R.I.P. Jimmy Catanzaro

[perezfan]

I'm very sad to hear this news. I knew Jimmy was struggling with multiple health issues, but had no idea it was that far advanced.

He and I traded a few times, and he was a pillar of honesty, integrity, and generosity. Occasionally we would send each other cool pieces just as a surprise. He knew I liked Tony Perez, and sent me some killer early-career photos. No money was ever exchanged and nothing was expected in return (although he and I always reciprocated in some fashion).

Jimmy truly appreciated the good stuff, and had impeccable taste. He was an innovator, and was well ahead of his time when it came to Original Photos. And I agree with Scott... Net54 has never been the same since he departed. He created so many thought-provoking posts, and was the very best at getting other collectors involved and engaged. Jimmy was just a stellar human being.

RIP

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

Jimmy and I had a brief interaction this summer when he commented on my Babe Ruth Type 1 Thread. While many saw his post as antagonistic at the time, he kindly messaged me via PM and continued to give me advice as well as exchange contact information should I ever need any advice. I never had the chance to truly pick his brain and wish I had as he seemed very knowledgeable, and even better... a great person.

RIP.

[ooo-ribay]

It kinda blows my mind that Jimmy had recently won at least $10,000 worth of Beatles stuff on ebay that he will never get to enjoy. His Beatles collection must be unbelievable.

If anyone is able to post pictures of Jimmy's Beatles treasures, I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one interested in seeing them. I don't think Leon would mind, either.

Condolences to those who knew and loved Jimmy.

[Baseball Rarities]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

If anyone is able to post pictures of Jimmy's Beatles treasures, I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one interested in seeing them. I don't think Leon would mind, either.

http://sportscollectorsdaily.ning.co...=2xuiqhl7zwhto

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by Baseball Rarities

http://sportscollectorsdaily.ning.co...=2xuiqhl7zwhto

Thank you. This is going to be great to go through.....I appreciate collections of ANYTHING!

[prewarsports]

I echo everything positive Ben said as his comments are spot on and very moving. Like many others on here, I have known Jimmy for a long time and he is also one of the reasons I got into photos on a large scale. In many ways, he shaped the focus of my interests in vintage photography and I dont think RMY Auctions would exist without him. He helped build the industry that is now so popular among thousands of collectors and he deserves a ton of credit. We spoke often, at least every other month, for several years about all sorts of stuff but he loved to talk about Gehrig and the Beatles. He told me the same story about a Gehrig telegram he owned at least five times, but I liked hearing it every time because he was so passionate about the things he loved. I always knew when I saw his number on my phone that the conversation was going to be enjoyable, but long, so I had to make sure I set aside at least thirty minutes I literally JUST learned of this news and it really blows me away. He would speak to me every time I talked to him about his health, but I never knew it was this bad. He was a great guy and it is somewhat comforting to know that he is free of pain and the chronic ailments that limited his life in so many ways. The collectible world is a better place because of Jimmy and he will truly, truly be missed!

Rhys