"Diamond Jim" Annin Memorial
by Robert Briggs
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| The Memorial Card for Diamond Jim Annin |
James H. Annin
“Diamond Jim”
June 2, 1939 – December 22, 2004
Jim Annin apparently never met a derelict he didn’t like. Just look around. Surrounded by a cast of characters worthy of a bar scene from Star Wars, he didn’t make many of the things we enjoy, but to paraphrase a popular TV commercial — he made a lot of the things we enjoy even better. The Diamond Jim’s Having—a—Celebration Show and Big Hook’s Traveling Acceleration Show. For years they traveled in tandem, with frequent stop offs at The Longbranch Saloon. His racing world was much more colorful and far less corporate.
Whatever you called him: Mother, D.J., Diamond, Papa, or just plain Jim, he was a rare and wonderful person. Big brother, boat racer, dragster owner, street rodder, key member of the Safety Safari, active Elk’s Club Gallivanter, host of the legendary Festival of Fools and the equally infamous Montrose Social Club and, finally, loving husband to Betty. He was one-of-a-kind, one who even in the most difficult of times, focused his attention not on himself, but on those around him. Whether it was his drag racing family, innumerable friends, the family of Gallivanters who so brightened his final years, or a little blind dog named Sammy, Diamond enriched the lives of all he encountered.
Today we celebrate the life and time of Jim Annin. Benefactor, confidant, and friend.
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| Standing room only for the overflow group of Jim's friends & family at the NHRA Museum |
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| MC Dave McClelland remembers his best friend Jim Annin |
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| Jim's Sedan Delivery Truck & wife Betsy's Harley |
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| Jim's wheels |
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| Cool graphic from Jim's truck |
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| Memorial photos of Jim Annin |
Robert Briggs
rbriggs6@charter.net
