Thanks Joe

My first newspaper job was at the Marietta Daily Journal. I wasn’t an editorial cartoonist — I was one of three advertising artists. My task was to design smaller ads and spec ads for the ad reps. Sure, it wasn’t exactly my dream job of drawing cartoons. But my foot was in the door and I was no longer cleaning toilets at Pope High School. I considered it a huge win.

The editorial page editor’s name was Joe Kirby. Joe was smart, well-plugged into the goings on in Cobb County (where we lived) and loved World War 2. You couldn’t help but like the guy. I didn’t have a lot of my cartoons printed back then but he supported my dream and encouraged a young, developing artist. I loved stopping by his office to chat. I considered him a friend.

I still do.

I left the MDJ a year later and moved on to Conroe, Texas. There my cartoons were syndicated in hundreds of papers — one being the . Joe used my work and considered me a local boy done good. Thanks to Facebook we have kept up and I’ve had the pleasure of watching he and his wife raise a beautiful daughter. I’ve also watched him battle some scary health problems and kick them in the teeth.

Joe’s tough. A real fighter.

I’m sitting here this morning writing on creativity and thinking of Joe. Joe has been handed a battle that will be very, very tough for him to win. Cancer has invaded his body. He will live the rest of this days at home surrounded by his amazing family.

On this rainy Sunday morning, rain isn’t the only water hitting my cheeks.

I have told Joe a hundred times I’d stop by the paper and have lunch with him. I never did. Why? I took time for granted. I was always rushing around when I came to Marietta to see family. Joe hasn’t taken time for granted. He has lived an amazing life and will do so until the day he closes his eyes for the last time. We all should more like Joe.

Forty-seven years into my life, I am reminded how much I take time for granted. As I write my ideas about creativity, I know one thing for a fact: I must become a cartooning warrior. I must attack my art head on and live every moment to the fullest. I must be the servant who uses his talent to the fullest.

No more procrastination.
No more wasted moments.
No more wasted talent.

Joe Kirby’s goodness will live on his daughter, his wife and everyone who knew him. He is as close to George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life as I’ve met. And on this gray, raining Sunday morning, I vow he will live on in my work.

Thanks Joe Kirby​. You were among the first to believe in me. You will forever be my friend and in my heart until the day I die.