Writerly Post – James P. Hogan In Memoriam

As a writer, I end up dealing with a lot of colorful characters – and in some aspects, I’m probably considered a colorful character by others – it’s what makes being a writer fun. Writer’s aren’t like a lot of other people. Most of us see things from angles no one else thinks of – except maybe experimental physicists and theorists, and probably actors. Yesterday, July 12th, the SF community lost one of it’s colorful characters – James P. Hogan

The news broke across the web this morning (July 13th). James died in his home at 69 – which isn’t nearly old enough. The cause of death is still undetermined. I hope they discover the cause soon, for the peace of mind of his family. And I, for one, will miss him. I have known him off and on for most of this decade. I often recommend, Thrice Upon a Lifetime on any convention panel that discusses time travel.

What really gets to me. I mean REALLY gets to me to the point of choosing to not socializing with a person and removing them from the social networks – is when others are ugly about someone in death. Why do some people think a death announcement is the perfect opportunity to trash someone in public? I saw it two years ago when Robert Aspirin was suddenly taken from us, and I’m seeing it here.

It’s okay to not like someone’s views, work, research, politics, or religion. There are probably those out there who have problems with me, and that’s okay. I’m a big girl. I can take. It’s not okay to rejoice, joke, or make rude comments about those problems out on a recently deceased guy when their family and friends are dealing with this kind of shock and loss. Everyone has someone who loves them, respects them, or is effected by the. Remember the Church of DBAA, and Wheaton’s Law – Don’t be A Jerk. If you have to let it out – do it in private. And, guess what, the INTERNET IS NOT PRIVATE. Family and friends looking for news will find your jerkiness, and it will make their pain greater because you had to get your shot in. Not Cool.

James Hogan was never anything but lovely to me – and occasionally a bit flirty – since I met him in the early 2000s at a convention in Missouri. I was new to my convention life. He made it fun, and that never changed in the years following when we ran across each other at various conventions. I liked him. I liked several of his books. In recent years, he seems to have held some different views on a lot of things and did a lot of research – but who among the SF community hasn’t? But many out there have focused on key words, and have taken that to mock the man in death. NOT COOL. See above.

If I sound like I’m taking this a bit personally, I am. I liked Jim. I feel for his family dealing with a sudden, irrevocable loss. I will miss him. And even though I rarely drink, he once tried to get me to drink with him. I did let him talk me into ONE Lager and Lime – it was a “lady’s drink” he said. I might have to have one in his memory. And for those who took the opportunity to trash him today, I hope your families and friends don’t have to go through what you put Jim’s through today.

To Jim’s family, you’re in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry for your loss. Jim was a nice man. I’m going to miss him, too. Thank you for sharing him and his talents with the rest of us. I hope you all find peace. I think I still have the paper flower he made me from a Star Wars napkin at that first convention.