I was certainly surprised by the letter from Ruth Q. Nielsen concerning her great-uncle J. Golden Kimball. She mentioned she had spoken to Clyde Golden Kimball, J. Golden's only living grandson, concerning Jim Kimball's portrayal of J. Golden in a television presentation.
I congratulate these fine folks for being related to J. Golden. From the way Nielsen's letter was worded I wasn't convinced either she or Clyde had seen the presentation.It was absolutely delightful. Jim Kimball's quick wit, sly humor and style of acting made J. Golden come alive. If they haven't had the opportunity to watch this show, I would urge them to do so and learn of the qualities of that great church authority who was loved by congregations all over the church. She said Jim's portrayal ignored the fact that J. Golden was a general authority.
Jim Kimball mentions several times that being a general authority carries a great deal of responsibility - and humorously explains some of the problems he had with that. Nielsen mentioned that J. Golden had a testimony. Well I'm most certain he did. No one rises to be a general authority without a testimony of the work. That goes without saying. But J. Golden was like most of us today - wrestling with the day-to-day temptations, trying to make the right decisions, finding joy in living, and doing it with a wonderful sense of humor.
He was a down-to-earth person we could all relate to. That is why he filled church buildings to overflowing wherever he was assigned. In no way does Jim Kimball make J. Golden out to be a comedian, or a buffoon, though J. Golden had a keen sense of humor. That is what endeared him to his brethren and church members everywhere.
My grandfather told me once when I was a small boy he would have traveled to the ends of the earth to hear J. Golden preach the Gospel. We appreciated the lesson in genealogy of the Kimball family, but it wasn't nearly as interesting as Jim Kimball's presentation of the man himself. Lighten up, folks. You can still retain your testimonies. Enjoy life. Your great-uncle and grandfather J. Golden surely did, even with his awesome responsibilities.
Robert L. Foster
Salt Lake City