Passing of John Billingsley

[sb1]

Received a phone call today that long time hobby dealer/friend John Billingsley of San Antonio had passed away a few weeks ago from cancer.

John was very active in the 1990's and early 2000's in mail order and shows, from the local level to the National. He was very knowledgeable in all areas of pre-war and post-war card.

A big jovial guy, that always had a smile on his face and was happy to talk anyone about anything. He will be missed by many!

[nolemmings]

RIP John. I only met him a time or three at the National but enjoyed spending several minutes chatting. Was so impressed the first time that I bought something that I really didn't collect at the time just to throw a little business his way, although he was doing just fine anyway:

Very sorry to hear he left us, and of course, my condolences to family and friends.

[Runscott]

That is sad to hear. His obituary is worth reading - easy to google.

[Leon]

This one hits home. Very saddened to hear this. Getting old really sucks. He was a San Antonio guy if I recall correctly. Used to Set up with good friend Jon Richmond. .. What a great guy he was. Had wonderful conversations, and did deals with him many times, over the years. I will miss him...RIP John.

[Michael Peich]

I am very sorry to learn of John's passing. I met him at my first National and bought some T206s from him. The following year I was interested in M116s and he had quite a few that ended up in my collection, although what I remember most was his knowledge and insights about the set. The last time I saw him he had CJs, especially Federal League players, that no one seemed interested in. I bought a number of those from him at what seemed, in hindsight, extremely reasonable prices. He had a real sense of what was undervalued, and shared that with me and others.

He was a good man and a fun person to be around.

Rest in peace, John,
Mike

[Brian Van Horn]

One of my favorite people to talk with at shows. My condolences.

[rjackson44]

Rest in peace

[Steve D]

This hits very close to home for me, as I bought cards (an E90-1 Honus Wagner comes to mind) from John and enjoyed his friendship, even visiting him once at his home (I live less than 5 miles from him). He was a good man, retired senior master sergeant (E-8) from the US Air Force, and a good friend. I've missed seeing him over the last couple of years.

Rest in Peace John.

Steve

[Exhibitman]

RIP, John.

[HRBAKER]

A favorite of mine.
RIP John B.

[autograf]

Always enjoyed talking with and buying from John. He was indeed a jovial guy and enjoyed seeing John and John (Richmond) at the national throughout the years. RIP John B.

[oldjudge]

My condolences to John’s family. I remember dealing with John ten plus years ago. Great guy, always fun to chat with. Rest in peace my friend.

[jbsports33]

Prayers and Toughts to his family

[Vintagecatcher]

Sad to hear of John Billingsley's passing.

I remember buying cards from him when I first started collecting.



Patrick

[Fred]

John was a class act in the hobby.

[Joe_G.]

Very sad news, a class act. I used to watch his listings on eBay (billjo) in great anticipation, I remember obtaining the following back in '04. RIP, prayers to family & friends.

[BeanTown]

Rest In Peace John. We had great conversations at the National back in early 2000s. He helped out a buddy of mine in a time of need, to move a large collection of smaller dollar cards on eBay and barely charged him. Class act all the way around and will be missed.

[rebelsart]

Very sad news. I had many visits and communications with John over the years. Really knowledgeable and kind. Rest in peace John.

[Griffins]

I bought a card on ebay from John about 10-12 years ago, and asked him if he had any others since I was still missing half a dozen cards from the set. 45 minutes later he called me with the numbers of 2 other dealers that had what I was looking for- he'd picked up the phone and tracked down the cards I needed for the set. He was always good to chat with at shows, and after helping me out I'd make a point to find something on his table.
Rest in peace John.

[timn1]

I don't have much to add to what others have said, but John was indeed one of the really nice guys at the shows, and I remember buying quite a bit, and learning quite a bit, from him.

RIP John. I purchased a few cards from John in years past and always had a great experience. I never knew him well personally, but by reputation, and he was a very well-liked and respected guy.

[Yoda]

As straightforward, honest and humorous guy as you could hope to meet. We could use more like him in the hobby. RIP, John

[tedzan]

I met John in 1991, he contacted me regarding a 1949 BOWMAN set. We became instant friends since we loved to share stories of our Air Force experiences.
For many years we bought, sold, and traded an eclectic group of cards (Cracker Jack's, U.S. Caramel's, Delong's, Goudey's, Play Ball's, BOWMAN's, etc.).

GOD BLESS your soul, John. And, may GOD comfort your Family.

You will be greatly missed.


TED Z
.

[kkkkandp]

John was incredibly approachable and one of the first dealers I ever interacted with that actually made good on promises to keep an eye on my want list and contact me with cards I'd like to have. My Old Judge collection is richer by a Tip O'Neill and a Bill Stemmeyer thanks to him.

But the cream of the crop was the card below. Back in 2002 I contacted Scott Brockelman about helping me find a reasonably-priced T204 Jesse Burkett. John was the guy Scott put me in contact with. John and I worked out a mutually beneficial arrangement and I still consider that card to be one of the best acquisitions I ever made for my collection.

John was a down-to-earth, honest, friendly guy. He will be sorely missed. RIP, John!