Jimo Perini

He was an accomplished and revered photographer who traveled all over the world but always called "the city by the bay" his home. Jimo was born in San Francisco on August 13, 1926. While he was still very young, his father was deported back to Italy and his mother died. He then went to living on the streets of San Francisco, being cared for by a succession of Italian and Chinese women. At the age of 11, he was taken in by Father Flannigan and lived at Boys Town in Nebraska until he was 16. It was at Boys Town where he developed his love for photography.

When WWII broke out, Jimo ran away to sign up, lying about his age. During the war, Jimo spent time as a POW and escaped with other prisoners to France where he joined the Underground. He served with the Office of Strategic Services (a precursor to the CIA) and was awarded 3 Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Service Cross for his valiant service and the injuries that he sustained.

Back in the states, Jimo pursued his photography with a passion. He captured on film the faces of the famous and the every day person with an insightful eye that speaks to anyone that sees his work. He took thousands of photos and created two books, "San Francisco Grip", about the cable cars in San Francisco and "To Marci With Love" for his only daughter, Marci.

Jimo loved Italy and visited friends and relatives there whenever he could. When he was told by his doctors that, because of health concerns his next trip might kill him, he said he couldn’t live long enough in the states to beat dying in Italy. Ah, Bella Italia!

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of these deserving organizations: Boys Town- www.boystown.org

The National Parkinson Foundation- www.parkinson.org

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America- www.alzfdn.org

Thank you for all the outpouring of love from friends and family and always remember two things that Jimo would often say, "Life is Beautiful" and instead of goodbye, "See you in church!"