Meet Jimo
The man behind the lens
In His Own Words:
“My name is Jimo Perini. I was born in San Francisco, but it wasn’t yesterday. I’m experienced enough to be rich and broke enough to be human. This is my city, San Francisco, U.S.A. I work here. I’m a freelancer, a guy who knows a camera, a typewriter, and people. I cover the cable cars.
With a name like Jimo Perini, you might, had not seen me. Imagine me to be about seven-years-old, elbow high, black-eyed, golden brown, fast with my shoe-shine box, having a family of thirteen for the American Tourists’ Record and a family of eight for the Welfare Department, fasted than a bullet, clever, totally enchanting, a kid in America who wants to make it. First, as a minor member of the mafia or with stock sand bonds or a lobster syndicate out of San Francisco. But, you can’t judge people by names or color or religious preference. You just have to get to know them.
How many of your neighbors do you know?"
Jimo’s Story
Jimo Perini 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!
Jimo died peacefully at 91 in his home in San Francisco on Monday, November 6, 2017 with his loving wife Helene by his side. This portfolio serves as a celebration of the world through his eyes and his vision.
Always remember two things that Jimo would often say, "Life is beautiful" and instead of goodbye, "See you in church!"