Farewell to Jim Parkinson, typography legend, who passed away at 83.
Jim Parkinson, a titan in the world of typography, died on June 26, 2025, in Oakland, California, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 83. Parkinson was the mastermind behind the iconic *Rolling Stone* logo, redesigned in 1977, which became one of America’s most recognizable cultural symbols. His work also shaped logos and typefaces for major publications like *The New York Times*, *Los Angeles Times*, *Esquire*, and bands such as Creedence Clearwater and The Doobie Brothers.
Born on October 23, 1941, in Oakland, Parkinson’s passion for hand-lettering began in childhood, inspired by typography manuals. He graduated from the California College of Arts and Crafts in 1963 and worked at Hallmark Cards before becoming a freelance artist. His *Rolling Stone* logo, with its distinctive elongated “R” tail, remains a hallmark of his legacy, used from 1977 to 2018.
Parkinson is survived by his wife, book artist Dorothy Yule, and leaves behind a monumental legacy in type design. A memoir is set to be published by Letterform Archive later this year, with a memorial planned for the fall.
Rest in peace, a visionary who shaped the visual identity of generations.
