In 2015 it was exactly sixty years. I once told you about the time I took a road trip through Indiana and paid a visit to his hometown, specifically the Fairmount Historical Museum, which not only has exhibits on Dean, but also Garfield the Cat. Why? Because the creator also grew up on a small farm in Fairmount, just like Dean. Anyway, Dean died in a car crash out in California. His funeral was held a week after his death at the Fairmount Friends Church with an estimated 600 mourners in attendance, and another 2400 fans outside the building. He’s buried in Park Cemetery, literally down the road from the family farm, next to his parents and grandparents. I am a connoisseur of cemeteries, and I’ve never seen a grave, even lipstick-covered, that is so easy to find…I mean there are signs that literally the lead the way. If only all “famous” graves were like that. So here’s to Jimmy Dean…rock on!
Cultural Icon James Dean
