Photo: Super Museum, Metropolis IL, Home of Superman
(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – We have sad news to share from Metropolis this morning. Jim Hambrick, known as the “Keeper of Superman,” passed away early Sunday morning at the age of 70. His daughter, Morgan, shared this information on social media.
Hambrick began his collection at a very young age, as his daughter Morgan discussed when she joined us for WMOK’s Coffee Break in 2023.
“Dad started collecting Superman at 5 years old and by the age of 19 he was hitting the front page of newspapers saying “this kid has the world’s largest Superman collection”
“He was reached out to by DC Comics to do promotional tours for the Superman movies and he really loved doing that. He would tour with Kirk Allen who was a Superman in the serials, Noel Neil and Jack Larson. He ended up having a two-page center spread in the National Enquirer.”
Bob Westerfield, who was a famous Superman collector here in Metropolis, reached out to Hambrick in 1983. Their hours-long discussions revolved around what could be done to further embrace being the “Home of Superman” to bring greater benefit to the community.
Photo: Super Museum, Metropolis IL, Home of Superman
Morgan spoke on Westerfield’s earlier attempt to open a museum in 1976.
“Bob’s museum.. people talked about it, it was really well-hyped, and DC was behind it, but there was a gas crisis. Sadly, that museum only lasted for 6 months. When Bob passed away, he donated his collection to my dad’s museum.”
The Metropolis Super Museum, located on Superman Square, opened its doors in 1993.
Since then Jim Hambrick and his family have worked tirelessly to establish Metropolis as a worldwide destination.
Regarding the growth, Morgan told WMOK, “We have really grown and become one of the top bucket list destinations for Superman fans around the globe. It’s not just a local attraction; we receive inquiries from people in Europe and beyond about how to travel here.”
Hambrick’s legacy will undoubtedly remain in our community. His enthusiasm, ideas, and tenacity will be remembered by all.
Late this morning, a black armband was placed on the left arm of Metropolis’ Superman Statue.
photo – Super Museum – Metropolis IL – Home of Superman
Hear WMOK’s Coffee Break with Morgan from May of 2023 here.
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