I've posted some photos of Jimmy on clownalley.net. It would be great if folks would take a moment to leave some memories in the "comments".
~Pat Cashin
I was on the 1980 and '81 tours with Beatty-Cole with Jimmy. I was glad to see him favorably compared over the years with Harold Ronk, whom Jimmy considered the greatest Ringmaster/Announcer of the 20th century circus. Jimmy indeed was a most authoritative figure out there blowing the whistle and thrilling his audiences with a booming baritone that brought acts into the ring with pride. This is a sad loss for everyone who loves what the circus was in his era.
good guy--we go back to his days as a clown on Beatty along with Kenny, Bernie, Lou Nagy, Dennis and Mike; an old school clown alley--always good company...someone I'm glad i knew. as i recall, he used to drive Edna Antes and her trailer over the road every nite and would announce when the regular guy years ago roger (?), who had the side show, was out. I can' remember him ever being on another show except early on i think he worked wardrobe on Ringling before hooking up with Beatty and Frank McClosky.
That was Roger Boyd Jerry and he
had great presence as a ringmaster
with a voice to match from Georgia
He had a way of emphasizing just
the right phrases to advantage
even if he mangled some family
names from time to time
He was also an accomplished
show painter and had a sign shop
in Valdosta for the off season
My favorite line in his sideshow
pitch was "George Dickel The
Wonder Worker" which was his
favorite Tennessee whiskey
(He did not have the sideshow)
Kenny Dodd & Billy McCabe were
responsible for bringing Jimmy
to the Beatty alley from RBBB
wardrobe
If Kenny D needs any help..have him contact me at 407-625-2954..Jimmy was the definition of ringmaster..back in 1983 when I told him I wanted his job someday..he got very serious and said "please don't ever choose this, it is too rough and you are too young..you can do so much more.." Mr. James, as I always called him, will be in my thoughts and prayers...
Chic,
I think that Roger's son had the side show at one time. Or at least did the opening.
Bob Kitto
I kinda remember him doing the
bally spiel but I don't think
he "had" the show
Ask Ward Hall any & everything
about side shows
Jimmy was a classy, funny man and a good friend. I worked with him on Beatty-Cole in the 80's, and once had the daunting task of subbing for him when he had oral surgery. Buckles, I would like to hear what the arrangements are for the funeral in Columbus; I am in a show that opens this week in Atlanta, and would love to honor Jimmy in some way. Clarke (email: clarke [at] shakespearetavern.com)
Kenny Dodd stopped by our place on his way home from the funeral parlor and everything is pretty vague.
He was still in a state of shock after being told that it would cost $900 to ship Jimmy's ashes to Columbus.
I think he plans on taking them himself on the drive up there.
He is also saddled by the indecision of Jimmy's two elderly relatives who have the final word.
Do let Kenny know I will help however I can, esp. as I am situated in Georgia. Clarke (a.k.a. Egg)
Took a video of the Clyde Beatty - Cole Bros Circus in 1991 while it played at the Shea Stadium parking lot.
Here's a segment of Jimmy James I put up as a tribute. You might like to see.. and hear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzvfJzDln4g
klsdad
I really don't think that's Jimmy in the video KLSDAD posted but I haven't any idea who it could be.
I think I knew Jimmy from his very first season and he was always a good friend who provided a warm welcome. I saw the Cole show yesterday and Chris Connors closed the show with the line about coming down off the seats but preceded it with "as Jimmy would say..." He's missed by us all.
Dick Flint
Baltimore
The video features John Kennedy Kane, not Jimmy James.
Jimmy would have John work some performances during he NY area run so Jimmy could enjoy a few Broadway shows.
It was Jimmy who tagged John Kane with the "Eggroll" nickname.
To Dick Flint..
Certainly appreciate your information.
I was going by the program.
I just deleted the clip.
Very sorry to all..
klsdad
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