Passing of Jim Perkins

[Roy S.]

A lot of things happen every year, it seems as we age the news of a loss to the Corvette community happens more and more often. This news is indeed tragic, the Corvette exists today because of his effort.

https://www.autonews.com/executives/jim-perkins-who-led-lexus-launch-and-rescued-corvette-dies

I'm proud of the fact he was friend, I would like to think good friend, only he knew for sure because that's just the nature of this man, he treated everyone with respect and kindness. My wife and I feel as if we have lost a member of the family. God Speed Jim, we know you are in a better place, our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Passing of Jim Perkins

I didn't know him as well as Roy, but every time in the past that I visited the Hendrick Motorsports Complex, he always made it a point to either invite me to his office or come out and find me to say hello. May you rest in peace Jim.

[Chuck B.]

Re: Passing of Jim Perkins

R.I.P. Jim
God Bless your family 🙏

[Roy S.]

Re: Passing of Jim Perkins

I didn't know him as well as Roy, but every time in the past that I visited the Hendrick Motorsports Complex, he always made it a point to either invite me to his office or come out and find me to say hello. May you rest in peace Jim.

He was a big supporter of NCRS and what the organization stands for, as you know. Jim is the individual who assigned the small task force to find the GM Corvette build records the last 18 months before their retirement. Unfortunately those records were never found and have led most of us to believe they no longer exist. I missed the annual trip to Charlotte this year (because of a conflict in schedule) for the fall NASCAR race and that as it turns out is tragic, because I Missed my last chance to visit face to face with the man, I truly regret that.

[Michael J.]

Re: Passing of Jim Perkins

A tragic loss to the Corvette world, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends.

[Duke W.]

Re: Passing of Jim Perkins

There's no doubt in my mind that Jim saved the Corvette from extinction. As chronicled in "All Corvettes are Red", at the risk of his career he secretly used about a million dollars from the Chevrolet marketing budget to fund the build of a C5 "mule" to prove the radical new structural architecture, which exceeded expectations for new highs in torsional and bending rigidity without adding excess weight.

He knew he would probably get caught, and when the auditors finally found his little charade he offered his resignation, but it was refused. Corvette went through a few more fits and starts over the next few years in the early nineties as GM flirted with insolvency, but without Jim's career-risking support, the Corvette would likely be a long lost fallen flag.

Thanks, Jim! You had a helluva run, and I hope I can make it to 83.


Duke

[Mark H.]

Re: Passing of Jim Perkins

If Zora is "the Godfather of Corvette" for saving it in the '50s, I guess Jim Perkins is "Godfather part II" for saving it in the '90s. Anyway, the Corvette Museum made this tribute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JQb...tE&app=desktop

[James G.]

Re: Passing of Jim Perkins

I met Jim in 1987. He had RALPH KRAMER, VP Marketing call me in January 87. I had booked all 600 rooms at MONTEREY, California for the August vintage races. And Chevy was the honor marque celebrating the 75th anniversary. Ralph said, ''YOU HAVE ALL THE ROOMS RESERVED, CHEVY NEEDS 135, WHAT DO YOU NEED ?'' I told him we need a PARTY !! Jim was on the speaker phone with Ralph and said, NO PROBLEM.

As they say the rest is history. Jim and Ralph and I have had a great relationship every since.

He was such a ''gentle'' man, and always treated people with respect. GOD SPEED my friend, see you on the other side.