Jim Atherton and others on a camera car during the Pope’s visit to New York in 1968. (Photograph by Dennis Brack)
It is with great sadness that we report to you the sudden passing of longtime WHNPA member Jim Atherton. The following is from WHNPA president, Ron Sachs:
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Jim Atherton. It is easy to say all of the “right” things: Jim was a towering figure in the Washington Photographic Community; He was an award-winning photographer for U.P.I. and the Washington Post; Jim’s many accolades include the White House News Photographers Association Lifetime Achievement Award; and is a former member of the U.S. Senate Standing Committee of Press Photographers. But, Jim was far more than that. I was lucky enough to have know him both professionally and as a friend of my family’s. His knowledge of the people and the landscape on Capitol Hill allowed him to make photos others could only dream of taking. In his matter-of-fact style, Jim was a mentor to both me and my brother, and I am sure countless other photographers, when we first started covering Capitol Hill. I spent many hours listening to Jim and learning from him. He always knew precisely where to position himself and I learned very early to stay close to him and observe what he was doing and how he was doing it. Given the fact he was a family friend, I also had the privilege of being able to go to him later to ask for help and advice. Our industry owes a lot to Jim Atherton and we will miss him.
