Originally Posted by cecil98:
I know many of you outside of the Southwestern Ohio/Southeastern Indiana area may not know Jim Imholte but, he was a major part of racing history in this area. Jim passed away, suddenly, last night at his winter residence in Miami Beach. He worked as a flagman, scorer and pit steward at both Lawrenceburg and Florence Speedways throughout the 1960's-80's. Jim also worked as a crewman for many racers originating in the Sayler Park (Cincinnati, OH) area, including teams with Ross Smith, Pat Patrick, Big Bill Osborn, Tom Soudrette, Tommy Mattlin, Jim Bob Luebbert and many others over the years. Jim also worked on a road racing team during his time living in upstate New York. Racing and being a great and dependable friend and father, was Jim's life. For the last three years, I would fly down to Miami Beach to hang with Jim for a few days on the beach and then, we would drive up to Tampa (East Bay) together and enjoy the sprinters. We had a great time together during those times. Due to the fact that the non-wing sprinters were cancalled at East Bay, coupled with our problems (tearing up two cars!) this past year, I opted not to go down and visit Jim this year. I regret that now. Had things been normal, I would've been down there at this moment to at least be in his company and hold his hand as he passed. For those of you who knew Jim, you understand the loss to the racing community. Jim loved to come down in the pits and mingle with the drivers, car owners and crew members. He had a kind word for everyone and was more than willing to pick up a wheel wrench and help out if he saw you thrashing on a race car. He just loved being around it. He loved all types of racing from pinewood derby to the sprinters to Indy cars to Nascar. If you could race it, he'd be there to watch or help. He was simply a racer. To those of you who didn't know Jim, I will simply ask you to say a prayer for his soul and his loving family, who will miss him enormously! When he wasn't in the pits, Jim could always be found about ten rows up from the flagstand at Lawrenceburg Speedway every Saturday night. On Fridays, Sundays and other nights, you could find Jim in the Stands of Gas City, Eldora, KC, Bloomington, Terre Haute, North Vernon, Kokomo and Tri-State Speedways. Late Models, Sprinters, whatever, Jim loved'em all! May God Bless one of the TRUE race fans of this generation, JIM IMHOLTE. To know him is to love him. Jim's name on IOW was Imzie. I will truely miss you my friend!!!!!! Craig Stevens
What a shock. Jim was good freind.Was looking forward to seeing him at the garage every week or at the race track. Jim and I worked for same Company, we talked a lot about that. R.I.P.IMZIE The family has my sympothy. Steve Day