Where I Stand 1962 — Hank Greenspun: Death of ‘Big Jim’ prompts strong eulogy

Friday, Sept. 29, 2000 | 10:15 a.m.

Note to readers: This column by Sun founder Hank Greenspun appeared on Dec. 31, 1962.

I guess Jim Cashman lived in this town as long or longer than any other individual, for Jim came to Las Vegas in the year 1904, which is a year earlier than the date recorded for the birth of the town.

And I believe Jim lived in the same house over on Fourth Street near Fremont for all of the years he's been here, simply because it is the house he built for his wife and in which his kids were born, and he wasn't about to move no matter how much the business district encroached on his privacy or how valuable the land became.

One thing about Big Jim Cashman, he lived his own way, and there weren't too many people around who could make him change.

Jim Cashman was 78 years of age when he died yesterday, but somehow no one ever asked him his age and no one expected him to die -- at any age. He just didn't look like the kind of fellow who finally dies, although it is said it happens to all mortals.

Many people might have thought "Big Jim" was too ornery to die, and others kind of expected him to hang around to see what will finally become of the town to which he gave so much of his life and for which success he is so much accountable.

I don't believe any man has done more good for Las Vegas or been criticized more for the doing.

Jim Cashman sought no glory and asked no favors. He did what he believed to be right and to the devil with the objectors and detractors.

As controversial as has been his career and as critical as some may be over his contributions, we always believed that Jim Cashman's life in Nevada tied in with its history, for he inspired many of the activities that played so vital a part in the establishment of the town and the area surrounding it.

He was hated by some, loved by many, but respected by all, for Jim was one of the few remaining rugged individualists whose active life made him a target for all sides in matters affecting the welfare of the community.

It has been said that men will live happier and richer lives if they decide what they want from life -- the moral and spiritual things -- and then adopt a rule of conduct by which to attain it. Call it orneriness, toughness, stubbornness or just perseverance, Jim Cashman had it all in great abundance and it all added to the moral and mental fiber of his being.

There was never a need to ask him how he stood on civic matters. The public always knew, for no mealy-mouthed, double-talking man was he.

He had strong beliefs, an inviolable individual spirit and his convictions were hammered out on the anvil of experience.

I watched Jim Cashman many years ago standing at the site of his automobile agency, watching firemen attempt to save a new structure he had just completed to house the Cadillacs, Buicks and Oldsmobiles that he used to sell.

It was a total loss, for he built without union help and without insurance. He did not believe in unions and he wasn't about to have them, and I suppose he did not believe in insurance or he would not have suffered a complete loss.

Summing up the disaster to his newly constructed showrooms, Jim Cashman refused to be disheartened and told those offering consolation:

"Hell, I don't mind. Up till now I'd been wondering what to do this summer. Now I know."

He started to work on a newer and greater structure the next day and soon completed one of the first model buildings in the downtown area.

It takes vision, imagination and hard work to create a town. It takes men of courage who continue to build on the ruins of their mistakes.

Jim Cashman was such a man, whose impact has been indelibly inscribed in all matters affecting the welfare of the community.

He was for those things in which he believed and against those he felt deprived men of dignity. A monument to this belief was constructed by him many years ago -- one which still stands and will stand for as long as there will be kids in the town.

Jim Cashman believed in kids and he believed in baseball. I guess one goes with the other, and no man devoted more time and effort to both.

Because of this belief, Cashman Field was built, and there was never a season approaching when Big Jim wasn't around boosting for a hometown baseball team and funds for kids to play ball.

I guess Jim Cashman would not ask for better recognition than a ballpark in his honor. Fortunately, it was built while he was around to enjoy its fulsome activities. Just another civic project inspired and built by a man who believed in the town he helped create.

He leaves a noble monument to the kids he believed in and which fittingly describes his stay on Earth.

What can be said of Jim Cashman? Only that he lived simply, naturally and purposely to the end of a full and happy life.