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"Gunsmoke" marshall Dillion James Arness passes away at age 88

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Comment by Brandon Mysinger on June 3, 2011 at 12:50pm: It's eerie, I just watched the entire 1st and 2nd seasons again this lastweek when I had the time. And I just so happened to pull out my Marx Gunsmoke playset out on tuesday of this week.

This man was a LEGEND to MANY, MANY, MANY people. I'm so thankful I was able to collect his autographs that were personalized to me.

Looks like I will watch Gunsmoke again tonight.

Rest in Peace Marshal!

Boot Hill had better watch out

Comment by Steve Zarelli on June 3, 2011 at 12:56pm: What a sad passing. Truly one of the greats.

Gunsmoke was one of my all time favorites. The 30 minute black and white episodes are simply amazing.

Comment by CJCollector on June 3, 2011 at 9:53pm: RIP Matt Dillon.

I still watch Gunsmoke on TvLand. Awesome series. What made Gunsmoke so appealing are all of the characters like Festus, Ms. Kitty, The Doc, etc. and all of the wonderful guest stars, but it was James Arness that held everything together.

I will also always remember Mr. Arness as "The Thing."

Comment by DB on June 4, 2011 at 2:38am: Just posted this letter to his fans on my thread of Celebrity Passings ~ RIP but it can fit here equally as well that he wrote for his fans. Imagine that John Wayne turned downed Mr. Dillon but recommended Arness for the Role. .

Hi friends,

I decided to write a letter to you for Janet to post on our website in the event I was no longer here.

I had a wonderful life and was blessed with some many loving people and great friends. The best part of my life was my family, especially my wife Janet. Many of you met her at Dodge City so you understand what a special person she is.

I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for the many years of being a fan of Gunsmoke, The Thing, How the West Was Won and all the other fun projects I was lucky enough to have been allowed to be a part of. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years.

I was honored to have served in the army for my country. I was at Anzio during WWII and it makes you realize how very precious life is.

Thank you again for all the many letters, cards, emails and gifts we received from you over the years. You are and always have been truly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Jim Arness

Comment by CJCollector on June 4, 2011 at 5:28am: It's always sad when people pass away, but it is part of life, and one day all of us will head down the same road, but the wonderful world of DVD keeps our favorite actors, actresses, comedy duos, etc., alive.

My favorite comedy duo of all time is Abbott & Costello. And whether I pop in one of their hilarious movies or episodes from their TV series, it's then I realize that they will never die.

The magic of TV keeps all of them alive and keeps us laughing.

My favorite TV series of all time is The Honeymooners. Through the magic of TV and DVD, Ralph, Norton, Alice and Trixie (she is thankfully still with us) will always be there.

Comment by Brandon Mysinger on June 6, 2011 at 6:49am: For anyone that hasn't read his book. DO SO! It's a very good read with plenty of great Gunsmoke tales.

He graciously signed one that I bought from his site a few years back without me having to ask or pay more.

Where are the actors like James and Clayton Moore for today's entertainment world?

Comment by Robert Zarrillo on June 6, 2011 at 11:12am: I tried to get his autobiography some weeks ago but was told he was no longer signing. I was lucky enough to get a signed copy from Barnes and Noble's rare books web site - where they list dealers offering rare and signed books.

Comment by Steve Zarelli on June 6, 2011 at 11:25am: I have the book signed and inscribed to me. However, I will sheepishly admit I haven't read it yet. I seem to buy signed books faster than I can actually read them. :-)

Comment by Brian Shirk on May 10, 2012 at 7:53am: Does anyone have a image of the cerficate of authenticy for one of his auto pics. I have been trying to find on of his autos for sale.

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