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DrEntropy

DrEntropy

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Condolences Doc.💐
 
I'm very sorry to hear this Doc. You, and his family have my deepest condolences.
 
Happening much too often these latter days...
 
So sorry to hear you've lost a friend. Condolences to you and his family. Did you know him through the auto industry?
 
Sad to hear,but sounds like you were very fortunate
to having known him.
When I went to my High School reunion,I was
saddened to see how many we lost in our class.
 
There was a wonderful write-up of him in the last (2024) Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix program. He was this year's honorary starter. I read about his passing on another site; quite sad. You are lucky to have known him - and condolences for the loss of a friend.

RIP

pvgp.org

Local Legend Jim Boffo Named Honorary Starter For 2024 PVGP | PVGP

Mention the name Jim Boffo around the western Pennsylvania racing community, and the response is always the same . . . lots of smiles and great stories about
pvgp.org pvgp.org
 
Popeye said:
There was a wonderful write-up of him in the last (2024) Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix program. He was this year's honorary starter. I read about his passing on another site; quite sad. You are lucky to have known him - and condolences for the loss of a friend.

RIP

pvgp.org

Local Legend Jim Boffo Named Honorary Starter For 2024 PVGP | PVGP

Mention the name Jim Boffo around the western Pennsylvania racing community, and the response is always the same . . . lots of smiles and great stories about
pvgp.org pvgp.org
Click to expand...

Just about to post that! Thanks, Mike.

Kind of funny/ironic, I'd been looking through some old club publications for some info on Lotus brakes for a guy here locally, just last Thursday. Came across an envelope full of Boffo Motors parts invoices, some dated as early as 1969 and '70, thought I might call Jim to catch up... last conversation we had was just ahead of the PVGP last year ('23). Had known he was honored this year but hadn't talked to him about it. This latest news was a shock.

Jim was one of my early influences. Always with an easy smile and thoughtful answers. We could pick up a conversation where we'd left off, weeks or years before. I've many photos of Jim, Diane and Tom at races, many memories and stories. His dad was the AC owner, brother Tommy got his hands on one of the CS-427 Cobras in the late '60's (more stories!), sold it to Tony Hogg in the early '70's. "Baby brother" Gary showed up here back in the mid '80's but went back north to work in the family business.

EDIT: The story in the "Articles" forum section here about transmissions mentions a guy at a shop, showing us how the MGB three synchro gearbox is rebuilt. That was Tommy Boffo. After one of the shop guys had said: "Just wait 'til it breaks, then you'll know what caused the whirring noise!"
 
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Sad to hear of anyone's good friend or family member passing. Enjoy everyday to the max. We have no control really on anything from Lucas electrics to Life...
 
DrEntropy said:
Friend and hero.
Click to expand...
FWIW back in the late 70's Jim rebuilt my 1275 Mini Cooper S engine and ran it in on his engine dyno. Still running like a top! I went back to his shop in the mid 90's to set up the car for autocross and mentioned to his mechanics that "I tried to bust the motor but can't do it" a testament to how well it was assembled. He will be missed.
 
Back in the early 70's I spent many a weekend at tracks in and around the northeast watching Jim in wheel to wheel battles with fellow hot-shoe Mini racer Ed Spreen. A couple of years ago I came across Jim on his hands and knees working on a race TR4 at the Put In Bay vintage races. When he came up for air, I told him what an influence he had been on me in my early years. It was a thrill to finally meet him. This past summer I attended the PVGP where he was honorary starter, but unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to speak with him.

R.I.P. Jim.
 
Scargo said:
Back in the early 70's I spent many a weekend at tracks in and around the northeast watching Jim in wheel to wheel battles with fellow hot-shoe Mini racer Ed Spreen.
Click to expand...
They both spent almost as much time on three wheels as four. :LOL:
If you've been in the Tidewater area long, ever have dealings with the Bunch Saab folks? Back in the early '70's, Margie Bunch was an autocrosser in a Sonnet. A guy named John Sheely ran a TR6. I autocrossed an MGB and an Elan.

I've a lot of photos here someplace, fairly sure I've posted at least one of Jim and Diane at some event in the '70's. Also PLN in his Triumph and a guy (and friend) named Bob Rost, in his Alfa Spider (Ep #70). Good times.
 
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First Wife on learning about Jim: "I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I liked his quiet nature."

Apt description of him.
 
After growing up on Long Island, I did not land in the Tidewater area of VA. until 1980 but, I did know John Sheely. He was quite a likable guy. If you were still here and autocrossing at Pungo Field in the 80’s, we probably crossed paths.
 
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I met John Sheely at the Jamestown ferry dock.He was pishing
a Morgan up to towards the ferry.I walked up and informed him
that this was not good for the image of a British car.He told me
that he'd recently bought it,& was having trouble with it.
I offered him a ride back to his house where he showed me
his impressive Morgan collection,& an updated old grain truck
that was his tow vehicle.I was not aware that he was "MR. Morgan",
& he gave a book that he had written.
Sadly,he passed away a while ago.
 
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