Originally Posted by
Ron Hill
From July 2007 Propeller:
James H. Jost
Our friend Jimmy crossed the final finish line. James H. Jost of
Menomonee Falls, WI passed away at the age of 88 on May 26, 2007,
after a long illness.
That it was the opening day of the Memorial Day weekend was most
appropriate, for Jim grew up just in time to face the rigors of World
War II. Enlisting in the Army just as America entered that awful
conflagration, Jim entered Europe on a Normandy beachhead and fought
through France and Germany until he was captured and confined in a
Nazi prisoner-of-war camp. By the time he was freed by the Allies in
the closing days of the war, Jim had been reduced to skin and bones.
Back home in Chicago and healthy again, he became excited about
APBA’s new, exploding Stock Outboard category. Beginning in 1953, he
enthusiastically drove a “B” Stock hydro in races throughout Regions
6 and 7.
Jim soon combined his love of racing with a zest for leadership in
the sport. He started one or more racing clubs, found new race sites
and refereed. He served as Chairman of Region 7 from 1955 through 1957.
Ever ambitious and unafraid of hard work, Jim rocketed to the top
ranks of APBA. He advanced to Deputy Commissioner, Stock Outboard
Commissioner and Vice President (1959-1962), Outboard Pleasure Craft
Vice President, APBA Senior VP (1963-64), and APBA President (1965
and 1966).
In recognition of his many accomplishments, APBA named Jim an
Honorary Life Member and in 1967 elected him to the APBA Honor
Squadron. Never was a member more deserving. He never lost his
enthusiasm for the APBA and boat racing.
During his rise in the ranks of APBA, Jim left the stationery
business he shared with his brother John, and entered the marine
marketing field. He worked first with Kiekhaefer Mercury, then with
Evinrude Motors. During this time he played a large role in creating
the OPC category, and establishing the Evinrude 100 MPH Club (to
replace the departed Gulf Marine 100 MPH Club), as well as promotion
of better safety equipment and compulsory insurance for drivers.
Jim’s other contributions to the APBA and to the sport in general are
simply too numerous to mention.
Through all of this Jim’s wife Irene (the former Irene Maher)
enthusiastically supported him and never missed an event, even as
they raised a fine family of five.
Irene predeceased Jim. He leaves his children Jim, Pat (Dave)
Daniels, Janet (Ron) Boie, John, Jay (Sally) and Jeff. He was a
caring grandfather to Jimmy, Michael, Chris, Renee, Joe, Katie,
Hannah and Emily, and leaves many other other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Fri., June 1 in Menomonee Falls, WI.
Donations are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, 800-272-3900
or 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601-7633. The
family sends special thanks to the Vitas Hospice and the Riverview
Village Community for the special care and attention given to Jim.
Goodby, buddy.
—Charlie Strang
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