Rockford Rides On

It was just back in April I noted an interesting story in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the gold 1974 Pontiac Firebird Esprit featured in televisions hit show, The Rockford Files. James Garner played Jim Rockford, a likeable down on his luck private investigator.

 

James Garner in 74 Pontiac Firebird/Photos GM Acdhives

Sadly, over the weekend, we learned of the death of James Garner, who among other stellar roles, was well known for his portrayal of private investigator Jim Rockford in NBC's The Rockford Files.
Garner, tall and handsome, player the role brilliantly, in many ways acting like himself.

Garner, also well known for his Maverick role, was much more than a heartthrob actor.  He was a war hero, winning a purple heart in the Korean War.  Garner was sadly described as a lifelong Democrat, was a very good golfer, playing in many pro-am tournaments and was heavily involved in auto racing, owning LeMans teams and driving the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 on several occasions.  He was also an Oklahoma Roughneck, cheering the Sooners on each fall Saturday.

I did meet him very briefly back in the early eighties at a golf function, and he seemed larger than life at the time.  Certainly, we enjoyed his work, are grateful for his service to our great nation, and will miss him.