Was Jim-Bob retarded?

I know what mean. He seemed like a flighty dunce in most of the episodes. I think the show intended to have him as a contrast to John Boy. I did find it a little far fetched when he was elected valedictorian of his class, even it was only about 5 students. A lot of really intelligent people do 'nonsensical things', so maybe he was actually smart but lazy.

They always described him as having his head in the clouds. I think some kids are unfortunately born out of their element. Jim Bob wasn't the kind of boy who was drawn to sawing lumber or writing poetry or playing a musical instrument. He loved mechanical things and flying.

And just because a child doesn't embrace school or studies does not make them stupid. It just means their mind and interests are geared toward something different. If Miss Hunter had taught auto mechanics or aviator manuals, Jim Bob would've excelled while John Boy and Jason would've struggled.


Al - Alicia
An - Andrew
Jo - Joseph
Be - Benjamin

I found the mouth breather comment too funny. He wasn't retarded, just not like the others. He was a middle child and probably felt ignored. Look at Erin, they said the only thing going for her was her beauty and she wasn't that pretty.

The episode when Jim Bob found out he was a twin was one of the best. Loved when he walked into the house without speaking and hugged his mother. I think Jim Bob was deeper than any of them.

I couldn't stand Jim Bob once he came home from the war. He was rude, lazy, and made no effort to further his education. He could have gone to college on the G.I. Bill. By opening a car repair place with his friend, Verdie's son, he pretty much ensured that he would be stuck on the mountain for the rest of his life.

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The only episode when he acted mature was when he fell for that "older" woman and was crushed when she refused his gift. I know that wasn't mature but he wasn't acting like a kid anymore like when he fell for the windwalker and that little con artist, Muffin that John Boy brought home. Grandpa saw right through her.

I don't think Jim Bob was slow. Maybe simple would be a better description.

I've been watching the series all the way through for the first time in many years and it strikes me now that Jim Bob was basically just a little a** h*l*. I don't like him at all. Annoyed me no end the episode where he ran away and when John Boy caught up to him, he broke loose and ran away again. In the Shivaree episode, he blabbed the secret location where the couple were staying and when confronted about it, just said "no one told me not to tell".