James William McIntire oral history interview, November 4, 1997

Interviewed by Chris Paton. James McIntire begins with a discussion on growing up with Johnny Mercer when they were children on the same block in Savannah, Georgia. He references playing the games “Hunter, Holler, Hero”, and “Kick the Can”. He goes on to talk about listening to the African American church congregation music on Victory Drive, where presumably Johnny Mercer and his cousin did the same a year or two before. Mr. McIntire moves into how McIntire’s mother encouraged Johnny to try a career in theatre. He then tells stories about Mercer being a “wild boy”. He reflects on Christmas’ spent with Mercer in the 1960’s. McIntire confirms Mercer and his wife’s high compatibility with each other and the highlights of summers in Savannah. Towards the end, McIntire tries to help Chris Paton identify people in photos that he brought. Lastly, McIntire talks about Mercer’s general stance on finances and his personality.