15 Facts About Jim Unger

James Frederick Unger was a British-born Canadian cartoonist, best known for his syndicated comic strip Herman which ran for 18 years in 600 newspapers in 25 countries.

Jim Unger was born in London, England, to Lillian Maud and James Jim Unger.

Jim Unger served in the British Army, was enrolled as a London bobby, and worked as an insurance clerk and a repo man before emigrating to Canada in 1968 at the suggestion of one of his sisters.

In 1974, as Herman became popular, Jim Unger moved from Mississauga to Ottawa, Ontario, bringing his parents and brother from Britain.

Jim Unger moved to the Bahamas in 1984 and retired as a cartoonist in 1992.

Jim Unger said he would not have suggested it himself, but he liked the idea.

Jim Unger did not expect to return to full-time cartooning but planned to add new material.

Jim Unger signed a long-term contract to bring ten years of classic Herman back to newspapers.

Jim Unger returned to Canada in his last years, settling in Saanich, British Columbia.

Jim Unger was a co-founder of Intraca with David Waisglass, creator of Farcus.

Shortly afterward, Jim Unger produced a new book, Herman: Over the Wall.

Jim Unger received the National Cartoonists Society's Newspaper Panel Cartoon Award twice.

Jim Unger died in his sleep at his residence in Saanich, British Columbia after a period of ill health.

Jim Unger was predeceased by his brother Bob, who was a major influence for the Herman comic.

Jim Unger was survived by his two daughters, Karen Gooda and Jenny Hopkins, and four grandchildren as well as two sisters, Deborah and Shirley who were living in Canada, and brother Steve who was living in the UK.