James Thurber (December 8, 1894 – November 2, 1961) was an American cartoonist, author, humorist, journalist, playwright, and celebrated wit. He was best known for his cartoons and short stories published mainly in The New Yorker magazine. His short story “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” has been adapted for film twice, once in 1947 and again in 2013. Born James Grover Thurber in Columbus, Ohio. (d. 1961)