James R. Quirk
| James R. Quirk | |
|---|---|
 From a 1920 magazine | |
| Born |
4 September 1884 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | 1 August 1932 (aged 47) |
| Resting place | Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla Westchester County, New York |
| Other names | "Father of the Fans" |
| Occupation | editor, publisher |
| Years active | 1911-1932 |
| Spouse(s) |
Elizabeth North May Allison |
| Children |
Frances Jean James (died as infant) |
James R. Quirk (September 4, 1884 – August 1, 1932) was an American magazine editor of Irish descent.
Career
Quirk was the vice president and editor of Photoplay Magazine, one of the earliest film or fan magazines and particularly popular in the silent film era. Quirk had been with the magazine since its founding in 1911. Quirk's magazine had many popular rivals such as Motion Picture Magazine, Modern Screen, Classic Screen, Screenland, etc.
Quirk had also been editor of the first Washington Times prior to his involvement with Photoplay and editor of the periodical Popular Mechanics during his involvement with Photoplay. For two years (1928–30) he was publisher of The Smart Set magazine.
He was the uncle of Lawrence J. Quirk who gave out an award in James's memory that covered many aspects of the film business.[1]
Personal
He was married to Elizabeth North with whom he had 3 children, Frances, Jean, and James (died as infant). Quirk was the second husband of film star May Allison from 1926 until his death in 1932.[2][3]
Death
Quirk died August 1, 1932 of bronchial pneumonia and heart disease. He had also been a hard drinker. He is buried at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla Westchester County New York. The cemetery is last resting place to many famous Broadway and film celebrities.