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BORN
1926
DIED
2015
James Best Obituary
His wife of 29 years, Dorothy Best, said that Best died Monday night in hospice care in Hickory from complications of pneumonia.
Best starred on the television series that ran from 1979 to 1985. He was the lawman futilely chasing the Duke brothers, often in the company of his droopy-faced basset hound Flash. Best employed a battery of catch phrases in the role, as well as memorable laugh that was comically villainous.
"I acted the part as good as I could," Best told The Charlotte Observer in a 2009 interview. "Rosco, let's face it, was a charmer. It was a fun thing."
During a wide-ranging career of several decades, he also acted in movies including "The Caine Mutiny" and "Rolling Thunder," and he appeared on television shows including "Gunsmoke" and "The Andy Griffith Show."
"I was fortunate enough to call him my friend since the day he walked on the set of 'Gunsmoke' back in the early '60s," actor Burt Reynolds said in a statement. "Onset or off, behind the scenes, in front of a class or just as a friend, his name was so fitting because he was truly the 'best' at whatever he did. My heart is heavy, and I miss him deeply."
Best was an acting teacher who helped several future Hollywood stars learn how to appear more natural on camera.
"I learned more about acting in front of a camera from Jimmie Best in an afternoon than from anyone else in a year," said Dukes of Hazzard co-star John Schneider, who played Bo Duke. "When asked to cry on camera, he would say, 'Sure thing - which eye?' I'm forever thankful to have cut my teeth in the company of such a fine man."
Best was born in the western Kentucky community of Powderly, the youngest of eight brothers and a sister. After his mother died when he was a toddler, Best was adopted and raised in Indiana. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II and started acting in a military theater company, according to his website.
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JONATHAN DREW, Associated Press
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
1537 Entries
John Donohue
November 8, 2024
I didn´t know James very well I´m in the service business and did some work at his house here in the Orlando area, and he had a little impromptu. Art show, selling some of his paintings in my shop back in 2000. I saw an episode of him on Gunsmoke today and also on Andy Griffith, so I went online to see if it was his birthday, saw that he´s passed and he moved away from here Orlando number of years ago, and I will always remember him as a really nice man and a nice Customer, he made me feel very comfortable in his home when I was working for him.
Wayne Russell
June 17, 2024
James last name when he was born was guy. He was my grandsons uncle. Noble Guy was James brother. Which was my grandson great grandfather
Melissa Malcolm
February 8, 2024
I will your hugs I like to thank you give a hug at Special Olympics. Melissa
David Williams
December 10, 2023
Jimmie was a wonderful man that I met only once for a brilliant meal together with his beautiful wife, Dorothy. I corresponded with him for several years. It was apparent that Jimmie was just a wonderful human being. I am honoured he became a friend and I truly miss him still. Rest in peace Jimmie, you left a wonderful legacy of film portrayals but most of all just a special memory of a genuine, great guy
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Brian Jackson
November 5, 2023
What a privilege ,to meet James on a Rhine River cruise ,True American Gentleman,wonderful memories,think about he and Dorothy so often
Brian&Norma Jackson(UK). [email protected]
Debbie Jackson
June 10, 2023
Thanks for the years of entertainment you provided
T Protheroe
January 16, 2023
Although it's now many years since the great James Best passed away, it's never too late to pay respects to someone fondly remembered.
Like so many other people, I grew up watching James Best on TV and especially enjoyed his portrayal of sheriff Rosco in the Dukes of Hazzard.
I recently watched reruns of the entire series having last seen it, about 40 years ago, when it was originally shown and was reminded of just how good an actor he was.
He made me laugh all those years ago and he still makes me laugh today, he's just one of those rare people who leave an imprint on your soul and stay in your memory.
Jason Thompson
October 18, 2022
I grew up watching you on T.V. as Roscoe P. Coletrane. It was a favorite past time to sit down and watch The Dukes of Hazzard. Not to mention I believe you said you were a fellow World of Warcraft player. It is sad to see your childhood favorites pass but may they always be remembered.
michael wiggins
September 6, 2022
Will always remember you Sheriff Roscoe P Coltrane. Rest In Piece Mr Best and sincere condolences to the family. Loved the Dukes and still watch it when it comes on.
Steve Ashley, Winston-Salem NC
August 5, 2021
To the Best family, my sincere condolences on your loss. Sorry for the belated message. James was a great actor whom I enjoyed watching over the years. RIP & God Bless
Gregory Thomas
June 9, 2020
James Best was one of the funniest people I ever knew,Your home town of cordon indiana is proud of you and we miss you may God bles
Eddie Lane
May 27, 2020
I loved watching the dukes of hazzard roscoe was my favorite hed made me laugh i watched the show every time it came on and i seen him play i a lot of westerns and other shows ill miss him so much but one day ill see him in heaven i dident get the chance to meet him at the windy city grill others say they did well met. In heaven some day a fan of yours
January 9, 2020
Been a fan of him since the Twilight Zone episode,always felt he didn't get the credit he deserved as,a actor,thanks for being a great actor,
Adam Pike
December 23, 2019
I grew up enjoying Mr Best. My kids growing up on him now. Thank You Sir! We will remember you with laughter!
Janice Klein
September 5, 2019
Wish people understood what a wonderful actor he was beyond Dukes, which he cracked me up in. He never did anything halfway bless him. I will watch anything he is in. Such a handsome talented charismatic man. Wish he had opportunities for leading roles, still he was an asset to whatever production he appeared in. Thank goodness for TCM. I've recorded whatever I can find.
Cheryl Auflick
June 21, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
June 21, 2019
Dale Fawver
March 27, 2019
I lived in Corydon lndiana just a half block from the Normon Best residence. I was born in 1952 so Jimmy was a little ahead of me. I remember him acting at the Hayswood Theatre in Corydon and a visit to Corydon with Burt Renolds. He was an inspiration to many young people in Corydon as to follow your dreams and never give up. Jimmy has and will always be missed. Dale Fawver, NC
Sheila Littleton
February 5, 2019
I just watched the episode of Andy Griffith of him playing Jim Lyndsey. I've watched it more times than I can count. I just think he was a class act. RIP
Josh Clifford
January 28, 2019
I always like Roscoe it makes me laugh I always like the Dukes of Hazzard
Diane Geswein
January 6, 2019
Though I watched the Dukes of Hazzard I prefer watching him in all the westerns he was in during his younger years. He was a very good actor who could be serious or funny. So sad that he and many others of the past have passed on. They just dont make actors like James Best anymore.
Diane Westbrook
November 11, 2018
You gave us so much of yourself in so many movies and shows. It was our pleasure to watch you. Now you are on many movies I've never seen on the GRIT channel. You were so handsome and talented. Thank you for all you did. I hope u are resting peacefully Mr. Best.
Cyndy Best
May 20, 2018
We loved The Dukes of Hazzard. We'd pop some popcorn and get comfortable just to watch James Best! I actually married a James Best and going on 50 years of marriage He will be remembered.
Donald Phillips
May 17, 2018
My most memorable and awesome was on the twilight zone at his funeral. He did not rise up this time. Loved him forever. Thank you James Best. You are great. Don Phillips
Joe Caci
April 20, 2018
I grew up watching the Dukes. Probably some of the best memories of television. They don't make them like that anymore, and they don't make them like James Best anymore either. One of the most enjoyable characters on tv. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories and may you rest well in heaven. God Bless.
Jamie Mayer
February 16, 2018
Sir you truly will be missed.
Your legacy will live on through the children of the world that enjoy your shows and your music.
My 6 year old boy my six-year-old daughter and my soon-to-be three year old little boy love the Dukes of Hazzard.
You will truly live on.
Thank you for all the joy you brought into my life when I was just a kid watching the Dukes of Hazzard on Friday nights.
God bless you James Best.
Jamie Mayer
john mason
November 8, 2017
james was always a top head-liner and never a caracter actor. his westerns and tv appearances were wonderful and professional as always. i never watched the duke boys because this was just a job for him and movies did him justice. he was the star always. great job james, loved you in shenadoah.
Mr. & Mrs Charles Patrick
October 2, 2017
October 2, 2017 We have miss this wonderous Guitar Player; one of the greats! We get out some of he old tv shows and just sit and listen to his guitar! He is deffinately missed but both of us!
October 2, 2017
We both have missed his guitar playing ! We will play the old tv shows just to sit and hear his guitar;
SAMUEL GREENWAY
June 23, 2017
God Bless You, James Best
Shawn Anderson
April 27, 2017
I remember you with laughter. Rest in peace.
RONALD ASFOOR
April 25, 2017
wHAT A GREAT ACTOR, I FOLLWED HIM TO MANY ACTION MOVIES, DOING MANY CHARCTERS, DRAMA WEATERS HOME MOVIES.
1 year has passed so quickly
Dave Turner
April 7, 2017
Brennen Garcia
March 11, 2017
I will missed you. Rest in Peace.
LaNell Barrett
March 5, 2017
He's missed. From dashing handsome parts when young, he brought life to all roles his entire life. One thing I don't see is mention of his being a first cousin to Don and Phil Everly. As a Ky'ian I had always heard his birth mother was Ike Everly's sister. That his birth name was Jules Guy (lots of French names in Kentucky).
Buddy Holder
February 23, 2017
James Best was my mother's 1st cousin. Her name was Mary Louise Newton. I never met him but I always loved his acting. I saw him in "Gunsmoke" and other shows and of course "The Dukes of Hazard." I'll miss watching you act cousin. I was always proud of you. Rest in peace. Love ya, Buddy Holder
February 17, 2017
james wayne poole...when i was i kid i watched the show duke of hazard ' i cound not wait to watch it '' he will be missed ... mr' best also stared in a show called larimie when he was just a teen ' i didnt know that untill today of feb/17/2017 when i wathed the show ' it put a tear in my eye because when i was a teen he remined of me when i was his age 'mr james best ill miss you' rest well
Gerald Barry
February 1, 2017
James best was on of the greatest actors of all time I was raised up watching the dukes of hazard he was one funny and great actor who will be missed Rip. James best we love you
Gerald Barry
January 31, 2017
James best was on of the greatest actors of all time I was raised up watching the dukes of hazard he was one funny and great actor who will be missed Rip James best we all love you
Gerald Barry
January 31, 2017
James best was on of the greatest actor of all time I was raised up watching the dukes of hazzard he was one funny and great actor who will be missed Rip. James best we all love you
Tim BIegger
November 28, 2016
You made my Friday nights when I was a young man. RIP
Charles Bennett
October 26, 2016
Kew,kew,kew, I kove it, I love it! You said it Roscoe! You still bring a smile to my face today. I watch an episode of Dukes of Hazzard everynight like clock work. You are a great memory for me growing up. Im 40 years old and still love it. RIP Roscoe!!!
Charles Bennet
October 26, 2016
Kew,kew,kew, I kove it, I love it! You said it Roscoe! You still bring a smile to my face today. I watch an episode of Dukes of Hazzard everynight like clock work. You are a great memory for me growing up. Im 40 years old and still love it. RIP Roscoe!!!
Lisa Flinner
October 18, 2016
I love you , I love the dukes of the hazards shows, I have on DVDs all therm.
Your pal,
Lisa
August 16, 2016
Rip
jerrystanley
July 4, 2016
rip
Robert L. Eddins
June 10, 2016
Thank you James, you were a TV star back when TV was worth watching, and you were a big reason for many nights of laughter and happiness to me and my Mom and Dad. We all miss you.
Tamra Lyon
April 9, 2016
You will be missed very much, I always loved watching you in the Dukes Of Hazard.
April 8, 2016
Rember dukes of huzzard
Joe Moore
April 4, 2016
Several years ago I went fishing with James best in the st. Johns River in Orlando I was surprised to realize that he passed away all my prayers are with your family even though it's a year later God bless you
debi
January 30, 2016
I remember seeing James Best as a young guitar player on the Andy Griffith show and he was soooo good looking. He was a real pro and will be missed.
James Liley
January 18, 2016
You brought so much joy to my life. I literally grew up with you in my home. I am proud to say I got to meet you. Rest in peace. The world was a better place with you in it.
James Gillespie
January 13, 2016
I was saddened to hear about Mr. Best's passing. There are many fond memories as a child of eagerly waiting to watch him play Roscoe on the Dukes. Few people on film or tv have made me laugh to the extent he did. Thank you for the medicine of laughter Mr. Best as the world was a little brighter and cheerful with you in it!
Riccardo Rivieri
December 26, 2015
I really miss you Jimmy, greetings from Italy, R.I.P.
Doug Ladnow
December 25, 2015
Great part of my childhood you will not be forgotten
Patricia
December 14, 2015
Always loved the way you said, "Roscoe P. Coltrane," with the emphasis on the P. You are sorely missed by all who love the Dukes of Hazard. RIP, Mr. Best.
Bobby Fitzpatrick
December 8, 2015
James best was on of the greatest actors of all time I was raised up watching THE DUKES OF HAZARD he was one funny and great actor who will be missed
S. DiPonio
November 27, 2015
The Dukes of Hazzard was one of the best TV shows of all time and James Best was one of funniest actors in TV history. He will forever be remembered as a TV legend.
mo kash
November 18, 2015
You wbrought a lot of joy on our saturday evenings. RIP
David Dull
November 7, 2015
RIP James (Rosco). You were great in the DOH. We won't forget you.
DDD Fulda, Germany.
hank C
November 4, 2015
He was just a good old boy !! May he rest in peace! You'll catch them Duke boys later!!
November 4, 2015
I met you once and told you that we share the same last name. and with a smile you said wow we might be family. i found out you might be right. Rest well. until we meet again. Javier Best N.J.
Julie Michalski
October 17, 2015
James best was an excellent actor. He played Rosco P. Coltane.
I will always remember him chasing the Duke boys with his beloved Hound Dog Flash.
My sympathies to the Best family.
Rest in Peace James. You will be missed
Say hello to Sorrell Booke, and Denver Pyle.
glenda glover
October 6, 2015
he will be miss
CHRIS TSOURIS
September 27, 2015
THE 'DUKES OF HAZZARD' CAME TO GREECE IN 1983-I WAS 14,MY BROTHER 12-AND EVERY FRIDAY AT 8:00 A.M WE WERE WATCHING IT WITH GREAT ANXIOUS AND DESIRE TO SEE WHAT NEW TRICKS DUKES WOULD DO AND OF COURSE THE CLASSIC AND EPIC PHRASE:"THIS IS SERRIF ROSCO P. COLTRANE SPEAKING"!!!R.I.P. JAMES BEST,AND THANK YOU FOR THE ONE AND RARE THING YOU'VE GINEN TO US ALL:L A U G H IN G.
September 26, 2015
To the family of James Best, you have my deepest sympathy. May the family find comfort in what is stated at 2 Corinthains 1: 3-4.
Colin Hemm
September 25, 2015
Rest in peace James I will always think of you as Rasco
Martha. POUND
September 24, 2015
Rest in peace I lost my mom 4 days before you past she was 90 on 4/2/15 may they both RIP you where a great actor wished I could have met you
Christina keathine horton
September 22, 2015
James best with the best actor that I've ever seen and watched on the Dukes of Hazzard he will always be remembered for playing sheriff Roscoe P Coltrane
v d
August 29, 2015
Hello we apologize for this person and we appreciate him
August 26, 2015
We are sorry for this death we are appreciate this person rest in place
denise mccauliffe
August 20, 2015
Loved him in Dukes and other shows.Sorry for your loss
Patricia Paul
August 20, 2015
Loved the dukes of hazzard.still do..you were a great man.funny to.rest in peace
August 10, 2015
I'm deeply sorry for your family's loss. Please find comfort in drawing close to God. Js. 1:3,4.
CHARLES LLOYD
August 1, 2015
MAY YOU FIND COMFORT KNOWING THAT JAMES LIVES & DEWELLS IN THE HOUSE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST & OUR HEAVENLY FATHER FOR EVER AND EVER! AMEN !
CHARLES LLOYD
August 1, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Lupe Cantu
July 29, 2015
May you fly with the angels.Leave the DUKES alone
Nel Komlosi
July 27, 2015
You will be missed.
Kathy Calabrese
July 21, 2015
You will be sadly missed. Sorry to hear of your passing. You were a wonderful actor/musician. The Calabrese family
Monroe Ramey
July 20, 2015
May you enjoy the peace of heaven
Monroe Ramey
July 20, 2015
May he rest in peace with the Lord above
July 18, 2015
Our loving God promise he will end all pain and suffering very soon. Lukev18:27He said: The things impossible with men are possible with God.
July 14, 2015
I really like James best acting he was wonderful from James Metz Johnstown Pa
Teresa Studley
July 11, 2015
Missing you always. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to talk with you. God bless and I'll see you again someday.
Emma Lee
July 7, 2015
You will be missed. Your acting talent was one of a kind.
Richard Weimann
July 6, 2015
You will be missed
June 24, 2015
Rest in peace Mr. Best. I absolutely loved the Dukes of Hazzard and I miss you and Flash.
Rita Webber
June 10, 2015
John 11:33 says: "When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping and groaning, he groaned within himself and became troubled." Jesus expressed tears when his friend Lazarus died, he knows how it feels to lose a dead loved one and he understands what you and your family are experiencing. May this bring you and your family comfort in this time of need. cjp (fla.)
June 8, 2015
SAD TO KNOW THAT JIM IS GONE I WILL MISS HIM LIKE THE HOLE COUNTY MISS HIM I LOVE JIM HE WAS SOOOOOOOO FUNNY AS ROSCO P COLDTRAIN KKKKKKKKKKKK IIII LOVE IT LOVE IT KKKKKKKKKKK THANK YOU JIM MAY YOU RIP YOUR BIG FAN FROM CALIF.
Thomas Tebault
May 31, 2015
Thank you James for Rosco you will always be remember I grew up watching you on dukes of hazard RIP Tell boss hog I said behave
JOAN DUGGAN
May 31, 2015
R.I.P
Venus Matthes
May 28, 2015
I had a Chihuahua I named after you. I grew up watching you. RIP
RA
May 22, 2015
Sorry for the loss of James Best. I really enjoyed his character on the Dukes of Hazard. May the wonderful memories of James allow you to reflect on the good times shared with him until God's promises are fulfilled John6:40.
May 21, 2015
This was a tremendously inspiring and dedicated person who is no doubt a loss to us all. In fact we can be thankful that we have been enriched and in an equal degree protected by the many astounding and important national and even global defense measures over the years that this person has participated. May the family have peace we cherish the special memories. God's word says He will render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore. May we all rejoice in this good news of everlasting peace. (Isaiah 2: 4) Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Janet
May 20, 2015
I watched the show faithfully back in the days.
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