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Letters |
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| I
remember seeing the Atlanta tapes and remember when Jim Spagg started on
Portland Cable Access. I remember doing video for him and remember doing
still shots for him. Jim was a hoot!! He was an artist willing
to take on all the "better-than-thou" and the people that talked
free speech as long as you don't say anything they don't want to hear.
Jim Spagg is an artist, perhaps crude in his own way, but nevertheless a
very creative one. Jim was a kind person and a good guy to get along with.
Jim was also a challenge, especially when it came to teaching him new
tricks of the new computer age. Despite all the forces working against
him, he always managed to use the little support he could get and combined
with his creativeness continuously put on a show that got everyone's
attention. Yes, the mayor screamed (I don't think she's ever even
seen a penis), and all the prudes out there with their broken remote
controls that couldn't flip away from the channel and where forced to
watch; Jim kept going and reminded each of us that you do have the right
to express yourself. While Jim was being persecuted for his fight
for free speech, free expression and the Bill Of Rights, people like Neil
Goldschmidt where raping children and getting away with it.
Jim, Thanks For your Funny Shows. Even the really odd ones. You did something many don't have the guts to do. I hope that you're at peace now and no longer in pain. You will be remembered!! Q |
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| From Andy
H:
I was shocked to see the notice in today's Oregonian! |
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| From Richard Y:
I just wanted to express my condolences to his many
friends and family |
From Mike M:
i enjoyed watching the Spagg man and am sorry to hear he
passed away
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From Steve S:
I put just a brief post about what Jim meant to me on my
website... |
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| From
Mecca G:
I remember first seeing Jim some years back at Portland's star light parade. he was in running around in a wig, thong, cape and a cardboard guitar. he was for sure the the talk of the evening. everyone was laughing not at Jim but because he was so outrageous and funny. i only got to meet Jim a few times but the first time i met him he was very nice and polite as he always was. i asked him for his autograph and he signed one with a genuine smile. i still to this day have the autographed photo and it will forever be treasured. yesterday i came home to a newspaper cut out on my door and i thought it was a joke, when i went to Jim's site it blew me away and i actually dropped a tear. i still don't want to believe he is gone forever! Jim was a special man to many people , he had thousands of loyal fans who loved him and believed in him and his words and i am one of those fans who believed in Jim and respected him. i am going to ask one favor of the webmaster of Jim's site.. please tell us when the funeral service or memorial service for Jim is. if it is a private service for friends and family maybe we can do a memorial tribute to Jim at pioneer square soon. i think all his fans deserve to say goodbye to him ! and maybe you can put up a message board on www.jimspagg.com so we all can share memories. when i heard Jim was running for mayor of Portland i was so proud of him, i said finally we can have a mayor of the people for the people, someone who will fight for us and someone we can believe in. there is no doubt in my mind Jim would have won the race and became our next mayor, he had my vote along with many members of my family as well. thank you Jim for all the years of entertainment, you will be missed but never forgotten i am thankful to have had the honor of meeting you. i have many tapes of your early 90's Jim Spagg show and they will be watched forever. thank you Jim for who you were and who and what you were to your fans. god bless your memory and spirit. with much respect, Mecca of Oregon pro wrestling |
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| From
Nicholas:
I am so sad to hear the Mr. Jim Spagg has passed away. I am so glad that I had the chance to talk to him on more than one occasion and on one occasion even do camera work for him at
MCTV. Nick K (a Spagg fan) |
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From Chris: Thanks Q. |
From Heather Lynn:
Thank you, Jim, for your company Thursday morning ~*~ |
From Brenda:
Hello. I
looked on the news websites in |
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| From Sam B: I'm shocked. This is awful! I'd been watching this crazy-man's happy-doodles and such for many years, and always felt great affection for the dude. Only met him once, years ago, walking through the COURT HOUSE, of course. I went up and introduced myself to him, of course! So what exactly did in the ole' Spagg-o? Damn. I'm speechless. Or, type-less. All I can think of is "this is just terrible," and platitudes like that. Who is it that's getting this email, by the way? Anybody close, and my very sincere condolences. I hope I can GO to the funeral, but I'm outta town [and, "outta site, man!"] until Thursday night. Oh man. I'm so sorry. Sam |
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| From Jerry B: Jim was always a mystery to me, I never really understood him but I liked him. What we had in common was that we both loved the U. S. Constitution and we were both outspoken Atheists. Jim really shook up the establishment and showed that freedom of speech is not limited to popular speech. All forms of speech are entitled to freedom and the less popular that speech is the more it is worthy of Constitutional protection. I believe that Jim's message was not on the surface but, rather, far more subtle, "You say that you are in favor of freedom. Will you honor the freedom to upset the majority in the name of that freedom which you claim to love?" Jerry B |
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From Rob B: |
From
Wayne S:
I'm sorry to see him go. Please keep me
informed |
From Ridin Ropin: |
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| From Andrew D: I used to watch Jim's show when I was about 12 and scoff at him and the show's concept. It wasn't until I was a sophomore in high school and my political and social views were beginning to mature that I was able to fully appreciate what Jim was trying to accomplish through his show. The Happy Doodles live Call in hour soon became an almost religious experience. I watched it weekly without fail, and even called in to voice my opinions on life and death once. Jim's attitude helped inspire me to write about more controversial subjects in my articles for my high school newspaper, The Scroll. Soon, that came to the inevitable conclusion, when I asked the newspaper teacher and editorial board if I could do a feature article on local cable access hero Jim Spagg. Much to my surprise, they thought it was a great idea. So that day, from the newspaper classroom, I called the "anytime spagg line" and told Jim I was interested in interviewing him for a newspaper article. That same night, Jim called me at my house and said he would be willing to be interviewed. He even asked me if I was sure doing an article on him would be alright with my school's administration. I assured him everything was fine. So, two days later, the features editor and I left newspaper class early and drove up to PCATV studios to meet the one, the only Jim Spagg. The man we met seemed a far cry from the one portrayed on television: quiet, polite, and much shorter than he appeared on TV. He wore thick glasses, which he later informed me were his 'disguise,' so I almost didn't recognize him at first. He sat us down in front of a camera in a small, 6'x6' editing room where the interview took place. As soon as the camera was switched on, the glasses came off and the Jim I knew from television returned in full force. "Howdy folks, have some--have NO smokes, and, uh, crack some jokes..." With that the interview began. He answered my questions for about two hours, giving me more than enough information for my article. I left PCATV that day with a smile on my face; I had just met one of my idols. That article, which I hope did Jim an ounce of justice, was by far my most popular among my classmates. Jim and I continued to communicate off and on via e-mail. I was hoping he could assist my friend and me this summer when we start our own public access show, The Avenue. Unfortunately, that will not be possible now. When I found out Jim died Saturday, I was so shocked I couldn't move for about ten minutes. I just stared blankly at my computer screen hoping my eyes were deceiving my. Sadly, they were not. Two celebrity deaths have brought me close to tears. The first was Fred Rogers, who I began to grow up on in California. The second was James Spagnola, who I finished growing up on in Oregon. I think what saddens me the most is when I interviewed him, Jim said "I'd like to think I have six or seven good years left." I thought he was underestimating. Unfortunately, he was doing just the opposite. Jim wherever you are, we miss you. The world just won't be the same now that you're gone. Rest in Peace. Andrew H. D |
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| From Angel M: Spagg was one of a few people who helped me survive my high school years. His shows, and his ideals helped me to discover the type of person I wanted to 'grow' up and be. I can't claim to agree with everything that Jim stood for, but I do know that we need more people like him in this world. I had the pleasure of meeting Jim once at the flea market at the dog track. I got one of his t-shirts and he autographed it. He was a gentleman. I have not kept up with Spagg's show or antics for a few years now, and now I miss what I don't have. The chance to tune in and see him again. Jim Spagg will live long in my memory. My regards to his family and friends. A- Portland OR |
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From Thomas C: |
From Jon: My memories. I was the first person to call his show in Portland. Just wanted to support freedom. He sure was a free spirit. We became friends, he would drop by now & then, pick up some tapes of naked girls, next thing I'd see them on TV. Tried to help him out with his wife & the Indian welder & for a while I was his only contact with her but it never worked out. Damn, I miss Jim. I'll always wear my personally autographed T-shirts proudly. They are not for sale... |
From Bryan B: Jim was a great friend of mine. Im deeply saddend by his recent death. We both worked in cable access , and worked on some projects together. He was a good dude. We had many laughs and many great shows. Im very sad that I couldnt say goodbye to him. I will always remember the FUCK/Jim Spagg show we did at the paris theater together! that was some great times. Long Live Spagg! Yowza Bowza Wowza! Bryan B |
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| From Erik M: I used to watch Jim’s shows all throughout Jr. High (early 90’s), up until his last few shows. All my friends and I would stay up late to watch him and then talk about it the next day at school. We’d also go spend the night at each other’s house and watch Jim and even call in! We couldn’t believe what we saw. All the nudity, the music, the cats, the cool catch phrases! All of us kids love that show and, when I could get away with it, I’d viddy the show as much as I could! I used to have a box full of the forbidden show that our folks didn’t want us to watch! I’m hoping that, someday all of his shows will be pulled together and sold. I know I’d pay for the ultimate Spagg collection. Jim’s show was spontaneous, exciting, unusual, surprising, shocking, and funny. Nothing was held back. Not a thing. Jim, his show and his lingo were all 100% original. Nothing was or will be like him, ever. I was lucky enough to know Jim, and was on his show once. He was so nice and such an up beat person to be around. From his wild Hawaiian shirts to his wigs, he loved to have fun! He was the best cardboard guitar player there was! The last time I saw Jim, he was alone, walking around the Bite of Beaverton a couple of years ago, with video camera in hand and sporting a bright orange Hawaiian shirt. I was to far away to get up and talk to him, but he walked around and seemed content. I was hoping I’d get to talk to him that day, but never did. That was the last time I saw him. Jim was one of the best things to ever happen to Portland . I’m so thankful for Jim, his shows, and most important, his friendship. I hope I can pay my respect to him at his funeral. Happy Doodles, Jim. You’ll be missed. - Erik |
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| From Franklin B: I used to watch Jim on T.V. when I was a kid, seven or eight years old, and even up to the point when he left the air. I used to laugh to tears at him dancing around playing the guitar naked with a wig on saying "yowza bowza wowza" or "holy moly gargonzoli" while the letters flashed on the screen. I also enjoyed the show in which he showed the pornographic Hansel and Gretel and Snow White cartoons. I liked Jim a lot even though I never met him. I liked him because he was brave enough to do what he wanted to express himself. He taught me an important lesson by doing what he did on television. Say what you want to say, and do what you want to do to express yourself. Happy Doodles Jim and Rest In Peace. Frank B. Gladstone, OR |
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| From JP A: I just had an idea everyone sees the bumper stickers of Jerry Garcia with the words "Thank You Jerry" on them . How about a picture of the ol Spagg saying the same thing? I met Jim at a flea market at the Greyhound track back in 95 and I had the honor of shaking his hand. But I did watch his program when it was on. |
From Kelm:
Portland doesn't know what they have just lost! they lost a man with strong integrity,
I believe most hated him because of how strong he was, not a afraid of what people thought and that made many people like myself love him more. |
From Debbi:
I worked with Spagg in '94 at Cable Access on some of his shows. Wild, crazy, creative guy who helped us all clarify what Free Speech means and what can happen if Free Speech is shut down. Not many around like him....I never thought he would die...just move away after Vera and the gang tried to run him outta town. |
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| From Tom: I live in Washington and won't be at the funeral, however, my best regards are with his survivors. I got a kick out of his odd show on public access, and admired his courage tackling free speech rights. Jim appeared to be a genuine fellow with many friends when I saw him at the local flee market in Portland when I was living in the area. However odd he was, he was a human with feelings and dignity. I really admire his courage after seeing the show, he showed both sides of the issues on nudity, I was really amazed when he showed an angry parent on his show who criticized him for his display in public in one of the parades. Jim's courage was something I've never seen before. His odd musicals were really funny. He made me laugh. There is so much crap on public access, it was great to see someone of his character on there pushing the envelope for free speech, and just being his own nutty self. Everyone who has cable in Portland knew of his show, nobody forced them to watch it, and to my knowledge he never hurt anyone in the process. Cheers to his personality, I'll miss seeing his diversity on the air waves. Tom |
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| From Natalie: I wish to express my deepest sympathy to all of his family and close friends. I did not know Jim personally, but I enjoyed watching him on local cable access stations here in Portland, Oregon. I have not seen any of his programs lately, but hopefully due to the circumstances, the powers that be at the local cable access channels would honor Jims' passing by airing some of his programs again for everyone to see and remember him by. May I ask how he passed away? I'm sure that you've received many questions about this. I saw his obituary in the Oregonian and was surprised to see that he had served in the Marine Corp. Actually, I really enjoyed his more serious programs and interviews. I don't think many viewers were aware of the fact that he was so intelligent. Again, I'm very sorry for everyone's loss. His beliefs and his free-spirited thinking will be greatly missed. He was a solider fighting for our constitutional rights. I don't think people realized that. Just because you live by different values, morals and beliefs, that doesn't mean you should be misjudged and cast aside. Ms. N.L. S |
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| From Guy:
I discovered Jim's show a couple years ago and I loved it right away. He was so much against what makes this country more and more disgusting:
Puritanism, conservatism and corporate media. |
From Doodster:
I was very happy to have met Jim and his son Carl, and am very sad to hear of his loss. I hope Carl is doing OK, and has some friends and family to support him. In honor of Jim, I propose a 'clothing-optional' beach party at Rooster Rock this weekend. email me for futher info. |
From Brandy:
Jim Spagg was a interesting man he help me see who I was. He helped me be a open minded person and creative in
life. I used to watch his show in the 90's when i was younger It was like a
forbidden thing!! |
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| From Satter: I was and still am a big Jim Spagg fan! I grew up watching him on cable access even taping a few shows for friends who didn't believe they would let a man on TV do that...He was very entertaining to watch, in fact I still quote some of his sayings that would flash on the screen. He had no shame about his body and seemed to be very proud of it. I remember one year sitting downtown at the starlight parade watching him run around the street with a cape and Speedo on, now if that isn't entertainment then what is...I still have the pictures! It's sad that he has passed away, he will for sure be missed!! |
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| From Joseph: I am getting over the denial and I am now in the celebration mode. Jim Spagg, you are my local hero: more real than Bud Clark, less children raped than Neil Goldschmidt, and not two-faced like Vera Katz. I have had the chance to meet you on a couple of occasions and away from his show act he's so real that now he's gone I can't help but shed a tear. We barely knew ye. Joe M Portland, Oregon P.S: I shall christen my first batch of homebrew "Happy Doodles" as a tribute. Thank you Jim, may you rest in peace. |
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| From Big
Truckin:
You were a good man Jim. A man who stood up for freedom. Your work was unfinished, but made a difference. Rest in Peace. |
From Ed F:
I just went to jimspagg.com just less than 10 minutes ago and It said he passed away. I cannot believe it. Is this true or just some sick joke? |
From Saint
Lucifer:
I'm lucky to have been able to meet you, Jim. Rest in Peace. |
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| From Steve B: I was sitting at home doing whatever I was doing, when my brother called and said to turn on a certain TV channel NOW, in a voice usually reserved for when space shuttles are coming apart or wars are starting. To the television I flew, only to find a naked man dancing and singing. No shuttles, no wars. This was MUCH funnier and much better. For years I did a batch of repetitive legal typing that needed just enough brainpower to keep me from being able to listen to either the TV or the radio. But baby, you could type to the sights and sounds of Spagg and never miss a letter. I only wish all those customers knew that their documents were prepared to the strains of Spagg tunes! Farewell, Jim, and thank you so much. If the opportunity arises, I'll strip on your behalf. Steve |
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| From
Steve T:
When, my friend called me and told me Jim Spagg's died, I told him "Believe it or not I feel a sense of loss". I
originally meet Jim, back in the early 90's when I used to hang out at Portland Cable Axis. I was really
embarrassed by Jim's show, but I would operate the camera behind the scenes
for him, when his show needed extra help. |
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| From Kathy:
Jim, thank you for letting me direct my first show on
your show! If it wasn't for you, maybe I wouldn't have had the
"guts" to do my own shows! (which I later did, the Waterfront
Blues Festival) of which I produced and directed! |
From Mike:
Just wanted to let you know I think the new site is awesome. You da
man! |
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| From
Jenny:
Philosopher -- Teacher -- |
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| From
Marcus:
Spagg wasn't on cable access television in Portland, he WAS cable access television in portland! Tuning in at one in the morning with a bunch of friends sleeping over in middle school and watching background footage of a nude beach with Jim dancing in the foreground while "VIDDY THE SHOW" flashed repeatedly was as big a part of my childhood as riding bmx bikes to the local 7-11 for slurpees and video games. When I heard the bad news about his death day before yesterday I instantly text messaged an friend who was out of state for a week to share the info with him. Hours later I got a message that simply read, "HOLY MUFFDIVERS!" |
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| From
Chris:
What happened to all the content that was on the site? It would be nice to see what was on the site prior to his death as an off-shoot of his current site. Jim had some wild ideas, isn't that what our country is all about? Isn't that what HE fought for in our military when he was a soldier? I think it's great there are so many people who stood by this crazy guy. I like the quote on the memorial page about free speech not being limited to POPULAR speech! For Jim's sake, it would be nice to see his art on his web site as an off-link that others can visit. It'd been a good couple years since I'd seen his site after I was flipping through the public channels and saw a bunch of naked people. I just had to find out more about this guy who blazed new trails in American rights to free speech. Another person commented about how he was mentally ill. Was he? Historians claim many of the world's greatest artists were mentally unstable, eccentric, etc. We never asked God to bring us into this world, we came into it with our faults, our talents, and our souls. Jim was one weird guy, and one that I really enjoyed seeing in Portland. He added new color to the community with his oddities, and was quite friendly when I saw him at the local spots in Portland. Anyone who would speak ill of his odd talent for creativity doesn't believe in the constitution. |
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| From
Brenna:
Poor Steve and Annalisa. |
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| From
Mick M:
One of the saddest things about Jim's passing is the timing of the loss. Now, more than ever, we need his type of nonconformity and individualism. My favorite memory of Jim Spagg was the episode where he actually "relieved himself" on camera. While everybody else was busy focusing on the act itself, I found humor in the fact that he chose to perform the act on a newspaper in front of his TV -- rather than in the bathroom. I know that Jim expressed a lack of belief in God, but with all due respect to his beliefs, I believe that Jim now rests in the palm of God's hand, and that he is truly experiencing "Happy Doodles". God Bless you Jim; we will remember you. 8>)P |
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| From
Livi:
Spagg was a great addition to otherwise conservative, boring, right-wing rhetoric on TV. He was a wild and crazy guy, and I loved him for that. The wig, air guitar and his nakedness swinging for all to see. If there were more Spaggs, the world really would be a more interesting, accepting, and fun place to live. If Spagg went somewhere from here, I may be interested in joining him. Hey, laughs in the afterlife! Yowza Bowza Wowza |
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Hey Q!
Your Jim Spagg tribute is excellent! I can see
that you really put a lot of time, energy, and creativity into a really
nice site. I am sad that I didn't play hooky from work and go to
Willamette for the burial. My grandfather is there, as is another
close family friend. But it was nice to see the photos. And
it was cool to read the news stories that you had compiled. I'm
sure I'm not the only one out here who appreciates your efforts -- well
done!
Best regards,
Kendall A
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| From
Spagg Fan:
Yowza Bowza Wowza, I loved Jim Spagg. He kept me amused more nights that any man I had around. If he is on a journey, I wish him well. If there is no journey, I wish him rest. Most of all I hope he knows how much joy he gave by just being a wild naked guy, who I always regretted I didn't get to me! He made sure he would always in the minds of those left behind to think about things for a while longer! No one could play that air guitar like he could! Adios Amigo.... |
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| From Eric
I was living In Portland last year for awhile and I discovered Jim Spagg, who remains a very fond Oregon memory for me. I remember sitting in my living room, smoking a joint after working a double shift at Burgerville, watching Jim's "shit films". I wondered what Jim had eaten that gave his turds the consistency of tooth paste and of his reason of filming himself shitting over & over again on a loop. My roommate then walked in and questioned, "What the Hell are you watching?" "Jimmy Spagg" I replied. "Of course!" he said and sat down beside me, took a pull on the joint and watched Jim Spagg take another dump. Art brings people together! |
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Website Copyright 2004 Q Madp PO Box 86888 Portland OR 97286-0888