Jim Lange, who for 58 years contributed unforgettable images to the editorial page of The Oklahoman, died late Thursday. He was 82 and had been in failing health in recent weeks. Lange retired in October, after a prodigious career as an editorial cartoonist for the daily newspaper in his adopted hometown. From 1950, when he joined The Oklahoman at the age of 24, until recent years, Lange produced seven cartoons a week. At retirement, he was still drawing five a week. No one, not even Lange, knew exactly how many cartoons he had published over his career, but it probably exceeded 19,000. Lange's tenure was the longest of any newsroom employee in the history of the newspaper, which has been published continuously since 1894. His most notable character was John Q. Public, Lange's cartoon sidekick who represented the common citizen trying to understand the political maneuvers of the powerful. James Jacob Lange was born Aug. 15, 1926, in Winnebago. Minn., and spent most of his early years in Dubuque, Iowa. Following a stint in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, he spent his GI Bill funds at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. He had always wanted to be an artist, he said. When he was a child, his parents kept him quiet in church with a pencil and paper. He worked in a series of temporary, adventurous jobs until he met the woman he wanted to marry. One of Lange's favorite stories was how his wife, the former Helen Johnstone, prompted him to come to Oklahoma. She refused to marry him, he said, until he had a real job. His professional peers honored him with awards. The causes and concerns he supported in his drawings offered frequent gratitude. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 1993. He was a director or officer of several civic and professional organizations, ranging from the Oklahoma City Zoological Society to the Oklahoma City Gridiron Foundation. Besides his wife Helen, survivors include two sons, Jim and Robert, both of Oklahoma City; a daughter, Nancy, of Columbia, Tenn.; and 11 grandchildren. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 2717 W Hefner Road. Services are being handled by the North Colonial Chapel of the Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary.
From the Daily Oklahoman
April 17, 2009∼Jim Lange dies at 82
Published: April 17, 2009
Jim Lange, who for 58 years contributed unforgettable images to the editorial page of The Oklahoman, died late Thursday.
He was 82 and had been in failing health in recent weeks.
"To readers, Jim Lange and his character, John Q. Public, were the voice of The Oklahoman," said Christy Everest, chairman and chief executive of The Oklahoma Publishing Co., which publishes The Oklahoman. "Many turned to the opinion page first to see how John Q. commented on the issue of the day. To me, Jim was a close, family friend, someone I've known my entire life. Three generations of the Gaylord family were privileged to work with him and call him their friend. We are saddened by the loss."
Lange retired in October, after a prodigious career as an editorial cartoonist for the daily newspaper in his adopted hometown. From 1950, when he joined The Oklahoman at the age of 24, until recent years, Lange produced seven cartoons a week. At retirement, he was still drawing five a week. No one, not even Lange, knew exactly how many cartoons he had published over his career, but it probably exceeded 19,000.
He was the only employee in the history of The Oklahoma Publishing Co. who worked closely with the three generations of the Gaylord family, who have owned The Oklahoman since 1903.Lange's tenure was the longest of any newsroom employee in the history of the newspaper, which has been published continuously since 1894.
James Jacob Lange was born Aug. 15, 1926, in Winnebago. Minn., and spent most of his early years in Dubuque, Iowa. Following a stint in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, he spent his GI Bill funds at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. He had always wanted to be an artist, he said. When he was a child, his parents kept him quiet in church with a pencil and paper.
He worked in a series of temporary, adventurous jobs until he met the woman he wanted to marry. One of Lange's favorite stories was how his wife, the former Helen Johnstone, prompted him to come to Oklahoma. She refused to marry him, he said, until he had a real job.
So he began researching newspapers that had no full-time political cartoonists. Not knowing the protocol, he wrote to E.K. Gaylord, the editor and publisher. Gaylord personally negotiated the terms of Lange's employment, which began Oct. 1, 1950.
His first cartoon featured then Gov. Roy Turner. Before long the trademarks of Lange's work began to appear, such as oil wells scattered in the background that identified scenes as Oklahoma. His most notable character was John Q. Public, Lange's cartoon sidekick who represented the common citizen trying to understand the political maneuvers of the powerful.
How he worked
Throughout his career, Lange's most advanced technology was a black felt- tip pen and poster board. Occasionally he would whip out a pen and draft an idea on a handy napkin.
Each morning, he checked newspaper and broadcast reports, so that he arrived at his office with several ideas for the day's cartoon. He made rough sketches of a half-dozen or so, then submitted them to the publisher or the editorial page editor. He completed the one selected. He once said in an interview that the newspaper's executives rarely told him what to draw; his political philosophy was close enough to theirs that he knew what they wanted.
Lange was a co-founder of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists and served a term as national president during the 1980s. His work was frequently included in the annual publication, Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year. A collection of his best work was published by The Oklahoman in the 1990s.
His professional peers honored him with awards. The causes and concerns he supported in his drawings offered frequent gratitude. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 1993. He was a director or officer of several civic and professional organizations, ranging from the Oklahoma City Zoological Society to the Oklahoma City Gridiron Foundation.
However, politicians and elected officials who appeared in his drawings were not always pleased with him. In a 2000 interview, on his 50th anniversary on the job, Lange said that the worst thing someone in his line of work could do to a politician, except ignore him completely, was to laugh at him.
His images helped put public issues in perspective, or helped readers express emotions about events that affected them. Lange punctured the posturings of many famous people; he insulted, scolded or ridiculed them when he thought it necessary. He also praised them when he deemed it appropriate. He didn't dislike anybody, he said once; he just didn't agree with some.
Often, his subjects called as soon as their morning papers were delivered to request the original sketches, no matter how insulting they were. His work hangs in many government offices, and the morning's cartoon was often the topic of conversation across Oklahoma.
Lange was a natural entertainer and storyteller. With drawing pad and pen for props, he performed for banquets, club meetings, conventions and fairs across the state. When he told jokes, he laughed more heartily and with more delight than his audience.
In the 2000 interview, Lange responded to a question about why he hadn't retired when the appropriate age arrived.
He said his job was just too good to leave.
Besides his wife Helen, survivors include two sons, Jim and Robert, both of Oklahoma City; a daughter, Nancy, of Columbia, Tenn.; and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending at the North Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuaries-Crematoriums.
∼Born August 15th, 1926, in Winnebago, Minnesota, Jim's life was characterized by his artistic talents, quick wit, and eternal sense of humor. After serving in World War II, Jim met and married the love of his life, Helen Johnstone. During their lifetime together they shared 58 years of marriage and a large family of 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
Jim never lost a sincere enjoyment of life and the people around him. He traveled extensively within the United States, as well as to more than 50 countries on 7 continents, forming lasting friendships in all corners of the world.
He was best known for his lengthy career at The Oklahoman, which spanned 58 years, approximately 20,000 cartoons, and the terms of thirteen US presidents, before taking "early retirement" last October.
However, Jim's influence extended far beyond the pages of the daily paper.
He was always extremely generous with both his talents and his time. His community involvement was broad spread, from Cub Scouts, Little League, and PTA when his children were young; to performing in choir and barbershop quartets; to the innumerable "chalk talk" presentations he gave to civic groups, schools, and charities throughout the state.
Jim loved his adopted state of Oklahoma deeply, and countless Oklahomans returned the sentiment. The loss of his influence and friendship will be keenly felt, not only by his family and close friends, but by numerous others across the state, country, and world.
From the Daily Oklahoman
April 17, 2009∼Jim Lange dies at 82
Published: April 17, 2009
Jim Lange, who for 58 years contributed unforgettable images to the editorial page of The Oklahoman, died late Thursday.
He was 82 and had been in failing health in recent weeks.
"To readers, Jim Lange and his character, John Q. Public, were the voice of The Oklahoman," said Christy Everest, chairman and chief executive of The Oklahoma Publishing Co., which publishes The Oklahoman. "Many turned to the opinion page first to see how John Q. commented on the issue of the day. To me, Jim was a close, family friend, someone I've known my entire life. Three generations of the Gaylord family were privileged to work with him and call him their friend. We are saddened by the loss."
Lange retired in October, after a prodigious career as an editorial cartoonist for the daily newspaper in his adopted hometown. From 1950, when he joined The Oklahoman at the age of 24, until recent years, Lange produced seven cartoons a week. At retirement, he was still drawing five a week. No one, not even Lange, knew exactly how many cartoons he had published over his career, but it probably exceeded 19,000.
He was the only employee in the history of The Oklahoma Publishing Co. who worked closely with the three generations of the Gaylord family, who have owned The Oklahoman since 1903.Lange's tenure was the longest of any newsroom employee in the history of the newspaper, which has been published continuously since 1894.
James Jacob Lange was born Aug. 15, 1926, in Winnebago. Minn., and spent most of his early years in Dubuque, Iowa. Following a stint in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, he spent his GI Bill funds at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. He had always wanted to be an artist, he said. When he was a child, his parents kept him quiet in church with a pencil and paper.
He worked in a series of temporary, adventurous jobs until he met the woman he wanted to marry. One of Lange's favorite stories was how his wife, the former Helen Johnstone, prompted him to come to Oklahoma. She refused to marry him, he said, until he had a real job.
So he began researching newspapers that had no full-time political cartoonists. Not knowing the protocol, he wrote to E.K. Gaylord, the editor and publisher. Gaylord personally negotiated the terms of Lange's employment, which began Oct. 1, 1950.
His first cartoon featured then Gov. Roy Turner. Before long the trademarks of Lange's work began to appear, such as oil wells scattered in the background that identified scenes as Oklahoma. His most notable character was John Q. Public, Lange's cartoon sidekick who represented the common citizen trying to understand the political maneuvers of the powerful.
How he worked
Throughout his career, Lange's most advanced technology was a black felt- tip pen and poster board. Occasionally he would whip out a pen and draft an idea on a handy napkin.
Each morning, he checked newspaper and broadcast reports, so that he arrived at his office with several ideas for the day's cartoon. He made rough sketches of a half-dozen or so, then submitted them to the publisher or the editorial page editor. He completed the one selected. He once said in an interview that the newspaper's executives rarely told him what to draw; his political philosophy was close enough to theirs that he knew what they wanted.
Lange was a co-founder of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists and served a term as national president during the 1980s. His work was frequently included in the annual publication, Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year. A collection of his best work was published by The Oklahoman in the 1990s.
His professional peers honored him with awards. The causes and concerns he supported in his drawings offered frequent gratitude. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 1993. He was a director or officer of several civic and professional organizations, ranging from the Oklahoma City Zoological Society to the Oklahoma City Gridiron Foundation.
However, politicians and elected officials who appeared in his drawings were not always pleased with him. In a 2000 interview, on his 50th anniversary on the job, Lange said that the worst thing someone in his line of work could do to a politician, except ignore him completely, was to laugh at him.
His images helped put public issues in perspective, or helped readers express emotions about events that affected them. Lange punctured the posturings of many famous people; he insulted, scolded or ridiculed them when he thought it necessary. He also praised them when he deemed it appropriate. He didn't dislike anybody, he said once; he just didn't agree with some.
Often, his subjects called as soon as their morning papers were delivered to request the original sketches, no matter how insulting they were. His work hangs in many government offices, and the morning's cartoon was often the topic of conversation across Oklahoma.
Lange was a natural entertainer and storyteller. With drawing pad and pen for props, he performed for banquets, club meetings, conventions and fairs across the state. When he told jokes, he laughed more heartily and with more delight than his audience.
In the 2000 interview, Lange responded to a question about why he hadn't retired when the appropriate age arrived.
He said his job was just too good to leave.
Besides his wife Helen, survivors include two sons, Jim and Robert, both of Oklahoma City; a daughter, Nancy, of Columbia, Tenn.; and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending at the North Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuaries-Crematoriums.
∼Born August 15th, 1926, in Winnebago, Minnesota, Jim's life was characterized by his artistic talents, quick wit, and eternal sense of humor. After serving in World War II, Jim met and married the love of his life, Helen Johnstone. During their lifetime together they shared 58 years of marriage and a large family of 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
Jim never lost a sincere enjoyment of life and the people around him. He traveled extensively within the United States, as well as to more than 50 countries on 7 continents, forming lasting friendships in all corners of the world.
He was best known for his lengthy career at The Oklahoman, which spanned 58 years, approximately 20,000 cartoons, and the terms of thirteen US presidents, before taking "early retirement" last October.
However, Jim's influence extended far beyond the pages of the daily paper.
He was always extremely generous with both his talents and his time. His community involvement was broad spread, from Cub Scouts, Little League, and PTA when his children were young; to performing in choir and barbershop quartets; to the innumerable "chalk talk" presentations he gave to civic groups, schools, and charities throughout the state.
Jim loved his adopted state of Oklahoma deeply, and countless Oklahomans returned the sentiment. The loss of his influence and friendship will be keenly felt, not only by his family and close friends, but by numerous others across the state, country, and world.
Jim Lange, who for 58 years contributed unforgettable images to the editorial page of The Oklahoman, died late Thursday. He was 82 and had been in failing health in recent weeks. Lange retired in October, after a prodigious career as an editorial cartoonist for the daily newspaper in his adopted hometown. From 1950, when he joined The Oklahoman at the age of 24, until recent years, Lange produced seven cartoons a week. At retirement, he was still drawing five a week. No one, not even Lange, knew exactly how many cartoons he had published over his career, but it probably exceeded 19,000. Lange's tenure was the longest of any newsroom employee in the history of the newspaper, which has been published continuously since 1894. His most notable character was John Q. Public, Lange's cartoon sidekick who represented the common citizen trying to understand the political maneuvers of the powerful. James Jacob Lange was born Aug. 15, 1926, in Winnebago. Minn., and spent most of his early years in Dubuque, Iowa. Following a stint in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, he spent his GI Bill funds at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. He had always wanted to be an artist, he said. When he was a child, his parents kept him quiet in church with a pencil and paper. He worked in a series of temporary, adventurous jobs until he met the woman he wanted to marry. One of Lange's favorite stories was how his wife, the former Helen Johnstone, prompted him to come to Oklahoma. She refused to marry him, he said, until he had a real job. His professional peers honored him with awards. The causes and concerns he supported in his drawings offered frequent gratitude. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 1993. He was a director or officer of several civic and professional organizations, ranging from the Oklahoma City Zoological Society to the Oklahoma City Gridiron Foundation. Besides his wife Helen, survivors include two sons, Jim and Robert, both of Oklahoma City; a daughter, Nancy, of Columbia, Tenn.; and 11 grandchildren. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 2717 W Hefner Road. Services are being handled by the North Colonial Chapel of the Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary.
From the Daily Oklahoman
April 17, 2009∼Jim Lange dies at 82
Published: April 17, 2009
Jim Lange, who for 58 years contributed unforgettable images to the editorial page of The Oklahoman, died late Thursday.
He was 82 and had been in failing health in recent weeks.
"To readers, Jim Lange and his character, John Q. Public, were the voice of The Oklahoman," said Christy Everest, chairman and chief executive of The Oklahoma Publishing Co., which publishes The Oklahoman. "Many turned to the opinion page first to see how John Q. commented on the issue of the day. To me, Jim was a close, family friend, someone I've known my entire life. Three generations of the Gaylord family were privileged to work with him and call him their friend. We are saddened by the loss."
Lange retired in October, after a prodigious career as an editorial cartoonist for the daily newspaper in his adopted hometown. From 1950, when he joined The Oklahoman at the age of 24, until recent years, Lange produced seven cartoons a week. At retirement, he was still drawing five a week. No one, not even Lange, knew exactly how many cartoons he had published over his career, but it probably exceeded 19,000.
He was the only employee in the history of The Oklahoma Publishing Co. who worked closely with the three generations of the Gaylord family, who have owned The Oklahoman since 1903.Lange's tenure was the longest of any newsroom employee in the history of the newspaper, which has been published continuously since 1894.
James Jacob Lange was born Aug. 15, 1926, in Winnebago. Minn., and spent most of his early years in Dubuque, Iowa. Following a stint in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, he spent his GI Bill funds at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. He had always wanted to be an artist, he said. When he was a child, his parents kept him quiet in church with a pencil and paper.
He worked in a series of temporary, adventurous jobs until he met the woman he wanted to marry. One of Lange's favorite stories was how his wife, the former Helen Johnstone, prompted him to come to Oklahoma. She refused to marry him, he said, until he had a real job.
So he began researching newspapers that had no full-time political cartoonists. Not knowing the protocol, he wrote to E.K. Gaylord, the editor and publisher. Gaylord personally negotiated the terms of Lange's employment, which began Oct. 1, 1950.
His first cartoon featured then Gov. Roy Turner. Before long the trademarks of Lange's work began to appear, such as oil wells scattered in the background that identified scenes as Oklahoma. His most notable character was John Q. Public, Lange's cartoon sidekick who represented the common citizen trying to understand the political maneuvers of the powerful.
How he worked
Throughout his career, Lange's most advanced technology was a black felt- tip pen and poster board. Occasionally he would whip out a pen and draft an idea on a handy napkin.
Each morning, he checked newspaper and broadcast reports, so that he arrived at his office with several ideas for the day's cartoon. He made rough sketches of a half-dozen or so, then submitted them to the publisher or the editorial page editor. He completed the one selected. He once said in an interview that the newspaper's executives rarely told him what to draw; his political philosophy was close enough to theirs that he knew what they wanted.
Lange was a co-founder of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists and served a term as national president during the 1980s. His work was frequently included in the annual publication, Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year. A collection of his best work was published by The Oklahoman in the 1990s.
His professional peers honored him with awards. The causes and concerns he supported in his drawings offered frequent gratitude. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 1993. He was a director or officer of several civic and professional organizations, ranging from the Oklahoma City Zoological Society to the Oklahoma City Gridiron Foundation.
However, politicians and elected officials who appeared in his drawings were not always pleased with him. In a 2000 interview, on his 50th anniversary on the job, Lange said that the worst thing someone in his line of work could do to a politician, except ignore him completely, was to laugh at him.
His images helped put public issues in perspective, or helped readers express emotions about events that affected them. Lange punctured the posturings of many famous people; he insulted, scolded or ridiculed them when he thought it necessary. He also praised them when he deemed it appropriate. He didn't dislike anybody, he said once; he just didn't agree with some.
Often, his subjects called as soon as their morning papers were delivered to request the original sketches, no matter how insulting they were. His work hangs in many government offices, and the morning's cartoon was often the topic of conversation across Oklahoma.
Lange was a natural entertainer and storyteller. With drawing pad and pen for props, he performed for banquets, club meetings, conventions and fairs across the state. When he told jokes, he laughed more heartily and with more delight than his audience.
In the 2000 interview, Lange responded to a question about why he hadn't retired when the appropriate age arrived.
He said his job was just too good to leave.
Besides his wife Helen, survivors include two sons, Jim and Robert, both of Oklahoma City; a daughter, Nancy, of Columbia, Tenn.; and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending at the North Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuaries-Crematoriums.
∼Born August 15th, 1926, in Winnebago, Minnesota, Jim's life was characterized by his artistic talents, quick wit, and eternal sense of humor. After serving in World War II, Jim met and married the love of his life, Helen Johnstone. During their lifetime together they shared 58 years of marriage and a large family of 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
Jim never lost a sincere enjoyment of life and the people around him. He traveled extensively within the United States, as well as to more than 50 countries on 7 continents, forming lasting friendships in all corners of the world.
He was best known for his lengthy career at The Oklahoman, which spanned 58 years, approximately 20,000 cartoons, and the terms of thirteen US presidents, before taking "early retirement" last October.
However, Jim's influence extended far beyond the pages of the daily paper.
He was always extremely generous with both his talents and his time. His community involvement was broad spread, from Cub Scouts, Little League, and PTA when his children were young; to performing in choir and barbershop quartets; to the innumerable "chalk talk" presentations he gave to civic groups, schools, and charities throughout the state.
Jim loved his adopted state of Oklahoma deeply, and countless Oklahomans returned the sentiment. The loss of his influence and friendship will be keenly felt, not only by his family and close friends, but by numerous others across the state, country, and world.
From the Daily Oklahoman
April 17, 2009∼Jim Lange dies at 82
Published: April 17, 2009
Jim Lange, who for 58 years contributed unforgettable images to the editorial page of The Oklahoman, died late Thursday.
He was 82 and had been in failing health in recent weeks.
"To readers, Jim Lange and his character, John Q. Public, were the voice of The Oklahoman," said Christy Everest, chairman and chief executive of The Oklahoma Publishing Co., which publishes The Oklahoman. "Many turned to the opinion page first to see how John Q. commented on the issue of the day. To me, Jim was a close, family friend, someone I've known my entire life. Three generations of the Gaylord family were privileged to work with him and call him their friend. We are saddened by the loss."
Lange retired in October, after a prodigious career as an editorial cartoonist for the daily newspaper in his adopted hometown. From 1950, when he joined The Oklahoman at the age of 24, until recent years, Lange produced seven cartoons a week. At retirement, he was still drawing five a week. No one, not even Lange, knew exactly how many cartoons he had published over his career, but it probably exceeded 19,000.
He was the only employee in the history of The Oklahoma Publishing Co. who worked closely with the three generations of the Gaylord family, who have owned The Oklahoman since 1903.Lange's tenure was the longest of any newsroom employee in the history of the newspaper, which has been published continuously since 1894.
James Jacob Lange was born Aug. 15, 1926, in Winnebago. Minn., and spent most of his early years in Dubuque, Iowa. Following a stint in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, he spent his GI Bill funds at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. He had always wanted to be an artist, he said. When he was a child, his parents kept him quiet in church with a pencil and paper.
He worked in a series of temporary, adventurous jobs until he met the woman he wanted to marry. One of Lange's favorite stories was how his wife, the former Helen Johnstone, prompted him to come to Oklahoma. She refused to marry him, he said, until he had a real job.
So he began researching newspapers that had no full-time political cartoonists. Not knowing the protocol, he wrote to E.K. Gaylord, the editor and publisher. Gaylord personally negotiated the terms of Lange's employment, which began Oct. 1, 1950.
His first cartoon featured then Gov. Roy Turner. Before long the trademarks of Lange's work began to appear, such as oil wells scattered in the background that identified scenes as Oklahoma. His most notable character was John Q. Public, Lange's cartoon sidekick who represented the common citizen trying to understand the political maneuvers of the powerful.
How he worked
Throughout his career, Lange's most advanced technology was a black felt- tip pen and poster board. Occasionally he would whip out a pen and draft an idea on a handy napkin.
Each morning, he checked newspaper and broadcast reports, so that he arrived at his office with several ideas for the day's cartoon. He made rough sketches of a half-dozen or so, then submitted them to the publisher or the editorial page editor. He completed the one selected. He once said in an interview that the newspaper's executives rarely told him what to draw; his political philosophy was close enough to theirs that he knew what they wanted.
Lange was a co-founder of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists and served a term as national president during the 1980s. His work was frequently included in the annual publication, Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year. A collection of his best work was published by The Oklahoman in the 1990s.
His professional peers honored him with awards. The causes and concerns he supported in his drawings offered frequent gratitude. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 1993. He was a director or officer of several civic and professional organizations, ranging from the Oklahoma City Zoological Society to the Oklahoma City Gridiron Foundation.
However, politicians and elected officials who appeared in his drawings were not always pleased with him. In a 2000 interview, on his 50th anniversary on the job, Lange said that the worst thing someone in his line of work could do to a politician, except ignore him completely, was to laugh at him.
His images helped put public issues in perspective, or helped readers express emotions about events that affected them. Lange punctured the posturings of many famous people; he insulted, scolded or ridiculed them when he thought it necessary. He also praised them when he deemed it appropriate. He didn't dislike anybody, he said once; he just didn't agree with some.
Often, his subjects called as soon as their morning papers were delivered to request the original sketches, no matter how insulting they were. His work hangs in many government offices, and the morning's cartoon was often the topic of conversation across Oklahoma.
Lange was a natural entertainer and storyteller. With drawing pad and pen for props, he performed for banquets, club meetings, conventions and fairs across the state. When he told jokes, he laughed more heartily and with more delight than his audience.
In the 2000 interview, Lange responded to a question about why he hadn't retired when the appropriate age arrived.
He said his job was just too good to leave.
Besides his wife Helen, survivors include two sons, Jim and Robert, both of Oklahoma City; a daughter, Nancy, of Columbia, Tenn.; and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending at the North Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuaries-Crematoriums.
∼Born August 15th, 1926, in Winnebago, Minnesota, Jim's life was characterized by his artistic talents, quick wit, and eternal sense of humor. After serving in World War II, Jim met and married the love of his life, Helen Johnstone. During their lifetime together they shared 58 years of marriage and a large family of 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
Jim never lost a sincere enjoyment of life and the people around him. He traveled extensively within the United States, as well as to more than 50 countries on 7 continents, forming lasting friendships in all corners of the world.
He was best known for his lengthy career at The Oklahoman, which spanned 58 years, approximately 20,000 cartoons, and the terms of thirteen US presidents, before taking "early retirement" last October.
However, Jim's influence extended far beyond the pages of the daily paper.
He was always extremely generous with both his talents and his time. His community involvement was broad spread, from Cub Scouts, Little League, and PTA when his children were young; to performing in choir and barbershop quartets; to the innumerable "chalk talk" presentations he gave to civic groups, schools, and charities throughout the state.
Jim loved his adopted state of Oklahoma deeply, and countless Oklahomans returned the sentiment. The loss of his influence and friendship will be keenly felt, not only by his family and close friends, but by numerous others across the state, country, and world.
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