James Grover Thurber, born on December 8, 1894 in Columbus Ohio, was a prolific cartoonist, author, humorist, and journalist. Thurber exhibited artistic inclination from an early age, and was inspired by the natural comedic talent of his mother, Mary. Thurber joined newly-established The New Yorker magazine as a managing editor and staff writer and was partially responsible for establishing the tone of the publication. Thurber’s most famous work, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” is the best example of Thurber’s style of character, noted for its impractical, daydreaming protagonist. Thurber died on November 2, 1961 in New York City. James Thurber was made a Great Ohioan in 2008.