Obituary: Illustrator Jim Deneen drew planes, trains, Twins

Whether creating artwork of World War I biplanes, roaring locomotives or sneering cowboy actors, Jim Deneen held true to one underlying truth: attention to detail.

Deneen, a Twin Cities illustrator whose work has appeared at the Smithsonian, in catalogs and on the cover of a Minnesota Twins yearbook, died Thursday.

Deneen, of Apple Valley, had a series of strokes several years ago and had been suffering from dementia in recent years. He was 81.

Deneen's career took off with his depictions of World War I and II fighter planes in battle, selling originals and prints in the 1960s and 1970s to buyers around the world through his company, Echelon Publishing.

He later captured locomotives rumbling through the countryside and actors such as Clint Eastwood in depictions used for Hollywood promotion. "High Road to China" allowed him to combine his love of aviation with an illustration of Tom Selleck as a biplane pilot.

Collectibles magazine writer Cheryl Monahan interviewed Deneen in the late 1980s and praised his works as "marvels of authenticity."

Deneen responded that "when I began, I was very concerned that every detail was correct. I would do exhaustive studies for any subject that I attempted; drawings from every angle."

His illustrations, particularly those involving transportation, exuded power and energy. Planes in motion, some going down in flames. Trains trailing smoke and steam.

Deneen and his wife, Ginny, went to Washington, D.C., in 1967 for the unveiling at the Smithsonian of his depiction of a Fairchild Hiller STOL aircraft, a plane known for its maneuverability.

In 1968, he drew the cover of the Twins yearbook, with Harmon Killebrew and other stars on the cover. Again, motion was his mission, with his artistry demonstrating the Killer's power, a pitcher's sweeping delivery and an infielder's nimbleness turning a double play.

In 2005, Deneen was honored as Aviation Artist of the Year by the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame for "using art as a tool to bring aviation to the general public and reaching out to young people" by having his work on display in schools, said Ray Rought, the hall's vice chairman. "He was the first one to win this award."

Hall of Fame executive director Noel Allard has bought some of Deneen's prints, in particular warplanes.

"He depicted each in a combat-type atmosphere," Allard said. "The adversary was in the picture. He did them very realistically. They weren't abstract or anything like that."

Jim Deneen was preceded in death by a sister, Joan Fast. In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Joe and Mike, and a daughter, Susan. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Faith Covenant Church, 12921 Nicollet Av. S., Burnsville.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482