Reflection #63 (Only
1013 to go): A Pleasant Surprise
While it is probably true that my knowledge of Saint
Ignatius’ history is above average, based on my 53 year involvement, still my
total experience is like a single thread in the tapestry of the entire history
of the school, both in length and breadth.
I’m always interested in
broadening my knowledge, so I was very
happy to receive an email from an Ignatius alumnus from the class of 1960.
In “Reminiscence #35”, I had
invited the readers to help me complete a list of some Ignatius graduates who
had made a name for themselves in theater or journalism. Eric James, ’60, responded to tell me about
his career. For those of you from, or
around, the class of ’60, Eric’s name when he was at Ignatius was Harry F.
James. Here, in Eric’s own words, is his
story*:
“In 1959 St Ignatius entered the
Chicago Theater Festival of one act plays. I had the lead role, playing a drug
addict in Hatful of Rain. The play
earned me a scholarship to Loyola. At
Loyola, I was an English major, because Iggy taught me to go for a heavyweight
and not lightweight education. I then was recruited with a scholarship to the
Goodman Theater at the Art Institute. By that time I was self supporting as a
professional actor, performing in Chicago theaters with countless heavy
weight stars. I never got my college degree because the William Morris Agency
signed me and I moved to New York, where I appeared in a number of Broadway productions,
including Boys in the Band, in which
I had the lead role
By this
time I was married to Delia Sheen, a niece of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. While I
was appearing on the road in my play in LA, Delia informed me the movers were
on their way. In LA I did shows like Colombo,
Name of the Game, and some others,
including a soap opera with Dana Andrews, called Bright Promise, which Dana and I relabeled as Dimwit Hope. We both
were fired for having a poor attitude, then NBC cancelled the program.
When my two sons were born I vacated my 16 years in show
business, and traded for a 35 year career in international real estate
brokerage. For a decade I was a weekly columnist for California's Daily
"Law" Journal. Everyone thought I was a lawyer. I was just a
smart, good actor.”
Most recently Eric has been busy writing a series of books about
the history of the James Family which included Jesse and Frank James. The first volume of the series earned the
prestigious Milton F. Perry Award last year. This award, which is named after the founder
of the Harry S. Truman Library, recognizes his ground breaking historical
research and reporting.
Eric ended his email by saying, “Not a bad resume for a
disadvantaged kid from the projects of Bridgeport, I say. I don't believe it
would have been half as successful had I not received my classical
education at Ignatius, and especially for the experimental history course
I was selected for in my junior year, which, together with my forensics
training, truly taught me critical thinking and communication. I am
forever grateful.
I monitor
Ignatius via Facebook and am thrilled by everything I see. I am so
envious. I would like to re-enroll for
the new experience. St. Ignatius College Prep is a world class treasure.”
*There’s more to it,
but that’ll suffice for now.
VISIT Stray Leaves - Official Web Site for the family of
Frank & Jesse James
www.ericjames.org
READ Jesse James Soul Liberty, by Eric F. James -
Authorized Biographical History of the Jesse James family
Winner of the Milton F. Perry Award 2013
http://jessejamessoulliberty.ericjames.org/
