REST IN PEACE JIM MELBY
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By Randy Powell I was shocked to hear of Jim's death. Jim was still quite a young man, so his passing was not expected, especially since I had just gotten several e-mails from him earlier in the week. I had not seen Jim for a number of years, but we always kept in touch via emails and a few phone calls. Jim had diabetes for much of his life, and in the last decade had to have some surgeries to remove some toes due to this. Years later, other complications set in and more surgery was needed to take part of his leg. Jim was quite close to retiring from a state job, but I believe due to this health problems he retired early. Jim never talked to me about his health problems, and unless he just told me directly, then you'd never know. Jim wasn't one to complain. Wrestling fans will miss Jim Melby. I will for sure. I worked for Jim back in the days when he was editor of Wrestling News magazine. I can remember how impressed he was that I could get a feature story out of Laurene Landon and cover the movie 'All The Marbles' in 1981. And of course, Jim was a terrific writer and editor. Over the years he had published several books and collectible publications that fans of wrestling enjoyed, about the history of both women's and men's wrestling. Just like another friend of mine, Gene Gordon who passed away in 1986, Jim was never one to promote himself, and yet so many fans knew of his work. Jim attended the CAC on occasion, and so did I, first in Studio City, California and then later on in Las Vegas. He was always involved in some aspect of the wrestling business, and so knowledgeable about the history of wrestling. Jim was a friend, and a gentleman, always. I have a lot of great memories of Jim, but one in particular sticks in my mind right now: At the CAC show in 1996, I had learned of a problem that Brittany Brown had with Brandi Alexander, and Jim, who was very supportive of the PGWA and LadySports Magazine, suggested a GrudgeMatch between the two. Both wrestlers readily agreed; Jim was going to be the referee, and even the great Karl Lauer volunteered to be the ring announcer and commentator. It would have been a tremendous match. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control kept it from happening, but just the fact that Jim put so much of himself into the idea underscores how supportive he was of women's wrestling. Jim was a real music lover as well. He always asked about my band, and where we were touring, and I always sent him the latest CDs we put out; he was always willing to give a well-thought-out personal review of of each project we did. Even though time and distance meant we never were able to "hang out" as often as we would have liked, I can still happily reflect on the stories this man had about wrestling which he shared to me in so many phone calls, letters and e-mails. Some were sad, and some were ridiculous and funny, but they were all fascinating, and he had so many stories to tell. Jim was an important part of wrestling history, and now he is gone. My condolences to his family, and I know the many wrestlers, associates, and fans will miss him just as I do. Rest In Peace, Jim. We all miss you. Randy |
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