This has to be cutest article I've read all weekend. Jim Ross wanted something to contribute to a charity auction and hit on the idea of selling his services as a butler in the style of the butler in “Downton Abbey.” It was a hit, and he continued doing it. See A Butler Will Serve You Right. Here's an excerpt:
All I had to do was imitate Carson’s mannerisms: low and melodic voice, precise and measured movements, deferential and modest approach.
It worked. I served iced tea to ladies at a wedding shower, greeted the membership at a Kiwanis Club luncheon, and poured champagne for revelers at an 80th-birthday party. I butlered a “celebration of life” for a woman who died young. I ironed newspaper pages, flattening out the wrinkles, while on air with a local radio host. (Your newspaper pages haven’t been pressed? The horror!)
I even made an appearance at the state prison north of town, regaling inmates with tall tales of James the Butler’s professional background. It was a huge hit. Eat your heart out, Johnny Cash.
What a hoot!
His day gig is as managing editor of the local newspaper.
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3:13 PM 7/14/2018
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