In Memoriam: Jim Marrinan

March 26, 2012 World Screen
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NEW YORK: All of us at World Screen mourn the passing of industry veteran Jim Marrinan, who died unexpectedly this past weekend of a heart attack. We join other television executives in paying tribute to Jim.

 

"Jim will be remembered not only as a consummate professional, but as a kind friend who was always available to listen and offer advice," says Anna Carugati, the group editorial director of World Screen. "Whenever I would meet him he would immediately ask about my children. I remember seeing Jim at MIPCOM the autumn my son went off to college. I was so sad and concerned because he never called home. I told Jim and he replied, ‘Anna, that means you have given him everything he needs, materially and emotionally. Besides college kids only call home if they have a problem or need money! So if he doesn’t call it means he is fine.’"
 
"When I started the magazine, Jim invited me to his office in mid-town Manhattan, and after he spent a good amount of time explaining the business to me, he asked me if I wanted to continue our conversation at a bar in his building," comments Ricardo Guise, the president and publisher of World Screen. “I will never forget that conversation. He was extremely funny, kind, patient and generous with his time. And that is the Jim I will always remember, a truly wonderful human being."
 
Marion Edwards, the president of Twentieth Century Fox International Television, says: “Indeed this is a sad day and one filled with touching remembrances of Jim. I spoke with him recently and he was so full of pride in his family and the accomplishments of his children. He asked [about] my family and was genuinely interested in what they were doing. He was a man who put personal connections first, business second, which, in my mind, is the correct order for a happy life. We will all miss him.”
 
Peter Iacono, the managing director of international television at Lionsgate, comments: “Jim was truly exceptional. His brilliant smile, hearty laugh and life force were an inspiration. We are better for having known him and our lives made brighter with every moment with him. May his family take some small comfort in this difficult time knowing that he touched us all and he will be missed terribly.”
 
Blair Westlake, the corporate VP of the media and entertainment group at Microsoft, comments: “Like so many others, I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Jim’s passing. I just saw Jim at NATPE, and like every other time, I was met with his ever-present smile and always-upbeat greeting. I have been reflecting on the huge loss to his family, and for his many colleagues from around the world. The emails about Jim are just one example of the impact he had on so many. Jim was a gentleman, and a ‘gentle-man,’ in every sense. He will be missed, and he leaves a huge void. Jim was in a league of his own. God bless you, Jim.”
 
Hal Richardson, the president of worldwide television distribution at Paramount, says: “Jim was kind, generous, funny, smart, professional and a good friend. He will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to have him cross their path.”
 
Fred Cohen, the chairman of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, comments: "All of Jim’s many friends and colleagues around the world will dearly miss him. Until a few years ago, Jim was a dedicated member of the International TV Academy. Jim reflected ‘the best’ of the international TV community: honest, hardworking, extremely bright and creative. He loved his family and was a great storyteller. Unfortunately, his story ended too soon."
 
Stephen Davis, the president of Hasbro Studios, says: “Jim was truly one of the good guys in our business. Smart, kind, dependable, great fun to be around and he never lost his sense of humor. There is a deep hole in my heart at his passing.”
 
Jon Kramer, the chairman and CEO of Rive Gauche Television, comments: “I was lucky enough to get to work with Jim the last 15 years and got to know him personally and professionally. For all of us there was no better friend than Jim. He was an extremely versatile and talented executive with the highest ethical standards. I know [that I,] like the rest of the people Jim came in contact with, will miss him and think of him often.”
 
David Ellender, the global CEO of FremantleMedia Enterprises, says: "I was very saddened by the news over the weekend about Jim’s passing. I first met Jim in the late ’80’s, [when] I joined Viacom International, from BBC Enterprises as a ‘greenhorn director of sales,’ based in the U.K. and Jim was senior VP in NYC. Although Jim wasn’t my boss he mentored me, kept me out of trouble and guided me through my first year in the company. Jim was a good man, compassionate, genuine, honest…and always of good humor, always an arm around the shoulder. Since our time together at Viacom we remained industry friends. I will miss him as many of his friends from the global TV community will miss him too. A very sad time."
 
Bernard Majani, the director of acquisitions at M6, says: "This is so sad. I have just lost my best friend. He was such a good man."

Gary Marenzi, the former co-president of worldwide television at MGM Studios, adds: "I don’t think I ever saw Jim without a smile on his face or a warm and humorous phrase on his tongue—did you? He was infectiously positive and incredibly generous to all of us. That’s the way I’ll remember Jim, and that’s probably the best legacy that anyone can ever hope to leave behind for us to celebrate."
 
Gavin Reardon, the head of international distribution and co-production at Incendo, says: "I wouldn’t be anywhere in this business if it weren’t for him. He was a mentor and a friend."
 
David Wollos, partner and head of business development at Entertainment Media Consultants, comments, "Jim was a wonderful and thoughtful friend. His comradery and humor will always be remembered. There are so many positive thoughts that have left their impression…. It was an honor and privilege to have known Jim all these years! He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered."
 
Rainer Siek, the founder of MT.NY, says: “I laughed more with Jim than with anyone else in this industry. This is the Jim we all remember, a bundle of joy. However, when I started working with him, I learnt about another side of Jim, his strong ethics and morality based in his faith. These two sides formed the character that made Jim a real ‘mensch.’”