I wanted to let everyone know that Jim passed away this morning peacefully and surrounded by family. Jim was a life long Shelby enthusiast who started Shelby Parts and Restoration in 1978. Jim was a member of SOA in the beginning and also one of the first members of SAAC.
I started working for Jim in 2006 and he always treated me like family. I learned a great deal from him that goes well beyond the cars. I will never forget him or his love for everything Shelby.
I will do my best to continue what he started at Shelby Parts.
Please use this thread to post some of your good memories of Jim!
Thank you. Jes
https://www.ryanfh.com/obituaries/Jim-Cowles?obId=19573428&fbclid=IwAR0qSyJOzfc1o6fuD44B3OSuXpNuexpG5FlzSun90zYU16HBaQRdnbMbrBw#/obituaryInfo (https://www.ryanfh.com/obituaries/Jim-Cowles?obId=19573428&fbclid=IwAR0qSyJOzfc1o6fuD44B3OSuXpNuexpG5FlzSun90zYU16HBaQRdnbMbrBw#/obituaryInfo)
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(https://shelbypartsstore.com/hosted_pics/IMG_4498.JPG)
(https://shelbypartsstore.com/hosted_pics/BG4.jpeg)
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No way! What the hell??? Condolences to the family.
Oh my god - so shocked and sad about the loss of this great person and legend in our hobby !
i can't believe it ! he was so help-full in our hobby , what a loss, Condolences to the family .
Very sad news. Condolences to his family and friends.
Yes, Jim was a legend in our hobby!
Very sad news. Condolences.
Sad News, Condolences to Jims family, RIP
Godspeed Jim.
Rest In Peace....
Wow, it was always a pleasure to work with, or just chat with Jim. A huge loss for our community.
God speed.
Mike
A loss of someone like him is just so sad
So, so sorry to hear of this very sad news. I was purchasing parts from Jim shortly after I bought my first Shelby. I just couldn't wait for those orders to arrive!
My deepest condolences to family and friends.
Craig R.
Sad day
RIP Jim
Dave
R.I.P.
Jim was very helpful and honest in all my dealings with him.
An honur to have dealt with him.
Ross
Very sorry.
Thoughts And Prayers, I never got to meet him, But he was a wealth of help to ALL. And will be missed Greatly. PEACE
As I read this I can only think of his family, friends and how much he did for everyone that needed help, me included. Jim Rest In Peace.
R.I.P. Big Jim.
He is the one that gave me the nickname John from Utah.
Oh so many years ago.
One of his trips out to Utah was to check out 3 or 4 Shelby I had, of which he bought a 65.
maybe car #137
Big Jim could get upset and riled pretty easy, we used to screw around with each other.
Those were the days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is a legend in the Cobra and Shelby World and will not be forgotten.
My condolences to the family.
See ya again some day Jim.
John
Well that is very sad news , condolences to the family.... and the car family
So sad! RIP
Rest in peace my friend.
I enjoyed speaking with Jim and will miss his honesty. He was always very fair to me when either restoring something, or selling me a part. God Bless.
I started buying stuff for my KR's 4110, 3856 probably somewhere around 1992. In the last year got some items for my 66 #236 and was hoping to start getting things for 66 #1127. I always thought he never charged enough for what he did. Can't say enough good things about Jim. I will miss talking to him.
dz
My deepest thoughts and condolences to Jim's family, friends and the entire Shelby community. He will be missed!!!
Jon
Tremendous loss. I was working with Jim just recently on an exhaust system. Of course he knew exactly what I wanted. Condolences to his family.
RIP
Our condolences to his family. He will be missed. I've been buying parts from Jim since the late 70's. Thanks for posting, Jessie.
So sad to learn of his passing. Such a knowledgeable and passionate guy about this wonderful hobby of ours. We've lost someone instrumental in keeping the legacy of Carroll Shelby alive.
Great guy! Sad to hear this news
Enjoyed 30 some years of working with Jim on my restorations. Always helpful with info and parts. Just made a purchase last summer, we talked about a half hour about old times. Was worried at that time about Covid. I guess something else took him. Rest in Peace.
Very sad to hear this news. I had many conversations with Jim over the years. He always remembered me even if a few years went by. I will always remember his honesty. He spent more time talking me out of buying parts than selling parts to me.
I still have many of his hand written invoices from the 90's.
This world needs more people like Jim.
My best to Jim's family and associates. At a loss for words.
Jim was a one of the best . A legend and a giant in the Shelby world ,one of my first teachers,and a friend. He will be missed very much . RIP
He surely will be missed. Very easy to hear his voice as I remember so many exchanges.
He and his family is in my families prayers and thoughts in the time of reflection.
RIP. 🙏
loved his passion.
Wow. Condolences to Jim's family.
RIP
Hi Jes,
Thank you for all you are doing to help Jim and his family. I know it must be hard to be wondering around the shop and Jim not being there. I too am with heavy heart that he has passed. I had only met Jim a few times, talked to him on the phone many times, lots of emails and IM's. I don't know how he kept everyone's projects straight. I had been to the place two times and Jim took me and you to lunch on the second trip when I had more time. I will always remember. Take care buddy. Jim rest in peace and God speed.
Cory
Rest in Peace Jim, I talked to him several times and latest just some weeks ago and I met him at the SAAC Meets. He always remembered me, the german. Really a guy that knew what he was doing. We all will miss him.
Wow sad news rest in peace Jim.
What an extreme loss of information and expertise on all things Shelby with Jim's passing. My sincere condolences to his family.
God speed Jim! Thanks for the shop tour you gave me last year. Your parts have touched every Shelby I've owned since 1984. Rick.
Very sad to hear the news. Aceman63 was indeed a great source of information and always willing to help. Condolences to Jim's family and friends. He will be missed.
Jim was instrumental in me acquiring my Hertz car (6S1615) in 1976. He was also paramount during the restoration of it that I then started five years later. After a Shelby Convention award it went into complete hibernation for over three decades.
(http://www.saacforum.com/gallery/52-050121072906.jpeg)
When I made the decision to resurrect it and make it road worthy again, I knew that I wanted Jim beside me on that first drive. This is he and I when I drove the car for the very first time in over 34 years:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxNpe6eVj80SYlFQSmJrNmpCbTg/view?usp=sharing
I have always felt very fortunate that I moved to a city where a guy like Jim happened to have a shop - four miles from my house in fact. Shelbys have always been my passion, and to be able to share that with someone like Jim for 45 years has been a priviledge.
Thanks Jim.
Kieth Champine
Jessie, thanks for letting us know about Jim. We've been praying for him since hearing about his illness. I know he was a big part of your life as well as the Shelby community. We will have his family and yours in our prayers.
Mike McGinley
I remember one story Jim told me about he and Ken Young getting lost in Harlem delivering 6S2378 (one of the 66 GT350 convertibles). This had to be in the 70's. Too funny. Anybody have any other fun stories about Jim?
A great man for sure. Thank you Jim for all your encouragement and time spent. You were a big inspiration to me and will be surely missed.
God Bless your Family
I am relatively new to this exciting hobby and have learned so much from wonderful people on here like Jim. I had the pleasure of meeting Jim at SAAC 44 when I dropped him off a radiator to rebuild. That radiator as well as subsequently rebuilt master cylinder and booster look and work terrific in my GT350. I am really saddened by his passing but will think fondly of him when I see his work under my hood.
My condolences to his family and rest in peace Jim.
Corey
A very big loss to the Shelby world.
R.I.P.
I am saddened to hear the news about Jim's passing. I first met Jim when I was a teen back in 1987 when I got my first Shelby. I learned a lot from him. I always looked forward to driving up to his shop and spending hours there looking at all the latest projects he was working on, soaking in all the Shelby knowledge he exuded. The Shelby community lost a great man.
My deepest condolences to Jim's family. Godspeed ahead...You will be missed.
Rest in peace Jim.
QSS
Condolences to Jim's family. A sad day for the Shelby community. Jim R.I.P. We will miss You.
RODNEY! as Jim would say.
Very saddened to hear this, we have lost a giant. Sincerest condolences to Jim's family and friends. Never met him in person but had numerous emails and phone calls over the years.
Thank you Jim for everything,
Dave
So sorry to hear this. I'm also relatively new here and quickly learned Jim was someone always willing to help. Most phone calls were short, but particularly enjoyed the few times I happened to catch him when he felt like talking longer. Thanks for all your help, Jim. Rest In Peace.
John
It's hard to put into words the loss of a friend of 40+ years. Jim was indeed one of THE guys that "gave a damn". My condolences to the family and RIP my friend.
Randy Gillis
Quote from: 64cobra on January 05, 2021, 08:06:51 AM
I remember one story Jim told me about he and Ken Young getting lost in Harlem delivering 6S2378 (one of the 66 GT350 convertibles). This had to be in the 70's. Too funny. Anybody have any other fun stories about Jim?
They were delivering the car to me. First an last time I saw Jim.. Spoke a few times after I got a "new CSX" car. Great guy. Lots of good story's . RIP Jim.
Dan
Like most of you, I had the pleasure of speaking with and purchasing products from Jim. He was a treasure trove of knowledge and was willing to share it freely. I believe he saw the value of sharing this knowledge, not only to help others, but to help the Shelby community. He will be sorely missed by all.
Going to miss him, feel lucky to have been his friend. :( :(
Our sincerest and deepest condolences to the family
Very saddened to hear the news of Jim's passing. As others have said, he was a joy to work with and will be missed. All the best to his family. Peace be with you.
Greek
What Jim did for our hobby was unparalleled. He shall INDEED be missed. At the next convention, please consider a moment of silence for all his contributions to the Shelby community.
Please rest in piece Jim and my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Steve
This is sad. What a bummer. I know this, when you had Jim restore your car, or even just one part of it, you always got the best. What a legacy.
A very big loss in the Shelby world. I will miss him dearly. Rip in peace my friend. He and his family is in my prayers and thoughts.
So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He will be missed by everyone in the Shelby world. Denny
Very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. My prayers and thoughts to his family and friends. RIP
I am very sad to hear of this. I knew he had been sick for a little while, but I was always pulling for him and hoping it wouldn't come to this. Condolences to his family and friends.
He was always great to talk to on the phone, emails or here on the forum. A wealth of knowledge and very willing to help anyone. A loss to all things considered automotive, but then again everything that he did gave the entire community so much more. Providing parts, restoration and knowledge that we now have and would not have if he didn't do what he did. Producing parts at high levels of quality that no one else was doing at the time. His efforts really helped all of us to keep our cars that much more accurate.
After a conversation on the phone with Jim I always felt like I was on the right path with my project. He didn't care that I didn't have a Shelby and was always willing to help. A straight shooter. The entire car community will miss Jim, but his passion and dedication for these cars will live on for many many more years. I am very lucky to have been able to do business with him.
Rest in Peace, Prayers to the family.
Very sad news.... condolences to the family.
I recall my very first time talking with him on the phone, he treated me like we had been friends for years..... a true gentleman to all his extended Shelby family.
RIP Jim
A very deep source oh knowledge gone silent.
Condolences to all
My deepest sympathy to his family in this loss of a loved one. Prayers for God's comfort in this time of great need. I did not personally know him, but can still share in you grief.
I last talked to Jim at the saturday evening car show at Elkhart Lake Can Am historics. C Comer was having 3134 judged and got a award. Both Great guys and super event. My condolences to the family, he will be missed terribly.
I have been with Jim for about 15 years. He always remembered everyone by name and some little tidbit about them... even if they had only done business by phone. After 15 years his knowledge of the cars and parts still blew my away.
I remember back in the 80s on my first trip to jims shelby shop and thinking man this guy is a serious shelby guy as he had his shop built with white metal tin and blue metal tin stripes the shelby cobra colors and how KOOL is that. Jim knew all year shelbys and cobras and hi-po fords and all the rare parts. He was one of the first ford guys who turned his hobby over into a business when these cars were first starting to get an interest and real car guys were buying and restoring them just because they liked them or (like me) couldnt afford them when still in school with gas and insurance rates skyrocketing. Back in mid 80s u were lucky to get some of your $ back from a car u restored so u have to give much credit to guys like Jim who back then did it more for the love of the cars than trying to make any real $ back then. Jim Cowles should be in the shelby cobra hall of fame . GODSPEED JIM
Jim was always a wonderful person and helpful when I spoke to him...always made time for my questions no matter how basic. -He will not be forgotten-
- RIP Jim-
Very saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a wealth of knowledge to the Shelby world and his passing has left a void that will never be filled. May God bless his close friends and family and give them peace and strength during this very sad time. Godspeed Jim, rest in eternal peace.
Difficult to write when you are crying. RIP my friend.
Texas Swede
Quote from: Greg on January 05, 2021, 10:41:04 AM
Like most of you, I had the pleasure of speaking with and purchasing products from Jim. He was a treasure trove of knowledge and was willing to share it freely. I believe he saw the value of sharing this knowledge, not only to help others, but to help the Shelby community. He will be sorely missed by all.
Well said and I echo that. Although I never met him in person, I could tell by my interactions over the phone and email that Jim was just a great human being at the core who loved what he was doing.
Condolences to his family
Quote from: Special Ed on January 05, 2021, 01:42:46 PM
I remember back in the 80s on my first trip to jims shelby shop and thinking man this guy is a serious shelby guy as he had his shop built with white metal tin and blue metal tin stripes the shelby cobra colors and how KOOL is that. Jim knew all year shelbys and cobras and hi-po fords and all the rare parts. He was one of the first ford guys who turned his hobby over into a business when these cars were first starting to get an interest and real car guys were buying and restoring them just because they liked them or (like me) couldnt afford them when still in school with gas and insurance rates skyrocketing. Back in mid 80s u were lucky to get some of your $ back from a car u restored so u have to give much credit to guys like Jim who back then did it more for the love of the cars than trying to make any real $ back then. Jim Cowles should be in the shelby cobra hall of fame . GODSPEED JIM
That is a great idea, how do we get a plaque or something created? I'm sure lots of people would donate to getting that made up.
It might even be a idea to have the next SAAC event dedicated to Jim Cowles in some way. I for one would contribute to a memorial, or even a special trophy given annually at the SAAC Convention in his honor. Just a thought.
~Steven
I was in middle school n the late 80's and learned about Shelby's from my father who owned 67 GT500 #1926 while he was in the navy in '69. I started reading everything I could find on Mustangs and Shelbys. One day my dad took me for a ride and drove past jim's shop. He said "Check that out, there is a Shelby Shop right here in Green Bay!"
I wanted to stop in and he said "Nah, thats someones business, not a museum. Maybe someday you can work there if you are still really into Shelby's."
In 2006 I was in search of a better IT job market and planning to move to MA where some close friends of mine had moved after college. A friend/former coworker, who happened to be working for jim at the time, was moving to OK for an aerospace job. He suggested I talk to Jim. I did one swap meet with him and we hit it off. Soon after I cancelled my move and set up a desk at Jims... and that was that.
I met Jim 43 years ago at a Northwoods SAAC event in Waukesha Wi. In 1985 Jim was best man at my wedding. We put over a 200,000 Miles on Jim's 1979 Blue E-350 and my Wells Cargo trailer traveling the country buying Obsolete Ford parts from over 3,000 Ford Dealers. We were both hooked on the pursuit of original Ford parts and the thrill of the hunt. Jim liked 65-66 , I liked 69-70, we sold the rest to fund our projects. My kids referred to Jim as mean Jim when they were young and Jim loved the nickname. Jim was like a favorite uncle to all my kids over the years. In 2016 I was asked to be head judge of SAAC. My reply was only if Jim Cowles would take the Administrator position. RIP Jim
Perkins Family
Jim, my friend, I will see you again in a minute.
Martin
Quote from: BGlover67 on January 05, 2021, 03:34:20 PM
Quote from: Special Ed on January 05, 2021, 01:42:46 PM
I remember back in the 80s on my first trip to jims shelby shop and thinking man this guy is a serious shelby guy as he had his shop built with white metal tin and blue metal tin stripes the shelby cobra colors and how KOOL is that. Jim knew all year shelbys and cobras and hi-po fords and all the rare parts. He was one of the first ford guys who turned his hobby over into a business when these cars were first starting to get an interest and real car guys were buying and restoring them just because they liked them or (like me) couldnt afford them when still in school with gas and insurance rates skyrocketing. Back in mid 80s u were lucky to get some of your $ back from a car u restored so u have to give much credit to guys like Jim who back then did it more for the love of the cars than trying to make any real $ back then. Jim Cowles should be in the shelby cobra hall of fame . GODSPEED JIM
That is a great idea, how do we get a plaque or something created? I'm sure lots of people would donate to getting that made up.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
As food for thought;
Jim Kimberly has a race in his honor with Trophy, The Kimberly Cup.
I would like to suggest that a new class of Trophy be formed ;
The COWLES CUP OF EXCELLENCE
Any seconds ?
respectfully,
John
A true loss from all aspects. Jim was a wonderful human being. Condolences to his family. Rest in peace my friend.
God Speed
~Earl J
I wish that I could remember when my dad and/or I first met or talked with Jim. It had to be at least 40 years ago...crazy. I don't have any special stories, but we certainly did a lot of business over the years.
We have lost an important icon in our little Shelby world, and I'm sure the loss is felt in other ways that we are not aware. Everyone needs to get out there and enjoy these cars in the manner that makes them happy...showing, driving, racing, whatever.
^^^+1 Brant^^
Some day (hopefully long into the future) each of us will get their own Checkered Flag. Drive those cars now!
My dealings with Jim were just as described by all.
How nice to be so highly thought of by so many.
Jim has left a wonderful legacy of friendship and goodwill.
Bravo.
Steve A
Quote from: camp upshur on January 05, 2021, 06:26:03 PM
My dealings with Jim were just as described by all.
How nice to be so highly thought of by so many.
Jim has left a wonderful legacy of friendship and goodwill.
Bravo.
Steve A
+1 --- a good soul lost.
Sorry to hear of his passing .
Mike Gaffney
Very sorry to hear this. Thoughts are with his family and his many friends in the Shelby community and beyond.
Sorry to hear about Jim's passing
Maybe he will be hanging out with Tony Branda now.
I will always be proud to say that Jim restored my 1966 GT350. I live outside of Houston and sent my car to Green Bay for restoration because of Jim. There were plenty of restoration shops to choose from, but when I talked to Jim he immediately impressed me with his knowledge about these cars. And his honesty practically radiated through the phone. An important quality when you're sending your car over a thousand miles away for a project like that.
All the bills were more than fair, and the end result exceeded my expectations.
What a great guy!
And I had the pleasure of meeting his wife and daughter (Go Hokies!) a few years ago. Both fine people.
You'll be missed, Jim. Condolences to your family.
Steve
I started dealing with Jim in 1980 with my then new-to-me 66 GT350 6S632. Always helpful and extremely knowledgeable.
Anecdote to mention is that my wife, thinking of what to buy for Christmas that year, called Jim for ideas. He suggested (strongly) that she buy me an NOS brake proportioning valve, which she did. Jim was sure these would become unobtainable over time. When I sent the '66 in to Jim for restoration a few years ago, I was able to include that new/NOS valve for installation. Funny sending back to the source after 35+ years.
Jim and Jesse also helped with a beautiful CSX 8000 build for me a couple of years ago. Princess Blue CSX8042.
Visiting Jim back at the shop was a highlight for me. Meeting in person after all these years.
RIP Jim, and my condolences to the family.
Eric
Jim was one of the people who was instrumental at getting me into the Shelby world. I was introduced to Jim through Alan Andrea. Between the tutelage, guidance and advice of Jim and Dave Mathews, I was able to get an amazing car.
I will miss Jim's honesty. I will miss how he could be fired up on the phone and seem short on time, and then after a few minutes, I couldn't get him off the phone....we would just talk and talk. I was honored when he asked me to be a 1967 Shelby judge.
Thank you for all that you did for the Shelby community.
Rest in Peace Jim...I am glad you did not suffer. You will be missed.
I just found out and I'm in shock! He was a good man that helped everyone in the Shelby world in some form. He will be greatly missed. I'm so sorry for his family.
Don't remember when I first met Mr. Cowles, But this is from 1978. SAAC 3, Ontario Motor Speedway.
(http://www.saacforum.com/gallery/187-050121220600.jpeg)
It's truly hard to believe that Jim is gone.
Jim is THE person who introduced me into the Shelby world. I visited his shop and lusted over the cars I saw; which led him to help facilitate the purchase of my first Shelby. I went on to purchase many parts from him. And, I eventually purchased the fastback shell from him that has become my GT350R restomod - again, for which he supplied many parts.
I'm deeply saddened by Jim's passing. He was not a perfect person (as non of us are), yet I treasured knowing and interacting with him. I pray that I get to see him again some day.
I miss you, Jim. I may not have said it enough, but thanks for all you did for me.
Ruben
Jguyer: Where was that '78 photo shot?
Thanks Jessie for all your years of work at Shelby Parts and Restoration and your continued support to keep it going. We all know how much Jim appreciated your efforts over the years. Sometimes it is hard to convey thoughts into words, this is one of those times. Living apart from people you have a common interest with sometimes is limited to phone conversations. I can still hear his voice. For me, there was always a lot of jokes, like the first time I flew out to visit his home track, the beautiful Road America. Jim told me to bring some mountaineering gear in case I wanted to go climbing. I kind of knew better, as the plane descended out of the clouds, my hunch was confirmed, Wisconsin was flat as a pancake. I was fortunate enough to walk around Road America with Jim and sample one of the several famous bratwursts I enjoyed that weekend. Then there was football. Jim once told me he had been to every home Green Bay Packers game since 1969. The last time I was at his shop, he brought out some of his Packers memorabilia, the good stuff from the 1950's -1960's. We would sometimes exchange e mails during the Packer's away games, knowing that he was at all the home games. Needless to say, there have been a lot of nail biting Seahawk/Packer games over the years, how fitting if the Seahawks make it far enough, it will go through Green Bay. Every time I see a Packers game on TV, I think of Cowles. Jim will still be watching the Packers, it will just be from a higher elevation.
Jim is not gone. He lives in each of us, in one way or another. It may be through our personal memories or the item we acquired from him. His legacy will continue through the cars he restored and the parts that passed through his fingertips eventually making it onto a car. In the end, his parts allow us to enjoy these cars to their fullest.
To his family, condolences in this difficult time. To Jim, thanks for all you did for us over the many years. Mark Hovander
Sorry to hear this. RIP
Indeed Mr Mark.
Any of us that try to be craftsman and create something achieve a small amount of immortality in our creations.
Jim excelled at this, his work is viewed daily by thousands.
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing, he will be missed. RIP Jim
Heavy heart, I still can't believe it.
While I have owned my car for over 20 years now, I only within the past couple of years started seriously working on it. Jim was one of the first persons I called to get me started.
Tremendous loss for us all... RIP Jim.
RIP Jim. Condolences to his family. I've done business with Jim since the 80s. He was the guy who educated a confused new Shelby owner(mid 80s) on why the discs from my 70 Shelby were not the same as ones on my Mach1. He will be missed. Gary
Jim, RIP; Sharon and Emily, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I first started buying stuff from JC in 1984 and he was helpful and talkative from the first conversation. Uncle Jim always was always able to help or point you in the right direction. The last time I spent time with Jim was at MCACN in 2018 when neither one of us knew the other would be there. We spent most of Saturday afternoon palling around and he introduced me to Bob Perkins and many of his customers that were there. Jim was forever a class act.
Joe Bolis
RIP JIm
Its been a few days and still shocked by Jim's passing.
I remember meeting Jim at his shop before SAAC39. It was like meeting a giant of the hobby.
Jim was encouraging to me from the earliest days in the hobby, always fun to "shoot the shit" with, and I personally feel lucky to have considered him among my friends.
As Mark said above..Jim lives on within the hearts of those who knew him. I'm sure Jim's memory will cross all our minds while enjoying the cars for the rest of our days.
Vern
I met Jim at SAAC 22 when I stopped by his tent in the swap meet.
Bought some Boss 9 stuff from him and it started a great friendship.
I eventually bought my Black Jade 9 from him which further bolstered our friendship.
Jim was a character and will be sorely missed.
Godspeed and my sincerest condolences to his family.
Very sad news. Condolences to his family. :'(
Very interesting to talk to Jim while he was working on parts - an incredible wealth of knowledge. Was a great help putting my Dad's car together. Thanks Jim. RIP
Quote from: jesSPR on January 05, 2021, 04:15:09 PM
I was in middle school n the late 80's and learned about Shelby's from my father who owned 67 GT500 #1926 while he was in the navy in '69. I started reading everything I could find on Mustangs and Shelbys. One day my dad took me for a ride and drove past jim's shop. He said "Check that out, there is a Shelby Shop right here in Green Bay!"
I wanted to stop in and he said "Nah, thats someones business, not a museum. Maybe someday you can work there if you are still really into Shelby's."
In 2006 I was in search of a better IT job market and planning to move to MA where some close friends of mine had moved after college. A friend/former coworker, who happened to be working for jim at the time, was moving to OK for an aerospace job. He suggested I talk to Jim. I did one swap meet with him and we hit it off. Soon after I cancelled my move and set up a desk at Jims... and that was that.
Great story Jes. I hope you can keep it going somehow for the good of the Shelby community.
Rick
I was a teenager looking for some Shelby parts to put on my Mustang when I first contacted Jim. He was patient with me and took the time to answer my questions. A handful of years later I got involved in the running of the Northwoods Region, a group he helped start. Jim was always supportive and there to help if we needed it. It was never "his" club that he was trying to sustain, but Jim had a genuine love and respect for the cars and that's what he wanted to see continue.
Later when I restored my Shelby, Jim was a source for parts. On the rare occasion he wouldn't have something I needed, he would say, "Let me see what I can do". Without fail, Jim would come through with whatever I was looking for.
Thank you Jim for the help over the years. The parts, the support, the stories, and taking the time with a kid to share the passion for Shelby.
Erik
My fondest memory of Jim is when he would call me.
He wouldn't say "hi"....He'd just jump right in....
"What you doing with that 66 Gt 350 project ..?"
"Got a guy that's selling his 68 500. Interested?"
I saw the 920 area code and knew it was him.
He sold me 67 GT 500 # 225 all apart years ago which I still have.
I've lost some good friends in the Shelby community over the last year or so.
Bret
Bought a set of polished rim Torque Thrusts from him years ago - when they arrived, they were missing the lug nuts. Called him up and with no hesitation he had a full set fedEx'd to me. Customer service at its best!
Bought a few parts over the many years, how old, cause and obit info?
RIP..
Very shocked and saddened to hear of jims passing. I brought many parts from him however never got the chance to meet him. Was always a pleasure to talk to on the phone.
Condolences and prayers to his family. Although he maybe gone from this mortal curve Jim will live on in the hearts of all his friends,family, and cars he help build and supply parts for.
R.I.P Jim God speed.
I met Jim in the early 80's when I was in High School. My younger brother took a liking to Shelby's and my Dad found a local 69 for him to drive back and forth to school in. The family was bitten after that. Over the years we would restore 2 cars with Jim. A 66 and a 67. Our weekends would be my brother and I driving up to see Jim, the cars and nose around to what he was doing. We would be known as "the boy's" from there on out. I think because we were always hanging around.... There was no internet, so if you wanted to see stuff you had to actually go there to see it.
My fondest memory would be how in many of those trips, my brother and I would meander down the hill to the other building ( now Big3 ) and see his blue cobra sitting there. CSX2122. We would hint around that we never got a ride in it....... Jim was always busy answering phone calls and working on the restorations to bother with the 2 kids. As we would head back to Milwaukee we would always comment.... maybe next time he will take us out. Unfortunately it never happened................... so in 2015 when CSX2122 was for sale....... I bought it. Bucket list item checked. We finally got our ride! 8)
Jim will be missed, that was a tough call to take when I heard the news. I second the idea of a SAAC award in his honor-
Jeff
Pretty amazing life. That is what Jim had - He touched a tremendous amount of people and I was blessed to be able to enjoy Jim's friendship since 1977. He was the one of the first four Shelby people that I spoke to when I got into the hobby at the ripe old age of 10 (the others being CS, Tony Branda & Jim Wicks). They all took my call! :D
We had a lot of fun running around the country, chasing dreams and cars and what-ever else we could find. We stirred up the pot and made alot of people smile in the intern. I will miss him and will think of him often. I spoke with him on the phone the day before he died and he sounded good (better then he had sounded in months) and I know he chose to go the way he wanted to go and I am glad I was able to share those couple of minutes with him to let him know that my family & I were thinking about him and praying for his family.
God bless you Jim - Gone but will not be forgotten
Stephen
Had my Shelby over 20 years and Jim was one of the best went searching for parts or information. He will surely be missed by me. May you rest in peace Jim while sitting in a Shelby of course.
Wow!! So sorry to hear about Jim my prayers are with his family. Never got to meet him personally but restored many parts for him & bought many parts from him over the years. He was a great asset to this hobby & truly will be missed.
https://www.ryanfh.com/obituaries/Jim-Cowles?obId=19573428&fbclid=IwAR0qSyJOzfc1o6fuD44B3OSuXpNuexpG5FlzSun90zYU16HBaQRdnbMbrBw#/obituaryInfo (https://www.ryanfh.com/obituaries/Jim-Cowles?obId=19573428&fbclid=IwAR0qSyJOzfc1o6fuD44B3OSuXpNuexpG5FlzSun90zYU16HBaQRdnbMbrBw#/obituaryInfo)
I have already posted before but though I would share this. I was totally devastated to hear about Jim. So sad. I knew Jim for about 7 years. He helped me tremendously with the resto of my car and we communicated so often by email I was always so happy to get an (short and concise) email off him.
We spoke on the phone a few times too and he always has the time to help an amateur restorer like me. Helped me with everything from my seatbelt resto to my engine and bolts I was missing for headers. Nothing was too little for Jim.
A great friend and I was missing him in this world.
Rest In Peace mate
My favorite Jim quote. "Them parts ain't worth anything till I find someone who will buy them"...LOL. RIP Good
Fella.
RIP, Brother you have always been there for me since my first shelby in the 90's you will be missed
Jim was one of my original mentors. I watched closely how he operated and what he had accomplished.
His work was appreciated and I always enjoyed visiting him. Our lunches were always educational.
Jim was one of my teachers.I met Jim in the early 80's and tried to absorb every tidbit of info he shared with me. It was extremely satisfying and fulfilling when I was able share information back to him when he would call or email me over the years . He had helped me so much with my early education in Shelby's. I feel the same way with my other teachers that are still vertical . When I first met Jim he was intimidating and I didn't know how to take him because he was seemingly grumpy all the time but realized shortly that was not grumpy but just his mannerism and not intentional.It was easier to talk to him face to face because he would flash a slight smile that would give away that he was not grumpy. He would give the shirt off his back to help a guy. It was kind of funny because for a long time I would be sure to tell people that I had recommended to call him for parts or advice with a chuckle not to get put off thinking that he was mad at them by the way he talked . I chuckled because I knew the teddy bear softy he was underneath. I really miss that guy.
Jim gave a damn. If the "right" stuff wasn't available, he had it made "right". We did allot of business together and that was the re occurring theme , make it right or don't waste the time.
RIP my friend.
I was just hit with this a couple of days ago...GREAT MAN ...right up there (or above) Shelby himself in my book.
Parts on my car passed through his and Jes's hands.
What a TEAM.
He will be missed.
Got help several times from Jim over the years!After internet came,he sold me some nice stuff during my second restoration.Very sad news!Condolences to his family and friends!
This is Jim's daughter, Emily. I come to this thread from time to time to read the kind words and stories you all have about my dad. Thank you all for sharing, please continue to keep his memory and legacy alive. Feel free to send stories my way as you think of them!
God's speed
Welcome Emily. Glad the comments and memories have helped and touched you as your dad did for many of us.
Hi Emily, your dad was truly a kind man to me and helped me a lot with my GT350s resto. Always returned my emails and we had a good banter.
Good guy and friend
Trent
I met Jim in 1978 when I moved to Green Bay. I worked with Ken Young who introduced me to Jim. Ken, Jim, myself and often others had lunch together talking Shelby's. My first Shelby, a green/gold Hertz (6S 1023) had come and gone. Through the encouragement of Jim and Ken I purchased 6S 1314 and 6S 1545 while in Green Bay. Jim was also very helpful selling me the parts I needed, or providing me with a lead on something. This was before the Internet.
After moving from Green Bay, I still kept in touch with Jim. Saw him at Road America, at SAAC Conventions, talked on the phone, or through emails. There were many topics Jim was knowledgeable on in addition to Shelby's and he was a pleasure to talk to, but usually in a hurry. Jim had energy! I do miss him!
Mike
I had heard about Jim's passing earlier this year and was very shocked to hear that sad news. I was lucky enough to know Jim as he worked on my car after I bought it in the late 2000's. I subsequently spoke with and purchased parts from Jim. He was always very helpful and friendly to me which I much appreciated. I was also lucky enough to get to meet Jim and spend some time with him at the MCA convention celebrating the Mustang's 40th Anniversary in Nashville. I'm sad that Jim isn't with us anymore but my memories of him will live on forever. RIP Jim
The upcoming Northwoods Region Road America event on June 24th-27th will pay tribute to Jim. There will be a remembrance on Saturday and he is featured on the event t-shirt. Bring those Shelbys out!
Would love to get one of the t shirts and/or posters of this. Can you order online?
^^^ +1
Quote from: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on June 11, 2021, 09:25:52 AM
Would love to get one of the t shirts and/or posters of this. Can you order online?
Here is the registration link. Not sure about shipping.
https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/46th-annual-midwest-invitational-at-road-america-northwoods-shelby-club-319120
Quote from: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on June 11, 2021, 09:25:52 AM
Would love to get one of the t shirts and/or posters of this. Can you order online?
No. I contacted them and was told the only way to get one of those T-shirts was to be at the event. And even then there's a chance they might run out before you get one.
:'(
Anyone going to the event be willing to pick one up for me?
Will pay shipping and handling
PM if interested
Send Jesse at Shelby Parts an email and im sure he can get one for you.
He and the Cowles family will be there.
jesse@shelbyparts.com