Author |
Topic: Jim Schefter: The Final
Chapter |
RBC Senior Member
 
Posts: 241 From: Livermore,CA USA Registered: Nov
1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 08:23
PM
I am sad to hear. We send our
thoughts and prayers to all.
Randy and Allison
IP:
Logged |
stevez Senior Member

Posts: 33 From: Registered: Jan 2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 08:25
PM
Just finished his wonderful book
yesterday. Had hoped to someday meet him. The insisght and
obvious love for the Corvette in ACAR makes me appreciate the heroes
who overcame GM corporate inefficiency and mediocrity to give us our
C5
IP:
Logged |
RG in Dallas Moderator Cruise-In I Veteran Cruise-In II Registrant
   
Posts: 6318 From: DALLAS, TEXAS SUPPORTING VENDOR
www.XMOTORSPORTS.com Registered: Jun 99 |
posted 01-22-2001 08:28
PM
I tore that book up thumbing and
reading through it before and after I got the car...what a sad loss.
Take car, Jim!!
RG
IP:
Logged |
cart3113 Senior Member
 
Posts: 216 From: Garland, TX Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 08:38
PM
I recently read Jim's book while
my wife was in the hospital recovering from surgery. The story of
the C5 brought us both pleasure and surprise. It has been said
that a person is never gone as long as there is someone who
remembers them. I think Jim will be with us for a very long time.
There has got to be Corvettes in Heaven. I bet Jim's is
Red!
IP:
Logged |
steve hummel Senior Member
    
Posts: 2021 From: Carlsbad CA 92009, USA Registered: Aug
1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 08:39
PM
I too am very saddened to hear
this - ACAR is a fascinating glimpse into GM corporate life, and the
dedication of the "true believers" who brought this wonderful car to
reality. Both Karen and I have read it cover-to-cover, and it has
significantly amplified our appreciation of the car. Our condolences
to Jim's family and friends.
============================================ '00 MagRed
Coupe Museum delivery, a4, z51, 3.15, hud Courtesy of
Karl Johanson! halltech, corsa touring pro, C&R x-pipe,
export lights, V1, tts Powerloaded '93 Torch Coupe
bone stock '69 Coupe de Ville needs
work [i]'99 Chrysler 300m[/b] Karen's Z06 trade-in, Dec
2001
http://www.northcoastvettes.org/
IP:
Logged |
TOPLESS00 Senior Member Cruise-In II Registrant
   
Posts: 1374 From: Eden, Wi. USA Registered: Sep 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 08:45
PM
IP:
Logged |
chuck1026 Senior Member Cruise-In II Registrant
 
Posts: 290 From: Syracuse,NY Registered: May 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 09:14
PM
Very sad news . I read ACAR waiting for my C5 to
be allocated... After finishing the book I was convinced I did the
right thing by ordering my Corvette. Thanks Jim. You will be missed
by all of us.
------------------ 2001 Torch Coupe W/ 1SC, Z51, MN6, UN0,
CC3, B84, B34 & V49. Alive on 11/13/00 & delivered
11/30/00
IP:
Logged |
ohsix Senior Member
    
Posts: 2072 From: Jax, Florida Registered: Dec 1999
|
posted 01-22-2001 09:25
PM
Bye Jim. We will all be in your
neighborhood shortly.
IP:
Logged |
TOBASCO Senior Member
   
Posts: 1138 From: Pittsburgh, PA Registered: Feb
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 09:45
PM
Wow, really sad to hear. I read the
book while waiting for my Corvette to be built, and actually
finished reading it the day I first went to watch these beautiful
cars being made in BG. A true enthusiast.....he will definitely be
missed. R.I.P. Jim...
------------------ Brad
2000 Mag Red
Convertible (Oak/Oak) A4, AH, HUD, High Polished Wheels, 3.15
Perf. Axle, Sport Seats, Memory Pkg., Dual Air Zone, Power Pass.
Seat, Telescoping Column, Fog Lamps, CD, BSM. Appearance
Mods: Lots of Zaino! AutoBuffs wheel & sill decals, Lloyds
Floor Mats, Design Specialties Trunk lid insert, BPP Exhaust Plate,
Performance Mods: BPP Vortex system, MAF housing unit,
B&B PRT exhaust (quad ovals), and of course, the ever loving
Valentine1 with remote mount. Soon - Powerloader with 172
T-Stat. Born April 17, 2000 / NCM Delivery May 19,
2000 Another satisfied customer of Karl Johanson Website
under construction: www.corvetteforum.net/c5/bradb27
IP:
Logged |
My 95 Senior Member
   
Posts: 1704 From: Cape Coral, Fl Registered: Oct
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 09:46
PM
Rest in Peace
IP:
Logged |
bub Senior Member
 
Posts: 278 From: Overland Park, KS Registered: Jul
1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 09:49
PM
Time for my re-read of ACAR...
Somewhere Jim is smiling.
Regards, -CKB
IP:
Logged |
Silver JD Senior Member
 
Posts: 319 From: Sonoma, CA Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 09:58
PM
RIP
John
IP:
Logged |
Roger Jones Senior Member
 
Posts: 152 From: Neodesha, Ks. Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 10:02
PM
Very sad day indeed! I always
take ACAR with me to re-read on an air trip. Always makes my trips
more enjoyable. I had hoped for a C-6 book from him. He will
be missed!
IP:
Logged |
desertvett Senior Member
 
Posts: 227 From: Palmdale,California,USA Registered: Jul
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 10:11
PM
A Toast to A Great Man....To his
friends and family. Our hearts go out to those who knew him and
those that can still know him through his book. A source that will
be missed.
from..the TORCH RED CORVETTE CLUB to a Man who understood.
desertvett-TRCC-01 http://www.torchredcorvetteclub.org/ Terry
White
A special Wave to a Special Friend...
IP:
Logged |
RXVETTEGUY Senior Member

Posts: 52 From: GERRY,N.Y. ,USA Registered: Jan 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 10:14
PM
I truly enjoyed his book and
admired the sacrifices he must have endured researching for
the sake of his art. We are richer for his contribution here on
earth. My deepest sympathy to his family.
IP:
Logged |
USPRIDE Senior Member
 
Posts: 110 From: Huntley, IL, USA Registered: Feb
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 10:14
PM
I'm very sad to hear that news.
He wrote an excellent book which shall be cherished for years to
come. May God Bless him.
------------------ 88 Gray Metallic: 1 5/8 Accel Headers, Free
flow Cat, Dynomax Mufflers, Air Foil, K&N filter, Open Air Lid,
Accel Cap/Rotor, Accel Wires, TPIS 170 deg thermostat, Fan switch,
3.07 gears, AFS ZR1 Rims
IP:
Logged |
89VegasVette Senior Member
 
Posts: 175 From: Las Vegas, Nevada Registered: Dec
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 10:18
PM
My condolences to his family, may
he rest in peace.
IP:
Logged |
MattD Senior Member

Posts: 41 From: Slidell, La. USA Registered: Aug
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 10:40
PM
Jim will not be forgotten. His
book is a great legacy.
I keep a signed copy of ACAR on display in my car during car
shows.
------------------ 2K Coupe, Mag Red II, Oak,Z51,6spd,
Polished Rims, Everything else but CD changer. Slidell, La. -
"GR8D8B8" NCM #7217 Mods: Corsa Indys & C/R X-Pipe, Hall's
TRIC/Donaldson, B&M Shifter/MoMo Red Race Airleather TTS
Powerloader "All Corvettes are red. The rest are mistakes" John
Heinricy, in "All Corvettes are Red"
IP:
Logged |
90pololt4 Senior Member

Posts: 30 From: Salt Lake City, UT. USA Registered: Dec
2000 |
posted 01-22-2001 10:57
PM
Our sincere condolences to the
family and friends of Jim. Some never know the influence a book can
have. I was ignited with the Corvette Fever when I picked up and
read the book upon its release. I never waivered in my desire to get
into a Corveete again and I did it. Jim, your book gave me the
inspiration to set a goal and work on it. Our prayers are with you
and all who know you. I for one, have been touched by your great
writing and desire to give the big picture. I told myself I would
probably run into you someday living so close. I am sad I did not
take the time to seek you out and get many questions and thoughts
addressed. Another lesson in life. God Bless. Rod and Kimberly
------------------ RJG
IP:
Logged |
NCMR8CMan Senior Member Cruise-In I Veteran Cruise-In II Registrant
  
Posts: 807 From: Bowling Green KY Registered: Oct
1999 |
posted 01-22-2001 11:14
PM
my deepest sorrow for the
Schefter family. I loved you work and what you did for the Corvette
community. You will always be written in my history book! thanks for
the great enjoyment of meeting you!
Adam Boca
IP:
Logged |
jsingh Senior Member
 
Posts: 235 From: westbrook mn Registered: Jan 2000
|
posted 01-22-2001 11:20
PM
god speed i will always buy a
red corvette-thanks to jim.
IP:
Logged |
waynep Senior Member

Posts: 35 From: Sioux City, IA Registered: Nov 2000
|
posted 01-23-2001 12:22
AM
This is horrible news. I hope
Jim's family can find solace in the fact that his book means so much
to so many of us.
Thanks Jim.
IP:
Logged |
Zapper Senior Member
  
Posts: 536 From: Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada Registered: Sep 2000 |
posted 01-23-2001 12:54
AM
Regrets from all of his Canadian
neighbours, whose spirits he rekindled in the hobby. He really made
the introduction of the C5 very, very special.
------------------ 1971 Aztec Gold Z28 1986 Gold
Roadster 1998 Silver Roadster 2001 Quicksilver Z06 2001
Silver PT Cruiser for Rainy Weather
IP:
Logged |
c5-2001vertman Senior Member
 
Posts: 135 From: camp hill, pa Registered: Sep 2000
|
posted 01-23-2001 01:09
AM
I offer a toast to a great story
teller. A man who will truly be missed by the American Legend
community. HEAR! HEAR!
------------------
Born 12/5/00 0840Hrs #15348 2001, Speedway White Convertible
w/White Top and Torch Red interior--A4,1SC,G92,V49,B34,U1S,Z51, and
R8C. NCM #8750 C5 Registry #Y5123. NCM Delivery 1/3/01
IP:
Logged |
corvette6769 Senior Member
 
Posts: 128 From: Champaign, Illinois Registered: Jul
2000 |
posted 01-23-2001 03:25
AM
My deepest condolences to the
Schefter family. As much as we love our Corvettes, at times like
this we are reminded that family is all that truly matters.
------------------
owen_turner77@hotmail.com
- 1967 Convertible 427 3x2
- 1967 Coupe 427 3x2
- 1969 Convertible
- 1985 Coupe
- 2001 Convertible - Torch Red/Black/Black with EVERY available
option except the either/or options: MN6 6-speed Transmission, N73
Magnesium Wheels, Z51 Suspension, and R8C Museum
Delivery.
Order Number CRMRPJ, accepted by GM 7-31-00,
reached Event Code 3100 on 9-6-00, TPW 9-25-00, Sequence # 8271 and
my new C5 was the second C5 born on Wednesday 9-27-00, Finally
delivered 10-3-00.
Other cars currently owned: 1957 Belair 2DHT, 1967 Impala SS 327,
1967 Chevelle SS396/375hp, 1969 Nova SS 10.96et @ 118mph, 1969
Chevelle SS396, 1969 Elcamino SS396/375hp, 1969 Camaro RS/SS396,
1969 Camaro SS/RS/Z-11 Pace Car Convertible, 1970 Cobra 428 SCJ,
1972 Ford Van (my first vehicle), 1972 Lincoln Mark IV, 1973 Lincoln
Mark IV, 1975 C-10 Fleetside Short bed 4x4, 1976 K5 Blazer, 1978
Lincoln Mark V Diamond Jubilee Edition ($8200 option on a 12k car in
1978 dollars = 2 corvettes $ that year)and last year for the 460 4v,
2000 Cadillac Touring Coupe - every available option including the
"Autobahn package" = Z-rated tires and a top speed in excess of 150,
1999 Harley Davidson Softail Custom. What's Next? the worlds most
powerful SUV - the 345 Horsepower 2002 Cadillac Escalade (just
released).
Charter Member, TORCH RED CORVETTE CLUB, Founding member Central
Illinois Chapter
IP:
Logged |
Backnthesaddle Senior Member
 
Posts: 427 From: Cincinnati,Oh Registered: Mar 2000
|
posted 01-23-2001 05:22
AM
Very sad news. I read ACAR soon
after it hit and was his book that fueled the desire for me to have
the car rthat is sitting in my garage right now. My prayers go out
to his family and friends.
Mike
IP:
Logged |
John Shiels Senior Member
   
Posts: 1341 From: West Sayville NY 11796 USA Registered:
Jul 1999 |
posted 01-23-2001 07:14
AM
God Bless Jim and his family.
Thanks for some great readings Jim!
IP:
Logged |
Jim Strathearn Senior Member Cruise-In II Registrant
 
Posts: 335 From: Somewhere outside Delta, PA... Registered:
Feb 99 |
posted 01-23-2001 07:55
AM
My most sincere condolences to
the Schefter family.
IP:
Logged |
Paul R Senior Member Cruise-In I Veteran Cruise-In II Registrant
  
Posts: 737 From: Orlando, Fl Registered: Aug 99
|
posted 01-23-2001 08:02
AM
My condolences to the Schefter
family. Jim has earned a place in Corvette history as the man who
brought the true story of the C5 to all of us. He will be sorely
missed.
------------------
'01 Millenium Yellow Coupe MN6 All the goodies except
adjustable suspension
Appearance/Comfort Mods: CAU-LLC Vinyl letter inserts, Red/Amber
Euro taillights, Breathless backplate, Lloyds mats, Dynamatted
interior
Performance mods: !CAGS, CF Vortex Rammer , RedLine Driveline
Fluids, B&B PRTs on order
IP:
Logged |
ledfoot Senior Member
   
Posts: 1455 From: carmel Indiana usa Registered: Oct
1999 |
posted 01-23-2001 08:24
AM
Truly a sad day for our community
David In Indy -------------- 2000 NBM M6-Coupe All
Options minus F45 Euros/Mats/Halltech Tric/X-pipe/Indy Corsas/Z06
Calipers/Hawk Pads/Baer Rotors/Russell SS Brake Lines/ATE
DOT4/Redline Fluids/Engine Dress by Auto Buffs and Design
Specialties
IP:
Logged |
Fox Senior Member
  
Posts: 766 From: MD Registered: Feb 2000 |
posted 01-23-2001 09:25
AM
Sadly, I never had the
opportunity to meet Jim personally. He will live on in the hearts of
those in the Corvette community. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to
his family.
------------------ 2000 Millennium Yellow coupe, black
interior, polished wheels, sport seats, BSM, A4, 3.15,
etc. Witnessed birth on November 23, 1999 ! Best 1/4
ET 13.30 @ 104.7 mph.
IP:
Logged |
Duntov-097 Senior Member
 
Posts: 339 From: The people who were offended by my address
need to get a life! Registered: Apr 2000 |
posted 01-23-2001 10:20
AM
IP:
Logged |
Vette7 Senior Member
 
Posts: 105 From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Registered: May
2000 |
posted 01-23-2001 12:01
PM
There have been many people who
have impacted and enriched our lives with their love for this
wonderfull and unique automobile. Some through engineering, some
through syling, some through design, some through racing and some
through their sheer passion and insightfullness for our beloved
Corvette.
Jim was and will always be one of those.
We have lost a wonderful brother who, through his book has
enriched all of us. My heart is with his family and friends.
Sy.......
------------------ Vette7............
C2(67),C3(72),C3(76),C4(84),C4(86),C4(88), C5-Y2K FRC - SOLD SOLD
SOLD 2001 Millenium Yelow Coupe on its way..... TPW 29 Jan 01
AAB,AG1,AG2,AP9,AQ9,B34, B84,CJ2,DDO,D42,JL4,MN6, N37,QF5,T82,T96,V49,UN0, UZ6,Z51
C5R Member #Y3887 NCM Member #7794 VRCC #870
IP:
Logged |
01RedC5 Senior Member

Posts: 91 From: Hanford, CA US Registered: Sep 2000
|
posted 01-23-2001 01:50
PM
All Corvettes are
RED........ We will miss him.
------------------
'01
Torch Red coupe, black interior All options except side molding,
Z51, & Museum Delivery.
IP:
Logged |
408pacecar Senior Member
   
Posts: 1070 From: Round Rock, Texas Registered: Dec
1999 |
posted 01-23-2001 02:22
PM
Like others, I've gone through
the book several times, I have multiple copies. He was a great
writer, able to do things most people can only dream about doing.
His contributions in life will be gretly missed.
My heart goes out to those
close to him.
------------------ Walker 1998 Indy Pace Car-MTI 408
cid 2000 Rolex Daytona Pace Coupe 1995 Impala SS-DRM 6
speed 1996 Impala SS-DRM 6 speed 1996 Impala SS-mostly
stock 1999 3/4 ton Silverado 4x4 6.0L
http://www.hotss.com/Members/walker_bower/index.htm
IP:
Logged |
SebringBill Member
Posts: 5 From: Sarasota, FL, USA Registered: Dec
2000 |
posted 01-23-2001 02:31
PM
I first met Jim when I picked him
up at Orlando airport to bring him to sign ACAR for the NCRS Cypress
Gardens show in January, 1997. We stayed friends ever since. He has
the singular distinction of being the only person ever to fall
asleep in my 57 Corvette at 80 mph! (Returning to Orlando airport
that evening.) His enthusiasm for the C5 finally prompted me to buy
one...HIS!...last June. The new FL plate is the same as his UT
plate: ACAR. And it'll get driven just like my 57 (and just like he
would)! I'll miss ya, pal. Thanks, Jim!
------------------ SebringBill 1957 Corvette #3143 1997
Corvette #993 (The Original ACAR) NCM Lifetime Member #49
IP:
Logged |
LT4SilverEagle Senior Member Cruise-In II Registrant
 
Posts: 374 From: Sharon, Mass, 96 Silver/Torch Red CE, LT4, 6
speed, Z51 Performance Handling Package (1 of only 60 produced),
Administrator of the SILVER EAGLES Registered: Dec 2000
|
posted 01-23-2001 04:11
PM
A great loss to the Corvette
community.
My prayers to his family and friends.
IP:
Logged |
NetSpace Senior Member

Posts: 98 From: Madison, AL Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 01-23-2001 04:34
PM
My heartfelt condolences to his
family and friends. I really enjoyed reading his book.
Andy
------------------ 2001 Coupe -
DBGM/Oak,1SC,Z51,MXO,G92,QF5,C2L,B34,B84,UN0
IP:
Logged |
Vonneee Senior Member

Posts: 44 From: San Jose, CA USA Registered: Nov
2000 |
posted 01-23-2001 04:44
PM
How very sad I am currently reading this book,
while awaiting my first vette -- and yes, it's red...
To all that have had the pleasure of knowing him, I send my
condolences.
yvonne
IP:
Logged |
ILoco Senior Member Cruise-In I Veteran Cruise-In II Registrant
 
Posts: 225 From: Lebanon TN Registered: Mar 2000
|
posted 01-23-2001 07:16
PM
Sad news indeed. ACAR is a
fantastic book, giving us rarely seen insight into the car
production and design industry. It will be his legacy. Thanks
Jim....
------------------
2000 Navy Blue Metallic M6 Coupe- lt. gray interior, HUD,
CD changer, sport seats, memory pkg, dual climate control, high
polish wheels, fog lamps, twilight sentinel MODS:Halltech
TRIC, Z51 sway bars, B&M Ripper, MOMO Race Airleather Aluminum
shift knob, !CAGS, APC bulbs, Valentine V1 On order: Corsa Indy
w/pro tips, Xtreme Xpipe.
IP:
Logged |
Bwright Senior Member
 
Posts: 385 From: Queens, NY, USA Registered: Apr 99
|
posted 01-23-2001 10:20
PM
ACAR was an eye-opener that
really made me appreciate the hard work, struggle and sacrifice of
not just developing a modern car but a modern supercar.

IP:
Logged |
Good2Go Senior Member

Posts: 74 From: Long Beach, CA Registered: Feb 2000
|
posted 01-24-2001 03:04
AM
Very sad to hear this news. His
book has enhanced the Corvette experience for us all. ALL
CORVETTES ARE RED
------------------ Clint from So Cal 1998 Torch Red/Bk
Conv. A4 - 3.15 axle - cool blues - stainless exh. tips -
Halltech "TRIC" - A&A exh./roller wheels - GM Hi-Perf Plug
Wires - Lloyd mats - BPP exh. plate - Optima red top battery -
service manual - Zaino
IP:
Logged |
KLLRVET Senior Member

Posts: 77 From: Cape Coral, FL Registered: Dec 2000
|
posted 01-24-2001 03:11
AM
Anther loss to our Corvette
community. It saddens me to be forced to let another one go. My
heart goes out to his family. Tonu
------------------ 1992 Grand Sport Clone 12.24 @ 116
(motor) 11.04 @ 126 (150hp NOS) KLLRVET92@AOL.COM
IP:
Logged |
Hib Halverson Senior Member
 
Posts: 151 From: West Covina CA Registered: Oct 1999
|
posted 01-24-2001 09:59
AM
Forum Members- I'm posting two
additional forwards off the internet in re: the late, Jim Schefter.
The first is a notice from his family about services in North
Dakota this weekend. "Will" is Jim's son.
The second is an obit that ran in the Houston Chronicle yesterday
morning
----------------- Forwarded Message:
----------------- Forwarded Message -----------------
Subject: Memorial Service From: c5@pcfastnet.com Date:
2001-01-23 17:08:37 EST To: Allizwebb@aol.com,
rmorse2089@cs.com BCC: Finspeed
From: c5@pcfastnet.com To: Allizwebb@aol.com,
rmorse2089@cs.com Hi everyone.
Here is the information that I have on a memorial service.
It is being held in Grand Forks, North Dakota on Saturday the
27th at 1:30pm. I realize that this is short notice and
completely understand if anyone cannot make it. Just knowing that
everybody cared the way that they did is quite enough.
For those of you who would like to attend I will supply tommorrow
a site address for the memorial. Then we are going to have a
reception afterwards at Jerry Schefter's house.
Again, thanks everybody.
Will
Subject: Houston Chronicle Obit. From:
c5@pcfastnet.com Date: 2001-01-24 01:01:46 EST To:
Allizwebb@aol.com, england@umich.edu BCC: Finspeed
From: c5@pcfastnet.com To: Allizwebb@aol.com,
england@umich.edu
Jan. 23, 2001, 12:34PM
Former Chronicle space writer James Schefter dies
By JOSHUNDA SANDERS Copyright 2001 Houston Chronicle
James Schefter, a prolific space and automotive writer,
died of complications associated with pulmonary
fibrosis Sunday night. He was 60.
Schefter covered the end of NASA Gemini Missions for the
Houston Chronicle in the early 1960s and wrote about the
Apollo Space Missions for Time and Life magazines. He began
writing for Popular Science magazine in the early 1970s and
was a consulting editor for almost a decade.
Schefter also wrote extensively about the automotive and
computer industries as a freelance writer. He is the
author of The Race: The Uncensored Story of How America
Beat Russia To The Moon and All Corvettes Are Red: Inside
the Rebirth Of An American Legend.
He also worked with Chris Kraft, flight director of the
Apollo Mission, on Flight -- a book about the
space missions that will be published in March 2001.
Schefter is survived by three sons,
Michael Schefter,William Schefter and Andrew Schefter.
R
------------------ H. Halverson technical writer content
supplier to Internet and print media
IP:
Logged |
BBR Senior Member Cruise-In II Registrant
 
Posts: 137 From: Glen Burnie, MD Registered: Jul
2000 |
posted 01-24-2001 01:03
PM
The book brough a whole new light
to the world of the C5 and it is a sad loss..my condolences to his
family and all those who were close to him
------------------ Bruce MD Zaino Distributor NCM Member
#8691 2001 NBM, 1SC, Z51, QF5 TPW 10/16 NCM Delivery
11/10 Another Happy Karl J. Customer
IP:
Logged |
Hib Halverson Senior Member
 
Posts: 151 From: West Covina CA Registered: Oct 1999
|
posted 01-24-2001 01:37
PM
Forum Members,
This morning, I received an email from Will Schefter, Jim's son,
about the Internet traffic concerning his Dad's death. For the
Forum's benefit, I'll also post my reply.
At this point, only a few days after his Dad's passing, that he
can write to me to say thanks is remarkable. All those Shefters are
pretty cool people.
I'll say it again---we're gonna miss Jim Schefter.
---------------- Begin Forwarded Message
---------------- Date: 01/24/01 8:32 AM Received: 01/24/01
9:57 AM From: Jim Schefter, c5@pcfastnet.com To:
finspeed@earthlink.net
Hib, I don't know what to say. I am Jim's son, Will, and I
received a call from Claudio at GM a short time ago to let me
know about your Web Page. I am truely greatful for what you have
done. I never had any idea how many people my dad had touched
over the years. I have to admit that I was tearing up (okay,
tears running) when I was reading the responses that you received
to your announcement. I have added the last email that I sent
out announcing the passing of my father. Maybe you could add this
to those respones and thank everyone for there kind words.
Again thank you very much. It means more than you can imagine.
Will Schefter
-----------------------------------------------------------
Hi all.
I think this is the most difficult thing that I have ever had to
do.
My father passed away at 10:23 this evening, January 21st.
It was a decsion that I made with the help of my brother, Drew,
to withdraw life-support for my father.
Around 2am on the 21st dad took a major down turn. His blood
pressure and heart rate dropped dramatically and it took some
time to bring him back to normal. Then sometime before 7am his
kidneys shut down and his stomach stopped processing. It was only
a little while later that his heart formed an irreagular heart
beat. It was at this point that I made the initial decsion to
withdraw support. His body had given up the fight and it
would have been terribly unfair to him to have kept him alive
when his body wanted otherwise.
I had set a time up for the afternoon of the 21st to sit down
with Kat and the doctor to decide on the best course of action.
When I left the hospital on the 20th, a little after 9:30pm,
Estelle, his doctor, told me that things would be much easier on
everyone if he could decide one way or the other what he wanted
to do. He made that decsion.
I know he is in heaven now. I know I will see him again and I am
looking forward for that day with everything I have. I loved my
father and I already miss him terribly but he is at peace now and
that gives me all the comfort in the world.
Again I must thank everyone for all your kind words. They have
kept me going the past two weeks and I will always remember and
treasure them. This won't be the last time you hear from me
either. Tommorrow I must start planning the memorial service. I
will let everyone know what will be occurring when I get it all
figured out.
Until later.
Will Schefter
----------------- End Forwarded Message -----------------
------------------ H. Halverson technical writer content
supplier to Internet and print media
IP:
Logged |
Hib Halverson Senior Member
 
Posts: 151 From: West Covina CA Registered: Oct 1999
|
posted 01-24-2001 01:40
PM
Forum Members, Below is my
reply to Will Schefter's email posted above.
_______________________
Hello, Will- Thanks for your nice words.
I don't suppose there's much I can say that will make this time
any better for you and your family.
Your Dad was a cool guy. I'm gonna miss him.
One of my fondest memories of him was sitting in his home in Park
City, looking out the window at the mountains and talking about our
careers and Corvettes. This happened in the summer of 1996. On the
way home to California from the 1996 Black Hills Corvette Classic, I
overnighted in Park City at the invite of your Dad. We had a great
afternoon, evening dinner and morning coffee before I drove on south
to Henderson, Nevada the next day.
I'm about ten years younger than he and came into the technical
writing career much later in life than he did. I met your Dad
because we traveled in some of the same circles when he was working
on ACAR. He and I talked a lot and saw each other once in a while in
L.A. when he was in the final stages of the book and, after that,
when he was marketing it. As he moved on to doing "The Race," we
continued to keep in touch because I love aerospace stuff. I was
amazed to learn that the articles I read as a late-teenager in Time
and Life about Apollo was mostly written by him. I loved to talk
with him about those times. It was fascinating. I hope Jim was able
to complete "Flight" before he passed. I was awaiting that book with
baited breath. When your Dad wrote me last year about "Flight" and
asked me to prime the Internet Corvette community about it, the
first thing I did was reserve a copy on Amazon.
Your Dad offered me valuable advice I've used in my career. I can
only hope to be a quarter as good a technical writer as was your
Dad.
> received a call from >Claudio at GM a short time ago
to let me know about your Web Page. Well, I think you are talking
about the post I made to the Corvette Forum at http://www.corvetteforum.com./
It's not really my web site, but I did make a public discussion
board post to the Forum, along with public posts to two of the
Internet email lists the Corvette community uses. I did this on the
morning after your Dad's death both to express my feelings and to
let the greater Corvette community know of the tremendous and
untimely loss it and your family have sustained. Unfortunately, one
thing I could not do is post to the third email list, the one owned
by the C5 Registry. That's actually the largest group of Internet C5
enthusiasts, but that list has been temporarily off-line for a
while.
> I have added the last email that I sent
out >announcing the passing of my father. Maybe you could add
this to those >respones and thank everyone for there kind
words. I actually have that. Your Dad and I have a mutual
friend, retired Chevrolet employee, Tom Hoxie, who received that
post from you early on the morning of the 22nd. He forwarded it to
me. I read it and thought it was maybe a bit too raw for public
posting and decided to write something on my own, but---I will be
glad to post it to the greater Corvette Internet. I will take
care of that in just a few minutes.
>I never had any idea how many >people my dad had
touched over the years. Dude--we're talking thousands and
thousands---and that's just in the Corvette community. All
Corvettes are Red is giant of a book amongst the C5 Corvette
enthusiasts. Heck, my Corvettes aren't even C5s and I have three
different versions of the book: a yellow, paper-back proof-copy of
the hardback edition (which I treasure because it was a personal
gift from your Dad), an autographed hardback version and the
softback version. Countless times in the last five years, when
writing magazine articles about C5, I've referred to ACAR.
>Again thank you very much. It means more than you can
imagine. You are so welcome. I know this is a really tough
time for you and your family. But, as you've said, Jim is in a
better place know. If there's anything I can do or, if you just
feel like writing about your Dad---contact me. Please note that
my current email address is: finspeed@earthlink.net The old
one you used to send to me, today, will soon shut down.
------------------ H. Halverson technical writer content
supplier to Internet and print media
IP:
Logged |
DUGKOTA Senior Member
 
Posts: 319 From: STILLWATER, OK. Registered: Apr
2000 |
posted 01-24-2001 02:44
PM
I had the pleasure of meeting Jim
at a Corvette show in Colorado a few years ago and bought an
autographed copy of ACAR. We talked 10-15 minutes and he was very
enthusiastic and warm. I'll never forget him and his great book!
------------------ 2001 Mag Red II Convertible Oak int/Oak top
1SC,Z51,MN6,QF5,B34,UNO, DATE BUILT 8/8/00 Picked-up 8/18/00
Mods: eurotailights/euro sidemarkers/ripper/zaino/corsa tourings
w/pro-tips/Lloyds logo mats/covercraft bra/Momo combat carbon fiber
shifter/breathless exhaust plate/hardwired V-1/steering
wheel,airbag,door sill decals. Coming Halltech tric or
Vortex. ------------------------- 67 Coupe,"little bigblock"
427/390 4sp. white ext.,white/blue int.,blue stinger. Owned her for
19 years and still going strong!
01
Mag Red Rag/67 coupe
IP:
Logged |
VettesRule Senior Member
 
Posts: 182 From: El Paso, TX Registered: Oct 2000
|
posted 01-24-2001 02:47
PM
Thanks for the message Hib. God's
speed Mr. Schefter!
------------------ Danny
Email me at: VettesRule@aol.com
Visit my webpage:www.corvetteforum.net/c4/vettesrule1
IP:
Logged |
65conv_99conv Senior Member
 
Posts: 295 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Mar 99
|
posted 01-24-2001 04:59
PM
My condolences to the family of
Mr. Schefter. There are hundreds of thousands that share his
passion, respect, and awe of the C5 and the drama surrounding it's
birth.
May there be a Torch Red Z06 waiting at the pearly gates for Jim
when he arrives...
IP:
Logged |