"I'm not the the leader or the president of PACM, just the co-founder and spokesman", says Jim of himself when somtimes tagged with those titles. He's just another guy who likes to build model cars.
It started back when he was about 7 years old when his dad would build models with him. "We built ships, planes, rockets, and even a Mallard duck. Then somehow I started on cars by myself and built them exclusively." Some of his first efforts were a 1962 Buick Electra and a 1963 Bonneville convertible. Most of the old AMT 3 in 1 kits back then were molded in white and that's how they ended up being built -- all white (even the engine & chassis) and chrome. Eventually he learned how to paint and do some moderate detailing a few years later. "I built practically everything that came out, hardtop & convertible versions of the the same car, 20's thru 60's models, stock, drag, rods."
Of course he became interested in real cars at this point and learned a little of how they worked. "The first time I went to a custom car show at the civic center I was about 11 years old and it was such a thrill. I still get excited when I go to the local events."
The last model car he built was a 1967 Falcon painted orange & gold with custom parts (hey, it was the 60's). Dating, homework, and rock & roll soon took up most of his time, although Jim and his friends did make yearly trips to the auto show and custom car shows. After that, college and working two jobs was normal.
"While dating Ann, my yet-to-be-wife, in 1993 I must have mentioned a lot about my past. So for Christmas that year I was surprised to find among my presents a '65 Corvette street rat. I started building it the following year and got hooked, well-- addicted. (My lovely wife now has a flat spot on her forhead from banging her head against the wall and saying, 'What have I done?') So much had changed in 25 years, including the quality of the kits and the detailing products available. I had to basically re-learn the whole hobby all over."
Not really knowing what he wanted to be when he grew up, Jim started out wanting to teach English Grammar, his best subject in school. Then his interest changed to being a driving instructor, which at the time required a degree in education. Having a latent interest in photography somehow, he was able to take basic photography in college in place of a lab science. Another addiction was cultivated and that led to changing his major to Industrial Photography which in turn spawned several ventures, adventures, and careers in photography which included weddings, horse racing, PR, and multi-media slide shows and soundtrack production. All that stopped when a career opportunity in the Postal Service opened. But it's not all that bad. As Jim got more involved in building cars he realized that two hobbies can co-exist. "I started taking detail shots of my models in progress and then the final product as a way of showing my hobby without dragging a lot of models around. Now I am able to use the equipment and skills for the model club and the car club. I also try to take detail photos of real cars for future reference in building the models. I like to photograph landscapes and scenics but don't get much time for that." So just for the record, it's cars, model cars, and scenes. He doesn't photograph anything that talks back.
Only four of Jim's models survived from the early days. He is trying to restore the collection his Mom gave away after he left home. Most of the kits he buys are to build in the upcoming years, but he admits that some are purchased for future investment; kind of a retirement fund along with his stamp collection. And that old 1967 Falcon along with an original 1966 Dodge Charger have been restored and photographed and live happily on the PACM website.
"As far as the club is concerned, I just wanted to find other car builders to talk to about the hobby and exchange ideas and techniques. With Jamie's help we have recruited a wonderfully diverse group of model car builders. They are all great people and accomplished craftsmen. I'm just concerned about the future of our hobby with all the changes going on. Perhaps it will just go through a down period similar to the 1970's and then bounce back when the manufacturers come to their senses. That's why I think we need to get as many kids interested now to help keep the flame burning. Meanwhile I'm sure we all have plenty of kits to keep us busy."