Jimmy Dean, Singer, Actor, Sausage Businessman Dies 81

Jimmy Ray Dean (August 10, 1928 - June 13, 2010) was an American country music singer, television host, actor, and businessman. Although he may be best known today as the creator of the Jimmy Dean Sausage brand, he first rose to fame for his 1961 country crossover hit "Big Bad John"; and became a national television personality in the 1960s. His acting career included a supporting role in the 1971 James Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever. He lived near Richmond, Virginia and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

In 1969, Dean went into the sausage business, starting the Jimmy Dean Meat Co. He sold the company to Sara Lee Corp. in 1984.

Death of Jimmy Dean
Jimmy Dean died on June 13, 2010, of natural causes at his Henrico, Virginia home at the age of 81. He was survived by his wife Donna.

Jimmy Dean - Big Bad John