[joegpho]

Prayers from me as well; once I found out Jim went to Armour Institute (now IIT - my alma mater) - and was/is a Chicago White Sox fan, I talked to him about what the campus used to be like and how our White Sox were doing; he seemed to really appreciate those conversations (as opposed to the car-stuff) - he definitely new of recent guys like Jose Abreu. I hope he is comfortable and has good care.

[Jerry H.]

Last time I talked with Jim was at Norwalk in 2011 or 2012. He seemed to being great for a man of his age at the time. I'm so glad he is in no pain and able to get around ok. I pray his remaining days on this earth are pain free and content.

[Jack Gifford]

That's sad news. I'll always treasure the sight of his big grin as he saw me driving the 'Bandit' Suburban into the Norwalk Nationals in recent years.

[Tenney]

Jim at lunch a few months ago (belated b-day!) ...

[Old Man Taylor]

Here's the rest of the crew at that birthday celebration (including Tenney) with me behind the camera.

[Keith Seymore]

Thank you for sharing, OMT.

I've known Mr Wangers since 1963, so he has had quite an impact on my life. I appreciate the infrastructure he put in place that we now enjoy.

My mom is in the early stages of dementia (but holding steady); I would not wish it on anyone.

K

[Old Man Taylor]

I went Boise, ID to visit my best from from childhood in late October/early November. We've known each other since we were 8 years old, almost 70 years. He also has dementia, and I wanted to visit him before it got very bad. I came back pretty depressed seeing him, and knowing JW's status. It is a terrible thing.

[avman]

Jim was kind enough to sign a picture I sent him of my wife's GTO. Prayers and gratitude for a legend of Pontiac and muscle car lore as well!!

[poncho-mike]

My dad passed away from dementia about six years ago. It's a terrible thing to watch someone slowly lose their identity.

What really sucks is I just read an article today that said Phizer is cutting research into dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. I would hope funding would increase for these devastating diseases.

[Bob with the 66]

Jim's memory lives on in all of us that has had the chance to meet and listen to him.

He may forget, but we will not!

[Engine-Ear]

Thanks for posting, OMT.

[Lloyd-TX]

I'm so very sorry to hear about Jim's declining health. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim, his family and friends. I witnessed my father fall prey to dimentia several years ago, and it's simply a terrible thing to witness.

On a brighter note, I've attached a couple of photos of Jim during happier times. I took these of Jim while attending the 2005 DAPA Pontiac Southern Nationals car show held at Sewell's Dallas Pontiac / GMC dealership. Jim is obviously in his element and thoroughly enjoying himself! He loved Pontiacs and everyone in our hobby! As busy as he was he took the time to visit with me for a couple of minutes and shake my had. What a fine gentleman!

[geeteeohguy]

So sorry to hear this news, and my heart and prayers go out to Jim and his loved ones. I've met him several times, and he was and is a class act. Very approachable, very impassioned about Pontiacs, and very humble. Thank God he's had a long and very fruitful life.....he has touched many more people than most.

[unruhjonny]

OMT; thank you for sharing this.
I don't know if Jim will ever see the comment, but I posted a note on the facebook group.

[thepontiacman]

Sad to hear he is dealing with those terrible diseases. Thoughts and Prayers go out to him.

I met and saw Jim several times over the years. Nice Man. A True Pontiac Enthusiast.

[Old Man Taylor]

Originally Posted by unruhjonny

OMT; thank you for sharing this.
I don't know if Jim will ever see the comment, but I posted a note on the facebook group.

I believe Jeanne reads him the responses. I will ask her tomorrow night.

[SRR]

I met him a couple of times, once at the Queen Mary GTO show a few years back when I had a red 70 Lemans Sport with Rally II's and a GTO hood. He loved it and complimented me. Sad to see the founders of this hobby go like this.

[GT182]

He will not be forgotten, but it's so sad to hear this happen.

I think this is how he'd want to be remembered.......

[The Boss]

Yeah, I'd say that's exactly how he would want to be remembered, if not behind the wheel for a magazine shoot-out!

Although I had spoken to each of them previously on the phone over the years, I met Jim, Pete McCarthy & Jim Mattison all for the first time at the Sturbridge MA POCI in 1998. All valuable members of our Pontiac community.

[Judge273]

I'm sure we have all seen first hand how this condition can take away a life. It doesn't discriminate...sad news indeed!