Infinite Delight

It’s a most mysterious process, this work of keeping Jim’s legacy alive.  In some ways it doesn’t even feel much like work to the team behind Jim Marshall Photography LLC, for we get to look at brilliant, heroic photos, discover unseen gems on hidden slides and never-seen proof sheets, and, most fun of all, reminisce about the man and the myth. We know how lucky we are and want to take a moment as 2011 strides to a close to express our gratitude to everyone (whether friend, family, fan, even former foe) who is coming along on the journey with us. In reviewing the 39 blogs I’ve posted this year, it strikes me how busy we’ve all been, especially Amelia Davis, Bonita Passerelli, Jay Blakesberg, Michelle Dunn Marsh, Dave Brolan, Helene Crawshaw, and Michael Whalen. Truth be told, for yours truly at least, it’s been a bit of a blur ... in the best possible way. Fortunately, this year’s blogs are like a highlight reel featuring our efforts to sort through the fascinating fragments of Jim’s life and assemble a suitably respectful, inspiring lane of memories, book projects, exhibitions and events that we believe would make Jim proud. In reviewing the blog lineup, I chose a handful that I feel best capture our burgeoning vision of Jim’s life and work. Blog highlights (in the order in which they were posted): “A Pocketful of Love: June Carter + Johnny Cash” “Jim the Assyrian” “Dylan With Tire” “A Coat So Warm” “The Day the Earth Stood Still” More Monterey Pop: Shake, Rattle and BURN!! “Woodstock 1969: Get Ourselves Back to the Garden” “The Jack & Jim Gallery” “Somebody to Love” “Shel Silverstein: A Cockeyed Visionary” I was rummaging around for some words (lyrics, poems, aphorisms) that might capture how Jim approached the new year and I hit upon these two quotes, one caustically amused and the other dripping in hope, that I feel do a decent job of capturing the two sides of Jim around the holidays: “Every New Year is the direct descendant, isn’t it, of a long line of proven criminals?” - Ogden Nash “In the time of your life, live ... so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it.” - William Saroyan, The Time of Your Life, 1939 And, on that note ... As this most momentous and mysterious of years winds down, we want to thank you again for all your support and best wishes and wish you all, in turn, the most rewarding and magical of New Year’s.   And, now, please join us in raising a glass of red or Jack or your favorite single malt in Jim’s honor: Here’s to you, old man, we miss you more than words can say!