J.F. (Jim) Straw Passed Away 12/3/12

56 replies
It's with sad news to inform everyone of the death of J.F. (Jim) Straw. I just talked with him last week. He was a friend and mentor. I will miss him.

Here is the obit from The Dalton Citizen Jimmie F. Straw » Obituaries »

Woody Quinones
#jim #passed #straw
  • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
    Terrible news...

    But thanks for the heads up.

    Brian
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Wow.

    One of the greatest advertising ICONS who ever lived... Humbled to say I had the chance to be his friend. He was truly a great man.

    You were a great man Mr. Straw... Wherever you are out there...Thanks for everything you gave us, your will lives on in all marketers, even the ones who dont know it!

    -John
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  • Profile picture of the author KimW
    I have followed him for quite a while.
    Sad to see an icon of the industry pass.
    RIP Mr Straw.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      Damn. Another classy one gone.

      If you're a drinker, tip a bourbon in memory.


      Paul
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      Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
        Banned
        Sad news indeed. Bless him.

        A remarkable gentleman and an inspiration to us all.

        May you rest in peace Jim and blessings always be upon you.


        Mark Andrews
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  • Profile picture of the author Shane N
    Wow. That is very sad news indeed.

    R.I.P. Jimmie!
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Hill
    Very sad to hear the news... R.I.P. Mr Straw
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    RIP Jim. Thanks for "down home" style, ideas, and wisdom.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ankesh Kothari
    Thats pretty sad.

    Jim was one of the first guys who got on board and helped me promote my Marketing Hotsheet newsletter 10 years back. I learnt a lot of things from him over the years.

    1. Having the ugliest website in the world won't hinder your growth. But not being helpful to others will.

    2. Repeating the message is not bad. In fact, every repetition will bring in 50% more sales.

    3. Think beyond yourself. Help connect people.

    I'll truly miss him. :'(
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  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    Allen Says once posted we should "Read anything by Jim Straw" I have ever since. Mr. Straw will be missed.

    George Wright
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    "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
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    • Profile picture of the author VanessaB
      I got to meet him at a couple of seminars. He was the nicest man. Warm, friendly, kind.

      RIP Mr. Straw.
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  • Profile picture of the author TeamBringIt
    Another great one, that shall be missed...Ty for the heads up.
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  • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
    Thanks for all your wisdom, Jim. Gone but not forgotten.

    Becky
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  • Profile picture of the author Young Financier
    I received the email this morning as well. He was my mentor as well.

    R.I.P Mr. Straw.
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  • Profile picture of the author Danny Cutts
    [DELETED]
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    Mr. Straw was a man of real and true character. This one paragraph from one of his WF posts spoke volumes of the man:

    "9) I learned that my most prized possessions were my customers. People who, directly or indirectly, paid for my lunch every day. (That's why, unlike my contemporaries, I reply to my customers emails personally.)"
    A true titan and sales genius. He will definitely be missed. Rest In Peace.

    RoD
    Signature
    "Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out."
    - Jim Rohn
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    • Profile picture of the author Sam England
      WOW...I am shocked...

      Jim was one my favorite mentors...and also a friend...

      You will truly be missed my friend...rest in peace...
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      • Profile picture of the author Rich Mann
        I could hardly believe this news. I'm deeply saddened by his passing. I've been one of his subscribers for over ten years. He has imparted a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to me. He was a true icon of marketing.

        His character was above reproach.

        I will miss him.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin Maguire
    RIP Mr Straw
    Your knowledge and wisdom lives on in us, and your loved ones.
    Kevin Maguire
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  • Profile picture of the author Gladiator
    Jim will truly be missed! May you rest in peace..My condolences to his family!

    Andre
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  • Profile picture of the author Claire Koch
    all those guys who moved their businesses online are leaving us. Legends.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesgan
    RIP Mr Staw...
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Hess
    I had the chance to meet Jim at an event in Atlanta and buy him a drink.

    He was humble, classy, and had a great sense of humor.

    A running joke between us at the event was me telling Jim he didn't know anything about business (which mocked some people here on the WF that gave him crap).

    He lived a full life (some of which you can see here).

    He will be missed by many...
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    • Profile picture of the author gregorybaskin
      R.I.P. Jim.

      He was a good guy and always brutally honest and straight forward, no matter who you were.

      Told the truth even if it meant embarrassing you and calling out the problem or calling your fluff, which a lot of other people won't do to save face.

      The world needs more people like Jim.

      Legends live forever!
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  • Profile picture of the author AuPhalanx
    My name is Tony. I was Jim's publisher. I published his book "Mustard Seeds, Shovels, & Mountains." We were fortunate to make it a #1 bestseller on Amazon, which was one of Jim's goals. (His other goal of winning the Pulitzer Prize has not been realized. Yet. It is being considered.)

    I am going to share the story of how we made the publishing deal. I think it's illustrative of how Jim did business and how he became the "500 Million Dollar Man" and enjoyed the success that he achieved.

    A "friend" on Facebook messaged me to see if I'd be interested in publishing a book. The author is the marketer Jim Straw, he wrote, and he doesn't want to worry about editing and fulfillment and things like that. I responded that I was interested, especially since I've been receiving Jim's e-mails for more than a decade and really enjoyed what he did. I learned a lot from his e-mails, as many of you probably have, over the years.

    Jim e-mailed me. I responded: "big fan ... what are you looking for? ... what's the book?" He responded with his manuscript. Looks good, I wrote.

    His response was simple: "Send an agreement."

    Just like that. No fuss. No wobbling. Simple, decisive, to-the-point action. Let's get 'er done.

    This was August/September 2011. In January "Mustard Seeds, Shovels, & Mountains" was ready.

    Notice that I never mentioned a phone call or conversation. That's because there wasn't one. When I commented that he came to a quick decision, he wrote that he did his research, he knows how publishing works, and that taking action is more fun than "dilly-dallying."

    I take that example and do my best to live by it everyday: Make a decision and run with it, dammit! You're not going to get anywhere with over-analyzing and number-crunching!

    That example wasn't the only one. Whenever I needed something, he had it to me practically overnight. "How about an intro video for the book, Jim?" Two days later, there it is. "Can you do this interview?" Where and when was his response.

    Jim was a terrific human being. Smart, funny, insightful ... What you read in his e-mails and books you got in real life. There was no subterfuge or acting. Jim was Jim. Simple and to-the-point.

    His death came as a shock to me. As usual, the publisher is sometimes the last to know. We had plans and ideas for other books, interviews, and promotions. A couple of months back, he had a health scare and was hospitalized for a few days. He came through just fine and was hoping to "keep pestering people" (his words) for many years to come.

    I wish he were still around to "pester" us. I will miss him.

    As some here know, more often than not, when you meet a hero or someone you look up to, whether virtually via e-mails or in real life, the reality does not live up to the expectations. You leave disappointed (to say the least).

    With Jim, that was absolutely not the case. Jim exceeded expectations. I think that would be a fitting description of J. F. (Jim) Straw: "He lived life as he treated his customers: He exceeded expectations."

    We all would be fortunate to do half as well.

    All the BEST!

    Have fun ... Tony.
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    • Profile picture of the author Harvey Segal
      My first encounter with Jim was back in 2001 when I wrote my first ebook (Guru Magic) where I invited about 30 top marketers to submit their best tips.

      Jim's contribution was the shortest but absolutely to the point.

      There are only three (3) things you need to do to be an Internet Marketing success

      1) Find one (just one) product or service to sell.

      2) Find one (just one) method or technique that sells that product
      or service profitably for you.

      3) Just keep doing it ... over & over & over & over & over ... adding to your product
      line as you go.



      Also a few years ago I asked Jim if he would like to promote one of my books.

      The next day a Paypal payment arrived.

      I told him

      "What are you doing ? I want to GIVE you the rebranding rights"


      He replied

      "No problem ... a workman is worthy of his hire"
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    • Profile picture of the author Young Financier
      Originally Posted by AuPhalanx View Post

      My name is Tony. I was Jim's publisher. I published his book "Mustard Seeds, Shovels, & Mountains." We were fortunate to make it a #1 bestseller on Amazon, which was one of Jim's goals. (His other goal of winning the Pulitzer Prize has not been realized. Yet. It is being considered.)

      I am going to share the story of how we made the publishing deal. I think it's illustrative of how Jim did business and how he became the "500 Million Dollar Man" and enjoyed the success that he achieved.

      A "friend" on Facebook messaged me to see if I'd be interested in publishing a book. The author is the marketer Jim Straw, he wrote, and he doesn't want to worry about editing and fulfillment and things like that. I responded that I was interested, especially since I've been receiving Jim's e-mails for more than a decade and really enjoyed what he did. I learned a lot from his e-mails, as many of you probably have, over the years.

      Jim e-mailed me. I responded: "big fan ... what are you looking for? ... what's the book?" He responded with his manuscript. Looks good, I wrote.

      His response was simple: "Send an agreement."

      Just like that. No fuss. No wobbling. Simple, decisive, to-the-point action. Let's get 'er done.

      This was August/September 2011. In January "Mustard Seeds, Shovels, & Mountains" was ready.

      Notice that I never mentioned a phone call or conversation. That's because there wasn't one. When I commented that he came to a quick decision, he wrote that he did his research, he knows how publishing works, and that taking action is more fun than "dilly-dallying."

      I take that example and do my best to live by it everyday: Make a decision and run with it, dammit! You're not going to get anywhere with over-analyzing and number-crunching!

      That example wasn't the only one. Whenever I needed something, he had it to me practically overnight. "How about an intro video for the book, Jim?" Two days later, there it is. "Can you do this interview?" Where and when was his response.

      Jim was a terrific human being. Smart, funny, insightful ... What you read in his e-mails and books you got in real life. There was no subterfuge or acting. Jim was Jim. Simple and to-the-point.

      His death came as a shock to me. As usual, the publisher is sometimes the last to know. We had plans and ideas for other books, interviews, and promotions. A couple of months back, he had a health scare and was hospitalized for a few days. He came through just fine and was hoping to "keep pestering people" (his words) for many years to come.

      I wish he were still around to "pester" us. I will miss him.

      As some here know, more often than not, when you meet a hero or someone you look up to, whether virtually via e-mails or in real life, the reality does not live up to the expectations. You leave disappointed (to say the least).

      With Jim, that was absolutely not the case. Jim exceeded expectations. I think that would be a fitting description of J. F. (Jim) Straw: "He lived life as he treated his customers: He exceeded expectations."

      We all would be fortunate to do half as well.

      All the BEST!

      Have fun ... Tony.
      Good to see you on here, Tony! I'm that "friend" who messaged you on Facebook to introduce you and Mr. Straw. This was after he told me he was looking for a publisher. I'm glad to have been able to play a part in making Mr. Straw's last published work possible.
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      • Profile picture of the author VegasVince
        At one of the last seminars in Orlando Florida I handed Jim a bottle of his favorite Kentucky's finest.....and he responded by giving me the last known copy of a booklet written in 1988 titled: THE BURNING MATCH The Stock Market Revealed. by JF Jim Straw

        He told me I was NEVER to market it under his name due to the wishes of his wife Delores. He also made me promise to wait until he had passed. Let's just say this book was SO good the power that be didn't really want it in circulation and went out of their way to make Jim's life miserable. That's all I'm at liberty to say. But it's true. Every word of it.

        I will say this about this book.....it's the most brutally honest expose on how the markets really work I've ever read and I've read plenty of them. It goes against almost everything you have ever been taught to believe...but believe this....Jim made several fortunes in the markets...both bull and bear. To him it didn't matter.

        At some point I might release this....then again.....I might just keep the hot pink cover with the original staples to myself.

        Vegas Vince
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        • Profile picture of the author wordofmouthmagic
          "Never bought his $997 e-book"

          Well those of us who did are collecting together to see how we can continue his legacy in this field.

          Also, no he was not 67, he was indeed older than that, but this mixup adds a very nice touch to one of the stories he tells when he was much younger (and I think that story was in the Mustard Seeds book too.) Nice sign-off Jim!

          Finally, if people here wish to add a tribute on his Obituary .... then click on the Sign Guest Book link on his official funeral page:
          Obituary For: Jimmie Straw | Love Funeral Home
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          • Profile picture of the author davidbreth
            J.F. (Jim) Straw.

            In my mind and heart this name will always bring me much gratitude due the fact it was Mr. (humble) Straw who taught me a plethora of lessons and most 'without his knowledge' of doing so.
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          • Profile picture of the author Young Financier
            Originally Posted by wordofmouthmagic View Post

            "Never bought his $997 e-book"

            Well those of us who did are collecting together to see how we can continue his legacy in this field.

            Also, no he was not 67, he was indeed older than that, but this mixup adds a very nice touch to one of the stories he tells when he was much younger (and I think that story was in the Mustard Seeds book too.) Nice sign-off Jim!

            Finally, if people here wish to add a tribute on his Obituary .... then click on the Sign Guest Book link on his official funeral page:
            Obituary For: Jimmie Straw | Love Funeral Home
            The part about him and the guy from Louisiana who was secretly wealthy?
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  • Profile picture of the author Dale_Anthony
    Never Bought his $997 ebook. But I signed up for his Email courses

    Seemed like a very intelligent and dignified man
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  • Profile picture of the author mattlaclear
    Mr Straw, you will be missed. We'll all do our best to follow in your footsteps until we can meet again in the big marketing room in the sky.
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    • Profile picture of the author indycine
      I am so sad about Jim Straw's passing on Monday. Jim was an Internet Warrior, and the Grand Panjandrum of Direct Mail. He was so helpful to me in understanding Internet Marketing. Jim Straw was my friend and mentor, and I learned so much from him. I am proud and grateful to have known him.

      Sam Longoria
      Producer
      Hollywood CA USA
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  • Profile picture of the author mechaet
    What a great guy he was. He seemed to have a big concern to help struggling entrepreneurs. Even his emails exumed warmth. He always answered my emails, like everyone else's. He wasn't just about money. He was about helping people. I look forward to reading his book. A wise man died, but his wisdom will live on. I bet he meets up with his wife Delores. I never met him, but I feel sad.On a side note, he never really revealed his age. I think he had the last laugh on that one, because his obit says he was 67. I think he was much older than that, and I figured out a way to find out. R.I.P. Mr. Staw, and thanks for all of your emails, books and advise. You will be missed.Jim Young
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Silver
    Sad to hear!

    His information is one of the reasons why I am doing what I am doing right now.

    Definitely one of the old-school masters of our craft!

    He will be missed...
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  • Profile picture of the author oleskool
    He will be missed.

    I read most of his information, which was helpful in keeping me moving forward.
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  • Profile picture of the author WinstonTian
    J.F. Straw has had a huge influence on my marketing. One of
    the best minds ever... I've been on his newsletters for ages.

    This is leaving a huge void... He will be missed, extremely.

    Rest in peace.
    Signature

    Cheers,
    Winston
    The Beginner's Doctor

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    • Profile picture of the author Marty S
      Couple years back I looked at one of Jim's websites and wondered how the heck he was making any money from it. It looked like it was built in the 1970's. I signed up for his stuff anyway.

      Once I started getting his emails, I was reminded about how far good content and good writing can go. He was a master at it to be sure. So much so, I had a a couple of emails and phone conversations with him, trying to convince him to create video products for just some of the enormous amount of content he had generated over the years.

      He wasn't interested, and it wasn't that he thought it was a bad idea - he just had his ways and stuck to his methods. Very focused, very consistent, very reliable. Hmmmm... I think the man was on to something.

      RIP - Mr. Straw. A good, good man.
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  • Profile picture of the author Caden
    That is too bad. Never knew him, but liked what gift he gave to the world.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
    How very sad.......one of the few lists I've stayed on over the years.

    Jim was a remarkable man....rest in peace.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Jims "Hancock" was very powerful to say the least, I can say that. Talk about ad copy. lol

    He sent out a promotion for one of my ebooks. I got a copy of the email and the ad copy blew me away...

    "I did it, he did it, and you can do it the same way..." With a link next to it.

    I thought "Is that it?"

    An hour later my paypal box virtually exploded!

    He was a man of short decisive words, and I can say first hand- "People listened".

    Truly respected that man in many ways, I remember seeing his ads since I was a kid. That was more than a JV, it was a brush with GREATNESS... . Proud to say we are from the same state.... another person he reminded me of alot is my grandmother....country as all get out, and not ashamed of it.
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    • Profile picture of the author ronr
      I'm late to this thread. It was so sad to hear about Jim. I've known him since about 2000. Although I'm sorry that we we never met face to face we exchanged tons of emails over the years and had a few great interviews.

      I think our first email was me telling him about his ugly website

      He helped me promote my first newsletter and membership site back in 2000 when I was getting started The Business Fastlane. He still believed in what I was doing and was still promoting it today 12 years later.

      When I sent him his first affiliate payment he said I was the first one online to actually pay him what I said would. After all these years, every time I sent him his affiliate payments he thanked me. When I sent his payment in early December I didn't hear from him which I thought was unusual. I didn't hear until a short time later that he died.

      They don't make them like him anymore. It was an honor to know and associate with him.

      RIP Jim

      Ron
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    • Profile picture of the author James Clark
      Very sad.......I have been on his list for years. Look forward to reading his emails. I will miss him! May he rest in peace... and God bless his family.
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      • Profile picture of the author contagio
        Hi guys!

        I also have great respect for mr Straw. I started internet marketing promoting his products and I do so to this day. The problem now arises with commision payment..

        So of his products go through Clickbank where payment is being made automatically, but his Millionaire program is being vended with Paydotcom and the vendor has to transfer the commision manualy. Has anyone taken over Jims business and paypal account so he can pay out the commisions for sold products, its been over a month now and I still did not get my commision. The guys at paydotcom support told to write an email to emails they have on file and wait to get a response in 24hours, if not they will suspend his account for not paying commision ( but the fact is I allready send numerous emails to those email accounts weeks ago and didnt receive a reply, and I really dont want to get the products that I am still promoting suspended)

        So do any of you out there got knowledge if someone has taken care of Jims business after his death ?

        Thank you!
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