RIP James Arness

I bet you've never heard ole Marshall Dillon say
Miss Kitty have you ever thought of running away
Settling down would you marry me
If I ask you twice and beg you pretty please
She'd of said Yes in a New York minute
They never tied the knot
His heart wasn't in it
He just stole a kiss as he road away
He never hung his hat up, at Kitty's place  ---Toby Keith


'Gunsmoke' was a large part of my growing up years.  From the late 50's through the early 70's, CBS on Monday night was tuned into 'Gunsmoke'.   Our hero was United States Marshall Matt Dillon from Dodge City Ks.  He had a couple of deputies over the years, Chester, played by Dennis Weaver and Festus played by Ken Curtis.   His closest friend was Doc Adams, played by Milburn Stone and his girl was Miss Kitty, the owner of the Longbranch Saloon, played by Amanda Blake.   At the beginning of the show, they said their names when they showed the stars' pictures and the last was always "And James Arness as Matt Dillon".    It's not important now but I still hear the voice when I think about it.  I don't hear voices all the time by the way.  


Marshall Dillon had an amazing sense of what was right and what was wrong.  He had compassion for his prisoners too, he saw them as people first.  He did not tolerate injustice or lynch mobs.  If a person was guilty, he did his duty.  He was someone who would be a good friend I think.  He was a lousy boyfriend...he strung Kitty along for all those years but I guess he was just afraid of commitment.  


He was 6'7" !!!    And his brother was Peter Graves from 'Mission Impossible'


I guess James Arness must have known his days were coming to an end because he posted on his website this letter:                                (source www.jamesarness.com)




Hi friends,

I decided to write a letter to you for Janet to post on our website in the event I was no longer here.

I had a wonderful life and was blessed with some many loving people and great friends. The best part of my life was my family, especially my wife Janet. Many of you met her at Dodge City so you understand what a special person she is.

I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for the many years of being a fan of Gunsmoke, The Thing, How the West Was Won and all the other fun projects I was lucky enough to have been allowed to be a part of. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years.

I was honored to have served in the army for my country. I was at Anzio during WWII and it makes you realize how very precious life is.

Thank you again for all the many letters, cards, emails and gifts we received from you over the years. You are and always have been truly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Jim Arness




Mr Arness, sir, you too are and always have been appreciated.   May you rest in peace.