Disney historian and all-around great guy Jim Korkis…well, here. I'll let Mark Goldhaber, who had aided Jim and organized a GoFundMe campaign to help with Jim's medical bills give you the sad news…
Friends, I am heartbroken to have to inform you that our friend Jim Korkis passed away this morning. He was unresponsive this morning at the rehab center and was transported to the hospital. His brother Mike was able to arrive a few minutes before Jim passed. While Jim could not respond, Mike said that Jim appeared to be able to hear him, and he was able to talk to Jim for those last few minutes.
Jim had been feeling good this week, and there really was no indication that things would take a turn for the worse. He did not appear to be in pain, and went quickly and quietly as he had wished.
There will be a memorial for Jim at a date and time to be determined. It will be held via Zoom so that those elsewhere in the US or overseas can attend. We'll publicize the details once it's set, but for now Mike needs to focus on taking care of the necessary details.
I don't have much to add except that if you didn't know Jim, you missed knowing a really great human being. And if you're interested in animation history — especially Disney history — you owe this man for all he gave us. Very sad.