Jimmy James

Circus clown and ringmaster Jimmy James was born James Wilson Plott Jr. in Columbus, Georgia on Aug. 25 1940.

Jimmy James began his circus career while in his twenties, working for the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus in the circus' wardrobe department.

In 1966, joined the Clyde Beatty Cole Bros Circus working as a clown under the direction of producing clown Kenny Dodd. Jimmy remained with the show for the next 40 years.

In 1978 the Beatty-Cole ringmaster was forced to leave mid-season due to illness, Jimmy jumped in and took over the role. Circus patrons who attended the circus during the years that James performed as ringmaster, will still hear his booming baritone voice echoing in their memory.

James Wilson Plott Jr. died of a heart attack on August 31, 2009 in Ruskin, Florida