button in SafariCar Salesman, Dallas Poker Legend James Digiorgio Passes Away
The Dallas poker community is mourning the passing of popular local grinder and former car salesman James Gigiorgio, who had been battling pancreatic cancer.
Many players in the area knew Mr. Digiorgio better as "Jimmy D," and they also knew him for his musical talents. Allen Kessler referred to the late poker player as "Rocket Man," a nickname given to him for his rendition of Elton John's iconic "Rocket Man" song.
A Talent for Poker, Music, and Selling Cars
Digiorgio made many friends within the poker community, not just in Texas, and he was known for more than just his poker skills. He was a top used car salesman who was so skilled in the business that he was used in numerous television ads.
Jimmy D was a longtime fixture in the auto sales scene. He would travel across the country selling cars, and he was one of the best around.
Digiorgio, 66, found God and became spiritual late in life, PokerNews learned from his friends. He spent the last five years of his life sober, one of his greatest accomplishments.
Beyond his success in the car sales world, Jimmy D was known as an "old-school hustler" at the poker table. But, his friend Tim Frazin said, "he did it in a way that was fun."
"If he tried to angle someone, no one really cared because it was Jimmy. Doesn't make sense unless you played with him. I honestly don't recall ever playing a session with him where he didn't say or do something that made me laugh. I will definitely miss my friend," Frazin said.
Digiorgio had just one live tournament cash that made it into The Hendon Mob database, and that came in 2019, a $10,294 score for fourth place in the West Texas Poker Championship Main Event.
Jimmy D made an impact on the Dallas poker scene. So many of his friends reached out to us to share memories. Jim "Mississippi" Williams praised Digiorgio for being a "compassionate person, especially for people who faced challenges or were suffering."
"He was a spiritual person who knew the real element of spirituality because, from his own life experiences and his own suffering, he earned the right to speak about the afflictions and suffering with his fellow man when he met them," Williams said.
Digiorgio was given 12-18 months to live after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he nearly made it three years. He will be missed by many within the poker community.
