Jim Skinner: Difference between revisions
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'''James H. Skinner, Sr''' (born [[1920]] in Michigan - died [[August 4]], [[2007]]) was the founder and owner of [[Jim Skinner Ford]] in [[Huffman]], one of the state's oldest family-owned automobile dealerships. He was best known in the [[Birmingham]] area for the long-running series of gimmicky television commercials starring himself and his | '''James H. Skinner, Sr''' (born [[1920]] in Michigan - died [[August 4]], [[2007]]) was the founder and owner of [[Jim Skinner Ford]] in [[Huffman]], one of the state's oldest family-owned automobile dealerships. He was best known in the [[Birmingham]] area for the long-running series of gimmicky television commercials starring himself and his sons in which they repeatedly promised to "beat your best deal, regardless." He also owned Jim Skinner Honda in Dothan. | ||
Skinner served as an Air Force major during [[World War II]] and later flew commercial planes for Trans World Airlines. After moving to Birmingham he got his start in auto sales with [[ | Skinner served as an Air Force major during [[World War II]] and later flew commercial planes for Trans World Airlines. After moving to Birmingham he got his start in auto sales with [[O. Z. Hall Ford]] in the early 1950s. He invested in a network of partnerships with other car dealers. He sold his shares in [[1958]] in order to open his own Ford dealership in [[Ensley]]. | ||
Beginning in the 1960s Skinner became known for poking fun at himself in a long-running series of self-produced television commercials. In [[1974]] he moved the business to [[Parkway East]] from [[Ensley]]. The series of TV commercials was re-launched in the 1980s with his two sons, [[Jimmy Skinner|Jimmy]] and [[Bobby Skinner|Bobby]]. Skinner typically inserted a reference to "Momma" in his banter with the boys, referring to his wife, Edna, who died in [[2001]]. | |||
On [[March 20]], [[2003]] Skinner recieved the Lifetime Achievement Award from the [[Birmingham Automobile Dealers Association]], a group which he helped to found. He died in August 2007 at the age of 87. He was survived by four children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. | On [[March 20]], [[2003]] Skinner recieved the Lifetime Achievement Award from the [[Birmingham Automobile Dealers Association]], a group which he helped to found. He died in August 2007 at the age of 87. He was survived by four children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. | ||
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[[Category:1920 births]] | [[Category:1920 births]] | ||
[[Category:2007 deaths]] | [[Category:2007 deaths]] | ||
[[Category:US Air Force | [[Category:US Air Force officers]] | ||
[[Category:World War II veterans]] | [[Category:World War II veterans]] | ||
[[Category:Auto dealers]] | [[Category:Auto dealers]] | ||
[[Category:Television personalities]] | [[Category:Television personalities]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:01, 1 February 2010
James H. Skinner, Sr (born 1920 in Michigan - died August 4, 2007) was the founder and owner of Jim Skinner Ford in Huffman, one of the state's oldest family-owned automobile dealerships. He was best known in the Birmingham area for the long-running series of gimmicky television commercials starring himself and his sons in which they repeatedly promised to "beat your best deal, regardless." He also owned Jim Skinner Honda in Dothan.
Skinner served as an Air Force major during World War II and later flew commercial planes for Trans World Airlines. After moving to Birmingham he got his start in auto sales with O. Z. Hall Ford in the early 1950s. He invested in a network of partnerships with other car dealers. He sold his shares in 1958 in order to open his own Ford dealership in Ensley.
Beginning in the 1960s Skinner became known for poking fun at himself in a long-running series of self-produced television commercials. In 1974 he moved the business to Parkway East from Ensley. The series of TV commercials was re-launched in the 1980s with his two sons, Jimmy and Bobby. Skinner typically inserted a reference to "Momma" in his banter with the boys, referring to his wife, Edna, who died in 2001.
On March 20, 2003 Skinner recieved the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Birmingham Automobile Dealers Association, a group which he helped to found. He died in August 2007 at the age of 87. He was survived by four children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
References
- "Jim Skinner dies." (August 4, 2007) Birmingham News.
- "Car dealership owner Skinner dies." (August 4, 2007) Dothan Eagle.
External links
- Jim Skinner Ford commercial on YouTube.com