Jim Lange, who spent 58 years on the editorial page of The Oklahoman died last night. He was 82. He retired last fall.
“Jim Lange was not only one of the greatest political cartoonists Oklahoma ever produced, he was one of the most outstanding cartoonists in the history of American journalism,” said David Boren, University of Oklahoma president. “Jim had the remarkable ability to produce cartoons that were fully understood by the public and expressed the feelings of rank and file Americans. He truly loved this state and our country, and those patriotic feelings were constantly communicated through his work. His life’s work was a gift to all of us, and I will personally miss his friendship and wonderful sense of humor.”
Jim was not only a great cartoonist, he was also a wonderful person. Journalism has lost one of its best. My sympathy to his family.
How very sad. He was forced to retire from a job he loved, and just months later fell and never really recovered. Jim was a nice guy, and supportive to his colleagues regardless of age or political leanings.
Jim was a very kind man who made me feel welcome in the AAEC when I first joined. This is very sad news indeed — my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
God bless his family and his friends. A true loss.
Jim was one of the veteran cartoonists who made me feel most welcome when I joined the AAEC back in ’79. We were as different as day and night politically, but always remained great friends. Arlene and I always looked forward to hanging out with Jim and Helen at every AAEC convention. He was certainly one of a kind and will be missed by everyone.
Jim Lange of the Oklahoman, not related to the other Jim Lange who hosted TV game shows for years including the original Dating Game.
Condolences to his family.
Found another nice article on him.
http://newsok.com/longtime-cartoonist-jim-lange-dies/article/3362566
Jim was a gracious man. He was always quick with a compliment and a pat on the back. This was deeply appreciated by those of us who have served as President of the AAEC, an association he loved and helped found. But it was even more appreciated by young cartoonists just starting in the business. His warm and welcoming nature made generations of us gain the sense that we really did belong.
A good man has passed. I know I speak for every AAEC President when I say the conventions will seem a little less collegial without Jim Langes hail and hearty prescience.
God bless him and his family.
Jim Lange was a person whose positive energy and enthusiasm made him a memorable presence at any AAEC gathering I attended. My sincerest sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Sad news indeed. At the first AAEC conventions I attended, Jim took me under his wing, and was wonderfully kind and supportive. My thoughts go out to his family.
So sorry to hear about Jim. What a joy he was to be around.
I’ll always remember the Lexington convention when Jim, Helen, Mary and Dick Locher and myself took a day trip to
visit the Shaker community. Jim kept us in stitches the whole trip. He will be missed.