Grave Hunter Jim Backus D.O.B.: February 25, 1913 (Cleveland, OH) D.O.D.: July 3, 1989 (Santa Monica, CA) Cause of Death: Pneumonia and Parkinson's Disease Location: Westwood Memorial; Section D; #203 Biographical Notes: The Ohio born actor's stage career began in summer stock, where, according to his then-roommate Keenan Wynn, he was as well known for his prowess with the ladies as he was for his on-stage versatility He was typecast in roles as "rich types" but broke the mold when he portrayed James Dean's father in the classic "Rebel Without a Cause."  With his career in full swing, he also tackled two roles that he would be best known for, Mr. Magoo in cartoons and Thurston Howell III, in "Gilligan's Island." The last two books, Jim and his wife Henny, wrote were: "Backus Strikes Back" and "Forgive Us Our Digressions", commented humorously on a deadly serious subject: Parkinson's Disease, the ailment which would eventually cost Backus his life. Appeared In: "Gilligan's Island" (1964) TV "Mr. Magoo" (1964) TV "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" (1963) Movie "Don't Bother To Knock" (1952) Movie Additional Resources: Search the Internet Movie Database for Jim Backus Is Backus in YOUR family tree? Find out by visiting Surname Finder