Jim Jonson

American illustrator, who painted under the name Jim Jonson, born 1921; died March 15, 1999, Marietta, Georgia, age 78. Known for painting album covers for Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, the Beatles, and other Capitol artists, as well as promotional posters for Hollywood movies, and sports paintings. Was a junior tennis champion who first went to California for a tournament. After serving in the Army during World War II, took a set design job with 20th Century Fox. Later, his personal artwork sold in galleries and museums nationwide while he supported himself with commercial work for record companies, Hollywood studios and magazines. Later moved to New York, where he became known for sports paintings that he sold to Sports Illustrated, private collectors and corporations. Relocated to Marietta, Georgia, in 1986.