| Author |
Topic: Jim Schefter: The Final
Chapter |
Hib Halverson
Senior Member
Posts: 151
From: West Covina CA
Registered: Oct 1999
|
 posted 01-22-2001 10:58
AM  
 
Forum members:
I write to you
today with a very, heavy heart....
Jim Schefter, a friend of mine, a friend of our hobby and author
of "All Corvettes are Red", the true story of the design and
development of the C5, died last night in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Jim became a serious Corvette enthusiast late in life, in the
process of gathering information for ACAR in the early-90s. Shortly
after the C5 went on the market, he bought one. What color? Red, of
course. Since then he became a great patron of the car and our
hobby.
I met Jim in the mid-'90s and became friends with him as he was
completing ACAR.
(Wow, people, this is difficult to write...sigh)
I feel proud to have known him and deeply flattered that several
times, he took time out of his career as a higly-respected technical
writer to help me learn some lessons about mine. At a book signing
in California in the spring of 1997, Jim autographed my hardback
copy of All Corvettes are Red as follows: "to Hib Halverson for his
real Corvette love and for all the help! Jim Schefter." My God,
that's how *I* would have said thanks to *him.*
Jim Schefter: Author, Corvette Enthusiast, Friend of our
hobby.
We all should take a moment....
....thank you.
Please, raise your glasses in a toast.
To absent friends.....
------------------
H. Halverson
technical writer
content
supplier to Internet and print media
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Troy Roberts
Administrator
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Registrant
    
Posts: 3927
From: Grosse Pointe, MI
Registered: Feb
1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 11:02
AM
That is sad news, Hib. I never
had the pleasure of meeting him, but I have read the book.
It's a great Corvette story that would have gone without proper
documentation without it. A great read also for those of you that
haven't read it yet.
It sounds like he was a good guy. Sorry to hear the news. 
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ShanMan14
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Posts: 2524
From: Gilbert, AZ
Registered: Apr 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 11:04
AM
This is sad news, I found ACAR a
fantastic resource. He will be missed in the Corvette Community.
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SaveTheWave
Senior Member
Cruise-In
Veteran
Posts: 2257
From: Evansville, IN
Registered: Feb 99
|
posted 01-22-2001 11:37
AM
Wow. That is truly sad. I've seen
Jim at several of the various Corvette events, but never met him
personally. ACAR was an eye opening read about the inner workings of
GM.
He will definitely be missed in the Corvette
community.
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SilverSovereign
Senior Member
Posts: 269
From: Northern Illinois
Registered: Nov
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 11:42
AM
Sad news indeed. Is it possible
the Forum could send his family something?
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BruceF
Senior Member
Posts: 5505
From: Long Island, NY
Registered: Apr
1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 12:05
PM
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hcvone
Senior Member
Posts: 11327
From: Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Registered: Aug 1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 12:09
PM
Very Sad.
------------------
Carl V. *****Authorized Zaino
Distributor*****
Huntingdon Valley, PA.** 2000 Magnetic Red
Convertible **
MN6,F45,QF5,AQ9,AG2,CJ2,T96,B34,AAB,UN0,U1S,JL4,UV6,T82,N37
**
Corvette Club of Delaware Valley **
http://www.hcvind.com/
E-Mail:
carl@hcvind.com
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Bunker
Senior Member
Posts: 148
From: Sun Prairie, WI
Registered: Apr 99
|
posted 01-22-2001 12:10
PM
VERY sad news indeed. I had the
pleasure of meeting Jim at the Chevy Vettefest show not long after
ACAR was published. I will treasure the book he signed for me even
more, if that's possible.
Pete Hill
MY/black Z06
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Sully C5
Senior Member
Cruise-In II Registrant
Posts: 2449
From: Moore, SC
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-22-2001 12:18
PM
That is sad news.
ACAR made me really appreciate what the Vette team went through,
so we could all be driving C5's. Jim did a great job of putting all
that info together. He will be missed.
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REDVETT
Senior Member
Posts: 344
From: Tulsa, OK USA
Registered: Dec 1999
|
posted 01-22-2001 12:27
PM
I just got a copy of ACAR this
Christmas and finished reading it a couple of weeks ago. This guy
was a terrific writer who made the people and the car come alive for
me. I thought I loved my car before reading his book, but he made me
love it even more.
As silly as this sounds, I'm going to wash and detail my C5 this
afternoon and take it for a spin. And all the time I'll be thanking
him for his contribution to all of us who love the C5.
He'll be missed.
------------------
TORCH RED CORVETTE CLUB (Member #33)
Torch Red Coupe (Y2K)
AAB,CJ2,G92,B34,T96,JL4,
T82,UV6,UN0
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Jeff Nowicki
Member
Posts: 1
From: Troy, Mi.
Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 01-22-2001 12:41
PM
I was very saddened to here the
news. I got to know Jim pretty well from the book and at GM Design
Staff. I also was able to spend some time with him at races and
Corvette shows. He will be missed!!
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Jim Dawes
Senior Member
Posts: 541
From: Stewartsville,NJ,USA
Registered: Feb
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 12:43
PM
His book gives a lot of insight
into what it takes to design, construct, and deliver what I think
will be a Timeless Classic. His book and all C5's are Classic's to
me.
------------------
See the car @ http://jjdawes.kod.home.att.net/
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2000^C5
Senior Member
Posts: 1422
From: Boca Raton, Florida
Registered: Jan
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 12:44
PM
I will think of him always
because he taught me what the C5 is all about in ACAR.
I am in
the middle of reading it right now for the first time.
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DAB
Senior Member
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Registrant
Posts: 1559
From: Gaithersburg, MD
Registered: Jul
1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 01:02
PM
met jim at bowling green during
the labor day celebration in 99. neat guy, loved writing the book,
but wouldn't do it again (took much longer than planned).
good bye jim.
------------------
DAB
98 Red Auto Coupe
Corsa Touring
Pro Tips
Gaithersburg, MD
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Mean Green 2000
Senior Member
Posts: 361
From: Tampa
Registered: Dec 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 01:03
PM
Great book...as I'm sure he was a
great man! He'll be missed...
Mark
------------------
2000 Roadster. DBGM/Lt Oak/Lt Oak. A4, 3.15
gears, base suspension and everything else.
Mods: Vortex Rammer, Vortex Power Duct & BPP MAF ends...more
to come!
Eye Candy: Chrome Wheels, F&R Chrome lettering, R Blackout
Kit, Steering Wheel Decal, Chrome Exhaust Plate, Lloyd's Mats.
www.corvetteforum.net/c5/markc5/
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rschiltz
Senior Member
Posts: 1668
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Aug 1999
|
posted 01-22-2001 01:11
PM
We are lucky to have such a great
book that details the C5 design and build process. He will be
missed.
------------------
Rick S.
'99 Black/Black 6speed Z-51
coupe
Halltech Tric, B&B PRT exhaust, painted brake calipers,
GM Y2K High Polished wheels, TByrne Exhaust Plate
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CFIVEM3
Senior Member
Posts: 794
From: Rockford, IL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 01:21
PM
A very sad day.
Thank you, Jim, for a great book. My lust for a C5 began after I
read it because knowing what it took to create this world class
automobile makes owning one that much more satisfying.
I'm going to read it again as a tribute to your skill and
dedication.
You will be missed.
Steve
------------------
2000 Millenium Yellow Roadster.
Black/Black
All opts. except: BSM; mag. wheels; Z51.
Chrome
oval tips (so,so), 35% tint  ,
Zaino 
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GSDreamin'
Senior Member
Cruise-In
Veteran
Posts: 2348
From: Fayetteville, NC
Registered: Jul
1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 01:29
PM
As a great source of information
on the development of the C5, and as a provider of information on
the inner-workings at GM, Jim will be missed by Corvette enthusiasts
worldwide.
Hey Jim!.. say hi to Zora for all of us... 
[This message has been edited by GSDreamin' (edited
01-22-2001).]
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MidLifeCrisis
Senior Member
Posts: 889
From: Mission Viejo, CA
Registered: Jan
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 01:31
PM
I loved the book so much I gave
mine to a friend and bought another just to keep with allmy Corvette
memorobilia. It must have been one heck of a project to unearth all
that he put into that amazing account of The American Legend. It was
an incredible read.
I just hope he knew how big a place his book has in the world of
real Corvette enthusiasts.
------------------
2000 Blk/Blk Coupe: MN6, AAB, AG2, AQ9,
CJ2, JL4, N37, QF5, T82, T96, UN0, UV6, V1, Corsa Touring Pros,
Zaino. Born 4/10/00.
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Darryl
Senior Member
Posts: 32
From: Sandy Hook, CT. 06482 - USA
Registered: Mar
99 |
posted 01-22-2001 01:57
PM
R.I.P.....Thanks for a great
book...
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Weisturm
Senior Member
Posts: 190
From: San Francisco, California, USA
Registered:
Dec 2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 02:03
PM
My deepest condolences to the
family and anyone that was close to him.
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mel e foye
Senior Member
Posts: 147
From: azusa,ca.,usa
Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 02:17
PM
Hello Hib. I was at the same book
signing. In talking with him we realized we had done part of the 94
Grand Opening trip together. He remembered my 62 and noted it when
he signed my book. He made me feel special. Your sense of loss comes
through. Take care,your friend Mel. See you in Feb.
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Smoke-N-Shot
Senior Member
Cruise-In II Registrant
Posts: 1550
From: Lynnfield, Massachusetts
01940
Registered: Jan 2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 02:26
PM
Hib:
If you are in touch with his family, please send our heart felt
condolences from the forum... This is sad...
Nick .gif)
------------------
Going To The Cruise-in May 24-27 >
Party Time 
99C5 Convertible 6 Speed Pewter/Black Top & Int.Delivered
4/7/99
Order
#BJVCGX
AAB,AG2,AQ9,B34,B84,CJ2,JL4,N37,T82,T96,UV6,U1S,GTech
Pro, V1
Performance Mods
Halltech Tric with Cobra
Bridge, Hotchkis Sway Bars & Metal End Links, B&M Ripper
with Custom Shifter Knob, X-Pipe, Corsa Pro Series 3.5” Indy
Exhaust, Baer Cross/Drilled & Slotted Rotors, Hawk Pads, Russell
SS Brake Lines, Ported MAF Ends, 172 Deg Stat, CAGS, Hypertec III,
Taylor Spiro-Pro Wires, APC Xenon Headlights & Fogs, Performance
Hood Seal
Appearance Mods
Autobuffs Complete Engine
Compartment Detail, Steering Wheel & Sill Decals, Euro Tail
Lights/Amber, Lloyds Mats, Breathless Exhaust Plate, Folia Tec
Painted Calipers, Y2K High Polished Wheels
Future
Mods
???
Dynojet HP-314.3,TQ-329.1
Member of
North Shore Corvettes of Massachusetts[/b] http://www.northshorecorvettes.com/
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GT_Killer
Senior Member
Posts: 151
From: Florida, USA
Registered: Feb 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 02:28
PM
I really loved that book!
------------------
'00 Pewter Metallic Coupe
A4,3:15
Performance Axle, Sport Buckets,Memory Package, Fog Lights,
HUD,
CD player, Active Handling, Power Everything, Twilight
Sentinel
Sean's 2000
Coupe
Born[/URL] on 1/11/00
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DI
Senior Member
Posts: 229
From: Santa Clara, CA
Registered: Jul
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 02:34
PM
Sorry to hear. The book has a
permanent place on our shelves. My family sends our condolences.
------------------
'01 NBM/Oak Coupe, due 01/24 from Ken
Fichtner. Waiting in the garage: Halltech TRIC/MAG, Corsa Indy w/Pro
Tips, X-Pipe, Zaino
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Al E
Senior Member
Posts: 118
From: Arlington, Texas USA
Registered: Jan
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 02:36
PM
Sorry to hear the bad news. We
will miss him and his Corvette knowledge. Our prayers are with him
and his family. God bless
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The Corvette Junkie
Senior Member
Posts: 454
From: Muncie, In
Registered: Feb 1999
|
posted 01-22-2001 02:43
PM
This is truly a sad day
indeed.
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SilverSovereign
Senior Member
Posts: 269
From: Northern Illinois
Registered: Nov
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 03:15
PM
Can we print this thread and send
it to his Family? I know ACAR took him away from them for long
chunks of time. I would like them to see how important his book is
to the C5 owners and Corvette history.
IP:
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Zarfen
Senior Member
Posts: 181
From: Mt Juliet, Tn, USA
Registered: May
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 03:30
PM
Sad to hear this news. I read the
book a couple of months ago and was blown away. Thoughts and prayers
go out to his family and friends. He's in Corvette heaven now.
Chris
------------------
2000 Torch Red.
HUD, Dual climate
control, Dual power seats, both tops, Steering Wheel and Door Sill
decals from AutoBuffs, clear door sills, rear exhaust plate,
cross-drilled and slotted Baer rotors, Torch Red calipers.
Future Mods may include: Corsa cat-bak system, AutoBuffs
under-hood kit :) Vortex Rammer from Breathless, etc, etc,
etc!!
Nashville Corvette Club member.
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SRitger
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Posts: 2342
From: Woodbridge, VA USA
Registered: Dec
1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 03:39
PM
Hib,
Man...what a major bummer...my condolences...
ACAR is an awesome book! It is a MUST READ for all Corvette
enthusiasts!
Forgive me for prying, Hib, but how did he die? I was unaware
that Jim was ill.
Take care,
Steve
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snowfan
Senior Member
Posts: 400
From: Danville, CA, USA
Registered: Feb
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 03:40
PM
Just wanted to add my name to the
list of people thinking about Jim and his family on this sad
occasion. My condolences to his
loved ones and may he rest in peace.
[This message has been edited by snowfan (edited
01-22-2001).]
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levrac68
Senior Member
Posts: 833
From: New York
Registered: Oct 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 03:44
PM
It is a good book and he seemed like a nice down to earth guy. My
condolences to his family.
------------------
2001 Quicksilver
ZO6
Blk/Red interior
Ripper w/ Momo knob
Vortex Ram
Air
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savewave
Senior Member
Cruise-In II Registrant
Posts: 2089
From: Mountain Brook, AL, USA
Registered: Aug
1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 03:55
PM
My sincere condolences to the
Schefter family and to the Corvette family at large. This is a loss
to all of us.
------------------
Jim Willis
Triple
Black '94
Black Sheep
Squadron
NCM
NCCC
Mid-Alabama Corvette Club
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TestAmenTC5
Senior Member
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Registrant
Posts: 2502
From: Hampton, GA
Registered: Jul 1999
|
posted 01-22-2001 03:59
PM
------------------
Mike
Sasser
2000 Torch Red Coupe,
M6, Z51
NCM Member 8483
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zenvet
Senior Member
Posts: 27
From: Stony brook, L. .I . NY USA
Registered: May
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 04:07
PM
I attended a lecture by him in
Carlisle and found him to be a warm and generous man. ACAR was one
of the best books about the birth of an automobile ever written. He
will be missed by all of us. My best to his family.
------------------
2001 C5 Quicksilver/Black Coupe.LICOA
MEMBER/
C5 Registry.
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catbert
Senior Member
Posts: 603
From: tempe, az usa
Registered: Mar 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 04:37
PM
I raise my glass to toast the man
that explained to me why GM may not exist in 2120.
He defined GM antilogic and how GM makes corporate criminals out
of dedicated people with imagination and foresight.
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need-for-speed
Senior Member
Cruise-In
Veteran
Posts: 1098
From: Lumberton,Texas
Registered: Feb
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 05:02
PM
Sad news Thanks to his family for loaning him
to us while the book was in development. The book, All Corvettes Are
Red made me appreciate my C-5 even more. I think of Jim every time I
look at the rabits. My next 1/4 mile pass is for Jim.
------------------
Mike M. NCM Member No.8060
2000 FRC
black, Bose, CD, 6 way power driver seat, dual climate a/c,
magnesium wheels, Halltech Tric, B&B PRT w/ quad oval tips,
Taylor wires; bypasses: TB, CAGS, column lock, 35% tint on the
sides, limo on the (tiny) back window, 1/4 mile: 12.918 @ 111.29 mph
on stock EMT's 328 rwhp 334 rwt 3075 lbs
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JJU
Senior Member
Cruise-In II Registrant
Posts: 552
From: Omaha, NE., USA
Registered: May
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 05:02
PM
The book helped me get through
the difficult waiting for my car this past year... as well as
probably others.
------------------
Jack Urban
2001 Coupe Torch Red/Torch Red int., 1SC, F45,
MX0, G92, N73, C2L, V49, B34, B84, UN0
Order Number: CQXNZ7 Seq#:
003445 Born: 08/14/2000
VIN: 1G1YY22G315103489 Delivered:
08/25/2000
Torch Red Corvette
Club Member TRCC-47
Midwest
Early Corvette Club
Previously owned Corvette: 1980
White/Dark Blue L48
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VVVETTT
Senior Member
Posts: 285
From: Franklin, PA
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 05:02
PM
He presented a well-written,
insightful work on a car which means so much to us.
His passion for Corvettes is just why the legend survives.
Our sympathy to his family and friends.
------------------
". . . And on the 8th Day. . . God created
the Corvette"
2001 Pewter/Black Coupe with MN6, 1SC, F45, N73, U1S, and
Pennsylvania license plate "VVVETTT"
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VETFEVR
Senior Member
Posts: 115
From: Buffalo Grove, IL USA
Registered: Apr
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 05:24
PM
HIB:
ACAR is a lasting tribute
to Jim's talent and dedication to Corvette. His product has made my
"hobby" so much more. I would have liked very much to meet him and
my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
FEVR
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C5Nate
Member
Posts: 1
From: Independence, MO USA
Registered: Jan
2001 |
posted 01-22-2001 05:35
PM
I am truly sadden to hear the
news of Jim Schefter passing. He truly was a friend of the Corvette
owner. I had the pleasure of meeting Jim at the NCM 5th, (I took the
picture of him sitting next to his brick at the NCM) and having
dinner with him on one of his many visits to Kansas City. His
favorite place was the Cheescake Factory on the Country Club Plaza.
What a great story teller, he wanted to fit in a time to come to
one of our club KCCA meetings this summer to speak. He truly enjoyed
his work.
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2manycars
Senior Member
Posts: 113
From: Easton, PA, USA
Registered: Apr
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 05:40
PM
------------------
2001 NBM/LtGray/Black Convertible,
MN6,1SC,B34,QF5,R8C,UN0,U1S,Z51
Sold Order# CXJGP6 3400
status!TPW 01/22/01
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L.A. Performance Division
Supporting
Vendor
Posts: 1177
From: Sherman Oaks, CA (City of Los Angeles)
www.TheLAPD.com
Registered: Feb 2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 05:43
PM
Hib,
Our hearts go out to you, all of Jim's friends and family
members.
We never had to opportunity or privilege to meet him.
Please accept our sincere condolences from everyone here.
If there is anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to
ask.
Shawn
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Carmine97
Senior Member
Cruise-In
Veteran
Posts: 857
From: Cincinnati, OH
Registered: Oct 1999
|
posted 01-22-2001 06:12
PM
Here's to you, Jim!
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jfkc5
Senior Member
Posts: 109
From: Long Island NY USA
Registered: Apr
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 06:23
PM
------------------
2000 Lt Pewter Met. Roaster BL/BL.
Z51,B34,B84,CJ2,G92,JL4,T96,U1S, UV6.
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Blu Angel
Senior Member
Posts: 169
From: Mississauga, Ontario, CANADA
Registered:
Dec 1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 06:36
PM
Hib,
my family sends deepest
condolences to Jim's family. The Corvette world has truly lost a
friend.
It was my reading of "All Corvettes are Red" that finally
convinced me to purchase the car of my dreams.
Jim's insight into
the inner working of the C5 design gave me a true sense of the
thousands of hours by dedicated Corvette fanatic engineers.
The C5 world is honoured to have taken a peak into this design
world. Thank You Mr. Schefter! God Bless you and your family.
IP:
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01Torch C5
Senior Member
Posts: 100
From: Ozark Mountains
Registered: Jun
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 06:56
PM
A friend gave me a copy of "All
Corvettes are Red" back in 1997. It was a very enjoyable and
informative read and it started the wheels turning for this C3 &
928 owner. I eventually sold those cars and ordered an '01 Torch Red
Coupe as you can see below.
It was amazing that Jim was granted as much access at GM as he
was. What a story his book tells about our cars.
I sincerely hope that Jim lived a long, prosperous, and enjoyable
life. I hope that the family members he leaves behind realize the
appreciation so many people have for his work.
I think I will start re-reading his book tonight.
------------------
2001
Torch/Black 1SA C2L B84 UN0
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Don&Kelly
Senior Member
Posts: 573
From: Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas
76034
Registered: Jun 2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 07:07
PM
We wanted to add our name to the
list of folks remembering Jim and his family on this sad occasion.
Our condolences to his loved ones and may he rest in peace.
------------------
Don & Kelly
2000 Torch Red
Coupe
Lone Star Corvette Club
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scorp508
Senior Member
Cruise-In II Registrant
Posts: 5807
From: Raynham, MA
Registered: Mar 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 07:42
PM
A sad day indeed for the Corvette
Community. Light em' up in
tibute, boys and girls.
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CarTract@Gateway.net
Member
Posts: 12
From: Snellville,GA, USA
Registered: Sep
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 07:54
PM
Really makes me sad to hear that
we lost a true gentlemen and great friend and admirer of the
Corvette. I loved his book so much that I've read it cover to cover
3 times just to realize how lucky we are to have a great C5. I met
Jim at Corvette Carlisle a few years back...he was so excited about
the Corvette and his book, he just radiated his enthuasim for our
beloved car....I was hoping he was in Milford following C6 through
the development process! Man I hate to hear this news...I send my
condolences to his family. Jim B
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