Beech Tree News Network

James Best, best known as bumbling yet endearing Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane, passed away this week from a brief illness and complications from pneumonia.  The 88 year-old(youngest of 8 brothers and a sister), was born Jewel Franklin Guy in Powderly, KY July 26, 1926 to parents Lena May Everly(sister of Ike Everly, father of Don and Phil) and Larkin Jasper Guy.  After spending a short time in an orphanage following his mother’s death in 1929, the young boy was adopted by Essa and Armen Best and moved with them to their home in Corydon, Indiana. 
When asked what he wanted to be called, the youngster said “Jimmie”, likely a recollection of one of Best’ brothers.  During his youth, Jimmie sacked groceries at a local Kroger with future Governor of Indiana Frank O’Bannon, was a Boy Scout and acted in his first play-A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
Jimmie’s experiences and observations as a boy growing up in the Great Depression would later be his inspiration for writing the play Hell-Bent for Good Times, which he also, directed, produced and starred in with leading lady Peggy Stewart to rave reviews from Atlanta to Los Angeles.  He adapted the play for the screen and filmed sample scenes for his Best Friend Films production company.
He served in Germany, where he became enlightened about how servicemen who entertain the troops as part of Special Services were given better food and living quarters.  After war, Jimmie had stars in his eyes and headed to New York City with visions of Broadway.  Best was keenly devoted to dogs and their humane treatment. 
Funeral arrangements are pending.  In lieu of flowers, donations are to be made to a local humane society of choice. 
Statement from Tom Wopat(Luke Duke on Dukes of Hazzard): The work he did with Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg) probably defined our show as much as the car chases.  He was a fine actor, director and mentor, and an even better friend.  He will be greatly missed.” 
John Schneider(Bo Duke): “Jimmie Best-of course I laughed.  But I learned more about acting in front of a camera from Jimmie Best in an afternoon than from anyone else in a year.  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.”
Statement from Sonny Shroyer costar as Enos Strate on “The Dukes of Hazzard”:
“James Best will go down as one of the greatest actors that ever lived—a great friend and the only sheriff I ever really loved. I will always miss him calling me “dipstick.” I know he loved me and I loved him.”
Statement from Rick Hurst, costar as Cletus Hogg on “The Dukes of Hazzard”:
“Jimmie's love of creativity and the arts was surpassed only by his love of family—and maybe fishing. He was fiercely loyal to those around him, sometimes using a firebrand element of his nature for the common good. I will always love Jimmie for his kindness to me, remembering him for his sparkling, piercing wit, and envying him for his full head of hair. Here's to a life well and fully lived.”
Statement from Ben Jones, costar as Cooter Davenport on “The Dukes of Hazzard”:
“Jimmie Best was the most constantly creative person I have ever known. Every minute of his long life was spent acting, writing, producing, painting, teaching, fishing, or involved in another of his life's many passions. As an actor, he could play it tough or gentle or hilariously and outrageously funny. He wrote plays and screenplays and poems. His oils and watercolors were wistful and they perfectly captured the rural life in which he had grown up and which he loved. As a teacher, he influenced a generation of actors. He was a world-class fisherman, an extraordinary raconteur, and a devoted friend, husband and father. That creative energy and zest for life were there until the end. He will be greatly missed, but his work will last for generations to come. He was one of a kind, and it was one of the blessings of my life to have worked with him for all these years. Alma and I are thinking of Dorothy and the family right now. Rest in peace, old friend.”—Ben Jones and wife Alma Viator
Statement from Corey Eubanks, stuntman on “The Dukes of Hazzard”:
“The greatest pleasures in life are to love and to laugh. And I have met no man who has given more love or made more people laugh than James Best. To say the world is a better place because of him would be a ridiculous understatement. And to call him my friend is truly an honor.”
I was always a faithful Dukes watcher. So of course, I’ll remember Best for his iconic role as Roscoe.  And I know I’m not alone.
Rest In Peace, Roscoe.  You were simply the Best, James.