Jimmy Dean: Far More Than Just A Country Gentleman

Grand Rants ^ | 06-15-10 | Gerry Ashley

[Stoutcat]

I’m at that awkward age where I’m able to remember what a great country America has been and how the freedom we have here enables anyone to rise from abject poverty to a millionaire if he/she has the right work ethic and the right values. Maybe that’s why it bothers me so to see what political correctness and the attempts by the Obama administration to “fundamentally change America as we know it” have done to us as a culture as well as a country.

And nothing better illustrates those simple, old-fashioned values than the life of a gentleman who passed away this past week-end: country music star and successful businessman Jimmy Dean. Many people remember him for his Jimmy Dean Sausages (and the folksy advertisements he did for the company). Most people my age and older also remember him for his success in the field of country music.

I’ll always remember him for both, but principally as a country gentleman who stood by his word and expected others to do the same. He personified all of the promise that America offers to those who are willing to work for their goals...

[DM1]

Jimmy Dean also played a Howard Hughes type of character in Daimonds are Forever with Sean Connery

[relictele]

Of all the people I never expected to see paired together in a film I would put Sean Connery and Jimmy Dean at the top of the list but maybe that’s a comment on the madness of the early 70s when the incredible Technicolor creative explosion of the 1960s was having its comedown.

I admit I didn’t know much about Jimmy Dean beyond his novelty hit and the sausage commercials but I loved his honey-dipped accent.

[OKSooner]

“At the bottom of this pit lies a big, big man: Big John.” :)

[Bearshouse]

If you listen to the audio at the end of this article, carry tissues.

[bcsco]

You beat me to it. I’m listening now, and it’s fantastic.

[PGalt]

Very nice tribute to Jimmy Dean and his very nice tribute to mom.

R.I.P. Jimmy Dean

Condolences to his family and friends.

love

[E. Pluribus Unum]

IOU

Corrected.

[Non-Sequitur]

Every morning at the mine, you could see him arrive...he stood 6 foot 6 and weighed two fory-five...kinda broad at the shoulders and narrow at the hips...and everybody knew you didn’t give no lip...to Big John...

[killermosquito]

I remember Jimmy Dean appearing on the old Daniel Boone show which starred Fess Parker.

[The Sons of Liberty]

For years I kept a copy of these lyrics taped to my refrigerator as a reminder. They say a lot about the man.

"DRINKING FROM MY SAUCER aka MY CUP RUNNETH OVER; DRINK FROM THE SAUCER"
Jimmy Dean

"I never made a fortune and it's probably too late now
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow
And as I go along life's journey, I'm reaping better than I sowed
I'm drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.

I ain't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the goings tough
but I've got kids who love me and that makes me rich enough
I just thank God for his blessings and the mercies he's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, and my faith got a little thin
but then all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeked through again
so Lord help me not to gripe about the tough rows I hoed
I'm drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.

And if God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough
I'll not ask for another blessing, I'm already blessed enough
And may I never be too busy to help another bear his load
I'll keep drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed."

[Fiji Hill]

He also did PT-109--a song that probably is not too popular among members of FR.

[pingman]

Yeah, but how about those breakfast sausages? Mmmmmm Mmmmmm good!

[mkjessup]

Thanks for posting this FRiend, I am embarrassed to say that I somehow missed the news of Jimmy Dean’s passing this past Sunday, he was always one of my favorite country artists, and Jimmy Dean sausage became one of my favorite breakfast items too.

Jimmy Dean was also a United States Air Force veteran, having served in the late 1940’s.

Rest in Peace Sir.

[ArkansasBushfan]

For those of you that don’t really know Jimmy Dean he was a royal jerk.

[Deaf Smith]

Well, he did burn his bridges in Texas for as his sausage business goes. His corn suppliers and hog producers went co-op and held out for higher prices...he wouldn't pay and moved his operations up north.

[Fiji Hill]

My favorite Jimmy Dean song--Bumming Around (1953)

[AFreeBird]

So as a businessman, his suppliers raised their prices, he found it cheaper elsewhere, and moved there.

What’s wrong with that? Isn’t that how a free market is supposed to work?

[Deaf Smith]

I didn't state it was wrong. He was a man of his word and his suppliers didn't believe that he would leave Texas if they didn't move back to market price.

Others may know if he ever visited Plainview after that.