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June 15, 2006
Jim Baen
Several SF blogs are reporting that Baen Books publisher Jim Baen has had a stroke and is now in the hospital. Most of them have gotten it from Steve Barnes; I've seen the general story confirmed elsewhere by someone who would be in a position to know. Apparently there may be a further announcement regarding his condition later tonight.
This is all I know personally at the moment. Needless to say, I'm thinking good thoughts for him, his family, friends and employees.
Update, 9pm: This was just posted in Baen's Bar by Baen author Julie Cochrane:
Okay, people, here's what's going on.
Jim Baen is in the ICU after a stroke, it is serious, Toni and a relative are there with him. Now you know as much as we do about his condition.
Baen Books is functioning under the very detailed emergency plans that Jim has in place.
Please don't send cards or flowers. Please do send whatever prayers are appropriate to your faith.
When we know more, we'll let you know.
Thanks,
Julie
Update 11:21pm: Another message from Baen's Bar, this time from Baen editor Toni Weisskopf:
Dear Barflies
I'm sorry to have to announce that Jim Baen suffered a stroke on Monday, and has been in the hospital ever since. His condition is serious, but it's too early for any prognosis as to how he'll fare from here on in.
His family has arrived in NC, and are with him in the hospital. I've been to see him, as have other members of Baen's staff and his friend David Drake. In the meantime, so far as Baen Books is concerned, our plans continue on schedule.
The business is fine, we're all simply very concerned about Jim.
Posted by john at June 15, 2006 08:33 PM
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Comments
Smurf | June 15, 2006 11:11 PM
Am I the only one who reads this blog that isn't into sci-fi at all? I have no idea who this guy is.
Regardless... get well soon, JB.
emeraldcite | June 15, 2006 11:50 PM
Man, that's unfortuate. He's a visionary. I'm sending him good thoughts for a speedy recovery.
Anonymous | June 16, 2006 12:45 AM
Please let us know if and when there is something we can do to help.
Bruce | June 16, 2006 01:20 AM
I had the pleasure of reading some of Baen's slush as a subcontractor a long while back. The times I met him, he was pleasant and the entire operation seemed both professional and friendly. This is not good a'tall.
My thoughts and prayers are there.
Steve York | June 16, 2006 04:53 AM
This is very sad news. My thoughts go out to Jim, his family, and all his co-workers.
Jon Marcus | June 16, 2006 10:19 AM
Very sad to hear this, he's a good guy. He'll be in my prayers.
Tripp | June 16, 2006 10:27 AM
I hope he has a complete recovery.
Phillip J. Birmingham | June 17, 2006 01:02 AM
Here's hoping he'll recover completely.
Gene Mallard | June 18, 2006 07:34 PM
I am hoping and praying he will be OK. Baen Books have been a life saver to me and I'm sure many others.
God bless.
Gene
Mark | June 20, 2006 01:32 PM
Posted from the Baen Books site. This (sadly)does not need any comment.
Dear Friends of Jim Baen and Baen Books,
At this time we regret we are unable to give you positive news regarding Jim's condition.
As many of you know, last Monday Jim suffered a stroke. The doctors describe it as a massive bilateral stroke in the thalamus. Jim has not regained consciousness and his condition has become severe. He is resting comfortably now, and appears to be in no pain; however the doctors' prognosis is grave.
We know that very many people care for Jim and have been hoping and praying for a positive outcome, but we wanted to share this information with you, as so many have asked and expressed great concern.
Jessica Baen & Toni Weisskopf
John Scalzi | June 20, 2006 02:16 PM
Thanks, Mark.
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Bill Marcy | June 15, 2006 09:21 PM
Jim is one of the best guys I have ever met in this industry, I hope for the best for him!