James Malone

Family-Placed Death Notice

MALONE, James JAMES HIRAM MALONE Renowned artist, activist and author James Hiram Malone (JH) passed away Saturday, April 9, 2011 in Atlanta, GA. James Malone was born March 24, 1930 in Winterville, GA to Sara Lena Echols (1908-1959) and Ralph Malone (1903-1986). James also had an older Brother Ralph Malone Jr. (1928-1950). Malone had his first art exhibition when he was 17 years old. Malone graduated from high school and joined the army in September 12 1950 and received an honorable discharge in June 22, 1959. James Malone moved to Detroit, MI in the 1960s where he was employed as a commercial artist and was heavily involved in the Detroit art scene. His cartoons satirizing the 1967 riots in Detroit helped the Detroit Free Press win a Pulitzer prize. He also contributed to the early fund raising efforts for the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. James Malone moved back to his hometown of Atlanta, GA in 1986. He was employed by the Atlanta Journal Constitution as a senior graphic designer. James Malone was an enthusiastic advocate for his Grove Park neighborhood, famously painting the trees on his property. These beautiful designs were christened "Laughing Trees" and quickly became a local landmark. Malone lovingly recreated his old Buttermilk Bottom Neighborhood in his paintings and writings. He became a fixture in Atlanta's artistic, cultural and political communities. James Malone's work has been collected, exhibited and commissioned internationally. Recently, Hammonds House Museum in Atlanta, GA hosted an acclaimed 60 year career retrospective of his work. James Hiram Malone is survived by his sons, Andrew Ralph Malone (Elaine) and Matthew Martin Malone, and two grandchildren (Julia Marie Malone age 3 and Martin James Malone age 1). James Malone is also survived by many family and friends, including his devoted companion Johnnie Thompson. Homegoing celebration will take place 11 a.m., Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Antioch Baptist Church North (540 Cameron M. Alexander (formerly Kennedy) Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318). Reverend Cameron M. Alexander will offer the eulogy. Interment at Westview Cemetery. Visitation will take place Friday, April 14, 2011 at the Haugabrooks Chapel from 5 until 8 p.m. Hammonds House Museum, 503 Peeples Street SW Atlanta, Georgia 30310, will host a repast on Saturday, April 15, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Please note that James Malone's 60 year retrospective exhibition will be on display. Please donate to Antioch Baptist Church North or Hammonds House Museum in lieu of flowers. Haugabrooks Funeral Home, 404-522-8217