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The Dallas poker scene is mourning the loss of James Digiorgio, widely known as “Jimmy D,” who passed away at 66 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He had reportedly been given 12 to 18 months to live following his diagnosis but survived nearly three years.
Digiorgio was a familiar face among Texas poker regulars and beyond, admired not only for his card skills but also for his musical talent. Fellow player Allen Kessler nicknamed him “Rocket Man” after his memorable renditions of the Elton John classic.
Outside of poker, Digiorgio built a career as a highly successful used car salesman, even appearing in television commercials for his work. He traveled extensively across the country throughout his sales career, earning a reputation as one of the best in the business.
At the felt, friends described him as an “old-school hustler,” but one who brought joy rather than tension to the game. Longtime friend Tim Frazin recalled that Digiorgio always found a way to make sessions memorable and funny, even when bending the rules in playful ways.
Digiorgio’s official tournament record includes just one cash listed on The Hendon Mob database — a fourth-place finish worth $10,294 in the 2019 West Texas Poker Championship Main Event.
Friends also remembered his personal transformation later in life, as he turned toward spirituality and maintained five years of sobriety before his passing. Jim “Mississippi” Williams called him a compassionate figure who drew from his own struggles to support others facing hardship.
