James D. Hornfischer was a renowned author, naval historian, literary agent, and editor who wrote four acclaimed books on the U.S. Navy’s role in the Pacific theater of World War II. He was also the president of Hornfischer Literary Management, a literary agency that represented many prominent authors of nonfiction books. He was widely regarded as the “Dean of World War II Naval History” and received the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest civilian honor from the U.S. Navy, for his work. On June 2, 2021, he passed away at the age of 55 in his home in Austin, Texas, after a year-long battle with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.
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What is Glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma is the most common and deadliest type of malignant brain tumor, accounting for about 15% of all brain cancers. It affects about three out of 100,000 people in the U.S. each year, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. The average survival time after diagnosis is about 15 months, and only about 10% of patients survive longer than five years.
Glioblastoma arises from the glial cells, which support and protect the neurons in the brain. The tumor grows rapidly and invades the surrounding brain tissue, making it difficult to remove completely by surgery. The exact cause of glioblastoma is unknown, but some risk factors include age, genetic mutations, exposure to radiation, and certain inherited syndromes.
The symptoms of glioblastoma vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, but they may include headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting, weakness, numbness, vision problems, personality changes, and cognitive impairment. The diagnosis of glioblastoma is confirmed by a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of the tumor tissue and examining it under a microscope. The treatment options for glioblastoma include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. However, none of these therapies can cure the disease, and most patients experience recurrence within months.
How Did James D. Hornfischer Discover His Condition?
James D. Hornfischer first noticed something was wrong in May 2020, when he experienced a seizure while working on his upcoming book, Who Can Hold the Sea: The U.S. Navy in the Cold War 1945-1960. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent a series of tests and scans that revealed a large mass in his right temporal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for language, memory, and emotion. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma and started treatment immediately.
According to his wife, Sharon Hornfischer, he underwent two surgeries, one in June 2020 and another in March 2021, to remove as much of the tumor as possible. He also received radiation and chemotherapy, as well as experimental drugs and immunotherapy through clinical trials. He continued to work on his book and his literary agency, despite the side effects of the treatment and the progression of the disease. He also maintained his faith and optimism, and cherished his time with his family and friends.
He completed his manuscript for Who Can Hold the Sea in April 2021, and submitted it to his publisher, Bantam Books. The book is scheduled to be released in May 2022. He also received the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award on May 18, 2021, from the Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, Rear Admiral Samuel J. Cox. The award recognized his “extraordinary success at telling the Navy’s story” and his “profound and positive impact on the preservation of naval history and heritage”.
He died peacefully on June 2, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, his three children, David, Grace, and Henry, his parents, David and Elsa, his brother, Peter, and his sister, Elizabeth.
How Will James D. Hornfischer Be Remembered?
James D. Hornfischer will be remembered as one of the greatest naval historians of our time, who brought to life the stories of the brave sailors and marines who fought and died in the Pacific War. His books, The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, Ship of Ghosts, Neptune’s Inferno, and The Fleet at Flood Tide, have been praised by critics and readers alike for their meticulous research, vivid narration, and compelling analysis. His books have also won several awards, including the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature, the United States Maritime Literature Award, and the Commodore John Barry Book Award.
He will also be remembered as a successful literary agent, who helped many authors achieve their dreams of publishing their books. He represented authors from various genres, including current affairs, history, politics, biography, business, and popular science. Some of his clients include David Bellavia, James Bradley, H.W. Brands, Fred Burton, Susannah Charleson, Kim Cross, Steve Forbes, George Friedman, William H. Goetzmann, Don Graham, James L. Haley, Woody Holton, Annie Jacobsen, Alex Kershaw, Governor Rick Perry, Ron Powers, Roy Spence, Mark K. Updegrove, and others.
He will also be remembered as a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend, who touched the lives of many people with his kindness, generosity, humor, and wisdom. He was a devout Christian, who sang in the choir of the Tarrytown United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Authors Guild, the Texas Institute of Letters, and the Naval Historical Foundation. He was a passionate fan of the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and the Texas Longhorns.
He will also be remembered as a courageous fighter, who faced his terminal illness with grace and dignity. He never gave up hope, and he never stopped working on his passion. He inspired many people with his strength and resilience, and he left a lasting legacy for the world to enjoy.
James D. Hornfischer was a remarkable man, who lived a remarkable life. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
