[Old Man Taylor]

Jim Wangers has had increasing problems with his memory for some time now. Today his Administrative Assistant (really more like a daughter) posted this on the GTO Tiger Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GeeTOTiger/...location=group).

"Dear Pontiac Friends and Family,

Many of you have heard rumors concerning Jim Wangers and his current health status. Let's set the record straight shall we?

Jim was diagnosed with dementia, possibly Alzheimer's Disease, four years ago. Up until this past Fall he seemed to be getting along pretty well. Unfortunately this horrible disease takes no prisoners and that is no longer the case.

Jim is currently living in an assisted living facility (soon to move to a Memory-care facility) in Oceanside, CA. He is getting wonderful care, his overall health is good (he still walks unassisted), in no pain and seems to be content.

Our office will be closed by January 29th, 2018 as will our website and Facebook page.

I have had the honor to work for Jim for almost 20 years and it is hard to see this hideous disease take such a toll on this great mind. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

I'd also like to say thank you to the friends I've made during my travels all over this great country following Jim. You opened your arms to a non-car gal and made me feel welcome where ever we went.

On behalf of Jim Wangers and the GeeTO Tiger may life bring you love, joy, good health and many GrrrrrrEAT adventures!

Jeanne Weiss
Assistant to Jim Wangers
Jim Wangers Productions, Inc"

[tolerico]

Prayers go out to Jim.

Thanks for sharing this unfortunate news OMT.

[68ragtop]

Sorry to hear this news...
Rode up the Hotel Elevator with him at the Muscle Car Nationals in 2009. Over 8 years ago already. Seems like yesterday......

[johnta1]

Prayers for Jim.

[Tim john]

Thank you Mr. Taylor for the update, that was very kind of you to share your friends current status and I for one appreciate it. I wish him well and all the peace he can capture. I hope that he has found a way to relive his walk/race through life.

Tim john---

[sdbob]

Prayers and well wishes sent.

[Brewster]

Thank you for sharing. Will keep Jim and his family in our prayers.
Godspeed

[Radman]

Sorry to hear that. He is in my prayers.

[dhcarguy]

Thanks OMT for letting us know. I will miss him this year at the Nats. He is one special guy and was such fun to talk to. I met him many times, the last time was at the GTOAA nationals in Pittsburgh. I got him to sign my sun visor. I wish him well.

Dave

[MH 1964]

THANKS for sharing, prayers to the family!!

[Ben M.]

Sad news. Never got to meet him, but out of all the times I saw him at car events over the years he always seemed like he was having a great time with everyone.

[Bob Dillon]

What awful news. That horrible disease takes down a legend.

Condolences to Jim and his family. Thanks for the update, OMT.

[400 4spd.]

Very sad news.
I have a picture of Jim, Arnie Beswick and myself standing near the tree at VMP between runs during PITP, 2007 I think. I got to talk with him a few times during that event, and really enjoyed that opportunity.

[Chris65LeMans]

I'm really sorry to hear that. I had a great conversation with him a few years ago - my tale of woe as my car was being repaired. He was really kind to my kids.

I think he turned 90 a year or two ago... a heck of a run.

[Half-Inch Stud]

Praying that Jim & family are comfortable.

[carcrazy]

An very unfortunate circumstance. Thoughts and prayers sent.

[mgarblik]

Very sorry to hear this news. Sounds like he had a wonderful assistant to work with him and extend his time visiting with fans, friends and admirers. Hope he remains content and comfortable.

[ws6speedpaul]

I am very fortunate as a GTO owner to personally meet and speak with Jim two times in my life.

The first visit was when he and the late/great Paul Zazzarine met up with us for a show in Plant City FL for a car show. My good friend Paul asked if Jim could keep his brief case in the trunk of my '69 GTO for safe keeping while they toured the show...which I happily agreed.

The second time was when I was invited to Paul's wedding to Alexis on a cruise boat in Clearwater FL.

Jim was their best man and was easily approachable and very humble indeed.

What a great guy and contributor to all of our passion for Pontiacs!

Wish him the best.

[keith k]

Very sorry to hear the news of Jim's condition.
Before my wife and I met, she got to know Jim through the Detroit street racing scene back in the late '80s, when he still spent his summers here. Sometime around 2000 when we were visiting my folks in San Diego over the Xmas holidays, she contacted Jim to see if he was able to get together with us sometime, as I had never met him. We ended up going out for dinner, and spending the rest of the evening hanging out at his shop/storage building -- talking about all sorts of cars, but mostly Pontiacs, of course. One of those experiences I will never forget...

Jim was always gracious in making time for us Pontiac enthusiasts.

Will keep him in our thoughts-

[fyrffytr1]

Prayers sent for everybody affected by this.