JACQUES R. MORGAN

Love you and memories always

I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't know Jacques, from when he lived with my mother's cousin on Hobart Street, through the many years he was one of my father's dearest friends, to the time I began working at Idle Time and truly became friends with him myself. I loved his cantankerous curmudgeonliness, his deep caring and boundless generosity to those he loved (and they were many), and his fierce advocacy of books, Adams Morgan, and being his own man. I am so grateful to have...

Visiting Idle Time, browsing through art books and chatting with Jacques was one of those simple little things things that I've enjoyed over the years. He always made me laugh when I would come in the store or see him out on he sidewalk. I'll miss him and 18th Street won't be the same without him.

Jacque and Val's shop bring back memories of my first years living in DC and I'm still going there, 27 years later. Idle Times is great memorial to a great man.

I still cannot believe this.

I met Jacques in April 1979. I was interviewing for a room at a group house on Hobart Street. I moved in May 1979. I moved out six years later.

I'll always remember Jac's dynamism, his smoker's laugh, his incredible driving skills, his cheerfully inappropriate humor, his lop-sided political commentary, his charmingly unique take on the English language. And his enduring warmth for his friends. I think I speak for many when I say, Jac, you'll...

Seasons' Greetings.

Bookman Jacques Morgan and I were neighbors for some 30 years. A 16-foot alley separates his 18th Street bookshop and his home above the store from my home and my properties on Champlain Street.

Over the years I've bought a few dozen of his books since Idle Time Books was across and further down 18th Street, mostly gardening and history books, poetry, too.

I liked Jacques. Jacques didn't like me though. You see, I'm a Republican.

Still,...

I would wish him to rest in peace but that was never his style. He shall be missed.

Val, Jacques' smile, his laughter and the wonderful memories will not be forgotten. He had a way of bringing old friends and acquaintances together (the Idle Time Books anniversary party at the Mambo Room)for fond memories of yesteryear. Jacques loved books. He was UNIQUE, indeed a treasure.

My heart goes out to the members of Jacques family, especially Paul, Val, and Jacques' lovely parents. All of us can open an old book and find a sense of Jacques. It is a tiny comfort that his eyes may have seen the words or his hands may have touched the book's spine.