ConQuesT 53 welcomes Jim Young as one of our two Fan Guests of Honor. Jim Young was originally scheduled to be Fan GOH for ConQuesT 51 (2020), which was canceled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Jim is a long-time fan from Ohio. He attended his first con (Marcon in Columbus, Ohio) in 1981 and his first World Con (Chicon IV) in 1982… and he’s been volunteering at cons ever since. After working for the Social Security Administration for 42 years, Jim now reads a lot and goes to science fiction conventions a few times a year (before the pandemic).

He’s also been the vice-chairman of the Cleveland Chapter of Irish Northern Aid for over 20 years. Jim enjoys watching sports. He’s a fan of the Cleveland Guardians, the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Monsters, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Does anyone notice a pattern here?

As his friend Joel Phillips observed:

  • 1) Of all the volunteers present I knew I could count on him to do what needed to be done. It didn’t matter if it was setting up tearing down, serving, upkeep cleaning, pointing out something I missed.
  • 2) Being snarky was normal for Jim. (He’s always seemed to have that perfect timing for them. He makes me giggle often!) 
  • C) He has one of best RBFs ever. (If you don’t know what that is, ask around. Many of you in Kansas City may remember him from the MAC II promotional video sitting in a lawn chair in his yard saying “Get off my lawn!” I don’t know if there are many others that can do it more perfectly.)
  • 4) Also he is genuinely one of the nicest, considerate, and caring people I know. (Sssshhh don’t tell him I told you. I think he enjoys the impression “Get off my lawn!” gives people.)
Jim Young: ConQuesT 53 Fan Guest of Honor

Jim Young: ConQuesT 53 Fan Guest of Honor

About ConQuesT 

The 2022 ConQuesT is the 53rd con sponsored by the Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society. The event focuses on the literary and artistic aspects of the genre, but includes a broad selection of events for fans, cosplayers, and creators (such as writers, artists, filmmakers, etc.).

ConQuesT, Kansas City’s longest-running fan-run science fiction convention, will be held in person May 27-29, 2022, (Memorial Day Weekend) at the Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. conquestkc.orghttps://www.facebook.com/ConQuesTKC

ConQuesT is sponsored by the Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society. https://www.facebook.com/groups/kacsffs/ | http://kacsffs.org