Jim Bishop
Jim Bishop
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jim Bishop was an American journalist, author, and playwright who is best known for his writings on the Kennedys and Martin Luther King Jr.
Birth and Death Dates
James "Jim" Bishop was born on April 4, 1907, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He passed away on October 26, 1987, at the age of 80.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession: Journalist, Author, Playwright
Early Life and Background
Jim Bishop grew up in a family that valued education and literature. His early life was marked by an insatiable curiosity about people and events. He began his career as a journalist at the Philadelphia Public Ledger, where he honed his writing skills and developed a keen sense of observation.
Major Accomplishments
Bishop's major accomplishments include:
Writing for prominent publications such as _The New York Times_ and _Life Magazine_
Being part of President John F. Kennedy's inner circle of journalists
Publishing several bestselling books on the Kennedys, including "A Day in the Life of President John F. Kennedy" (1964) and "The Day Kennedy Was Shot" (1968)
Writing for Broadway, with his play "The Right Honourable Gentleman" earning a Tony nomination
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Jim Bishop's notable works include:
"A Day in the Life of President John F. Kennedy" (1964) - a behind-the-scenes look at Kennedy's daily routine
"The Day Kennedy Was Shot" (1968) - a comprehensive account of the events surrounding Kennedy's assassination
His coverage of Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights movement, which earned him a reputation as a fair and insightful journalistImpact and Legacy
Jim Bishop's impact on journalism and literature is significant. He was one of the few journalists who had access to the Kennedys and wrote about them with great insight and understanding. His books on Kennedy have been widely read and respected for their accuracy and depth.
Bishop's legacy extends beyond his writings. He was a pioneer in the field of investigative journalism, using his skills as an interviewer and researcher to uncover new information and shed light on important stories. His work continues to inspire journalists today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jim Bishop is widely quoted or remembered for several reasons:
His unique access to the Kennedys and Martin Luther King Jr. gave him a perspective that few others had
His writing style, which blended in-depth reporting with engaging storytelling, made his books compelling reads
He was one of the first journalists to tackle complex topics like civil rights and presidential politics with sensitivity and nuance
Overall, Jim Bishop's contributions to journalism and literature have left a lasting impact on our understanding of important events and figures. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers and journalists.
Quotes by Jim Bishop

What makes a good writer of history is a guy who is suspicious. Suspicion marks the real difference between the man who wants to write honest history and the one who’d rather write a good story.

True love is night jasmine, a diamond in darkness, the heartbeat no cardiologist has ever heard. It is the most common of miracles, fashioned of fleecy clouds – a handful of stars tossed into the night sky.

Books, I found, had the power to make time stand still, retreat or fly into the future.

It is difficult to live in the present, ridiculous to live in the future, and impossible to live in the past. Nothing is as far away as one minute ago.

True love is night jasmine, a diamond in darkness, the heartbeat no cardiologist has ever heard. It is the most common of miracles, fashioned of fleecy clouds - a handful of stars tossed into the night sky.

To have courage, one must first be afraid. The deeper the fear, the more difficult the climb toward courage.


A golf ball can stop in the fairway, rough, woods, bunker or lake. With five equally likely options, very few balls choose the fairway.

