Jim Futrell

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From his youngest days, Jim Futrell was fascinated by amusement parks.  Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jim has vivid memories from his early childhood of grocery shopping with his mother across the street from Cliff ‘s Amusement Park and trips to Coney Island during family visits to Cincinnati. The amusement industry has always played a role in Jim’s life even from an early age.

Jim Futrell

Historian, IAAPA

Year Inducted:
2025

When he was 7 his parents relocated the family to Chicago and he famously asked his parents and grandparents, On a return visit to Cincinnati. “Are we going to Coney Island?” To his dismay, Jim was met with “Coney Island is closed.” He was devested to learn a beloved amusement park was gone. A bit of relief set in when this family explained Kings Island would be opening and they would be visiting.

Jim Futrell’s passion for amusement parks was ignited in the 1970s when a neighbor, who worked in public relations for a theme park under development near his native Chicago, brought him left over publicity materials. That press kit lead him to following the development of Marriott’s Great America obsessively. A veracious reader, anything amusement park related Jim could get his hands on, he was interested. In 1979 at a library presentation he learned of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and joined their organization making him member #161.

In 1980, he became involved with the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) and in 1984 was named the organization’s Historian, a position he continues to hold.  As Historian, Jim has authored dozens of articles for the organization’s magazine, NAPHA Chronicle.

Jim married the love of his life, Marlowe, in 1989 and they moved to Pittsburgh in 1991 where they began to raise their family. In 1993 Kennywood was in need of historian as the park was preparing to build Lost Kennywood. Jim was there to provide assistance to his new home park. Following his passion for amusement parks continued to open up opportunities.

In 1999, Jim authored the first of more than 60 articles for Funworld, the official publication of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), beginning a relationship that continues to this day.  He served on the Hall of Fame Committee from 2004 to 2022 and began heading up the organization’s Oral History project in 2005 and compiled the Association’s official history for their 2018 centennial. To date, he has conducted 170 interviews for the Oral History project. His efforts resulted in him being presented with the Association’s Outstanding Service Award in 2018.

Residing in Pennsylvania offered greater access to a wealth of historical and modern amusement parks. Jim published his first book Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania in 2002. Jim has continued to serve as a consultant for several amusement parks and industry associations and authored ten books on the subject including the 2022 IAAPA Brass Ring Award Finalist – Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, 75 Years of America’s First Theme Park.

In 2023, Jim was named IAAPA’s official Historian.  His responsibilities include managing the organization’s archives, developing content for its publications and researching the history of the organization and the industry it has served for 107 years.  Among his most recent accomplishments was assisting in the development of the IAAPA Hall of Fame display that debuted at the 2024 IAAPA Expo.