Remembering Alan Justiss
Posted by Matthew Moyer on February 15, 2011
We’re sad to report that friend of the Zine Collection and Jacksonville writer par excellence Alan Justiss passed away over the weekend. Though he created a vast body of work, mixed it up with the likes of Alan Ginsberg and Charles Bukowski, and had a huge influence on at least two generations of young Jacksonville writers and creatives–and much will no doubt be written about that–we remember him fondly for his work above and beyond the call of duty in promoting the first Much Ado About Zines event last spring. Though obviously in ill health, Alan, acting as the grand old man of Jacksonville zines, undertook a hectic two-day schedule promoting and participating in the event. He appeared on WJCT’s First Coast Connect radio show (listen to that episode here) talking about the history of zines and chapbooks, gamely attended the gala fundraiser for the event, adding some much needed grit to the champagne bubbles, got up bright and early to do a reading on the day, signed books and chatted with fans, and finally attended a lunch with all of the other zine writers. His performance, shunning a microphone and relying on the gravitas of his voice for amplification, was just electrifying and incantatory. He easily held his own against savvy wordsmiths like Patrick Hughes and Duncan Barlow. It was a great thrill to be able to gather such a diverse and talented group of zine writers; but at the end of the day, it was Alan Justiss who sat at the head of the table. He will be missed.
Heather said
Alan was a generous and loving soul. The world is a different place without him in it.
Ty Samurai said
One of the true legends of the Section 8 magazine empire. He taught and inspired us all. True to bone. Lived and died for poetry.
Love you Alan.
gary j jones said
He was my friend….a true friend+
Nestor Armando Gil said
my dear and beloved friend.
Keith Marks said
The first time I saw Alan was just after moving to Jacksonville 14 years ago. I was at a performance at the Loft, and Alan walked up to the performers, swaggering and speaking in broken sentences, interrupting the performance. It was then and there that I wanted to know more about Alan. I had the opportunity to meet with him, drink with him, and have wisdom imparted by him. The true definition of a dynamic person. This community just lost a great artist – a great human.