I’m saddened to learn that Jim Capozzola, of the Rittenhouse Review, died last evening.
Susie Madrak of Suburban Guerrilla, who calls Jim her “fairy blogfather,” knew Jim better than I did, and has posted a wonderful remembrance of him which includes links to many posts commemorating Jim’s life. And my pal Richard Cranium, of The All Spin Zone, has done a wonderful job of describing the man I knew:
Deadpan is one word I could use. Intelligent to a fault. Angst ridden. Passionate. Searching. Always reading something. Jimmy was a guy who had been through the worst that life could throw at him, but still maintained a finely-honed sense of humor.
Jim was, as Susie notes, a founding member of the liberal blogosphere, and a central figure in the Philadelphia scene. I always enjoyed seeing him at Philadelphia’s Drinking Liberally. He was, in fact, one of the first people I met there in late 2004, and I’ll always remember the generous words of advice that he gave me.
In addition to running the Rittenhouse Review, Jim started TRR: The Lighter Side of the Rittenhouse, which did for Philadelphia what The New York Times’ Metropolitan Diary did for New York.
Jim is survived by his family, by Mildred (the bulldog that he loved), and by a multitude of fellow bloggers and readers who mourn the loss of his distinctively pithy and sardonic voice. May he rest in peace.
7 Comments on "In Memoriam: James Capozzola (1962-2007)"
The Heretik:
Sad to hear. Blessings.
UncleHorns:
Well said, Matt.
Jim was a gifted writer and he will be missed.
Suzanne:
I knew Jim. We worked together at Individual Investor and Ticker magazines. I shared a byline with him on a Disney stock story. We became friends one night and I took him to a bar and tried setting him up with someone who became my friend, and still is. It’s been years since I last saw Jim in my NY apt. by Ground Zero. I remember his photo collection of Mildred, his laugh, his perfect teeth and erudite writing style; his silent ways and warm chocolate brown eyes. He inspired me to be me. He earned the respect of most people who met him, and that night at the bar we actually cuddled in my bed until the morning woke us from slumber. I miss him.
Richard Dann:
I am very sad to learn today of Jim’s passing. I worked with him on Pennsylvania Ave in Washington, DC many years ago. I am sad too, that I didn’t keep in closer touch with him over the years. I had no idea of his illness. Jim was one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. He had a great sense of humor. I can still hear him rattling of on a keyboard just outside my office - he could type with blazing speed. He had a nice smile. He was always impeccably dressed. I am not very good at expressing in words what this news means to me. Jim was a good person. He will be missed. Goodbye my friend.
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Agi:
Hey Matt…you still around?
Matt:
Hi Agi,
Yes, I’m still around, though I’ve obviously let the blog go silent for a while now. I’ll try to post an update soon, but in the meantime, I’ll get in touch with you by email.
Matt
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