A TRUE Corvetter passes

[Hawk]

Originally Posted by Hib Halverson

I am sad to report that my friend, Jim Van Dorn, has died.

My God, what a shock and a loss.

Jim was known to many in the Corvette hobby as a friend, one of the earliest members of the original ZR-1 Registry, organizer of a number of ZR-1 events in the early years of that part of the hobby, a Corvette service shop owner with a big heart and a willing hand to help any Corvetter in need, the original “Pirate” of “Pirate Racing, outspoken commentator of all things Vette both on the Internet and in print, the guy who put on those great BBQ’s during NCM event weekends, an absolute authority on the C4 ZR-1, Father of three wonderful kids and generally, a damn fine individual.

I was honored to have been his friend for more than 20 years.

In one of life’s cruel ironies, at age 59, Jim died in his sleep, during night of 13-14 May, on the eve of the National Corvette Museum's "C4 Gathering" weekend. Twenty years ago, he organized the “Legend Lives” event at the NCM which began the tradition of a weekend event for C4 ZR-1 owners. Over two decades, what Jim started grew into a three-day event for all C4 enthusiasts, jointly sponsored by the ZR-1 Net and Grand Sport Registries.

My friend, Jim Van Dorn, will be greatly missed by his children, Jim Jr., Erin and Kristen and by all of us in the Corvette hobby who greatly valued his friendship.

Let’s all take a moment...







….then raise our glasses–raise ‘em real high, people–to “The old Pirate”, Jim Van Dorn.


Indeed, the Legend lives”, Van Dorn, and you had a part in keeping it alive!

Thoughts and Prayers to Family and Friends ...

I know he and Doug Johnson are burnin' Stogies & sipping' Purple Beer in that "Final Gathering" in the sky (save me some, Bro).

Another Great gone before his time ...

Semper Fi & GodSpeed Matey ... you will be missed,

Hawk ^v^
'91 #415
PTBAP
Sent via ESP from my iBrain

PS ... I'm sure a 'JVD Memorial Gathering' or brick is in the works by someone. Maybe rename one of his signature events? Standing-by to assist ...

[JThomas]

I will miss Jim and his Corvette commentary. When I got into the ZR-1 hobby in 2008, I learned about Jim from the Heart of the Beast and the NCM. He worked on my first ZR-1, a red '92 when I autocrossed it during the 2009 Gathering, in the rain. He allowed me to use his garage as a car wash, as I often cleaned my '95 ZR-1 at his place at subsequent Gatherings. Lastly, I was very fortunate and honored to drive his Black Widow ZR-1 during the Gathering in 2014, just so he could see it compete one last time before it was sold.

Jim was always giving, and inspiring. I will miss him, but I will always remember him.

Sorry I could not make the Gathering this year, sometimes work gets in the way.

[G-Sting]

Very sorry to hear of this. What a legacy he has left for his family and for the ZR1 community.

Prayers and condolences to all in their loss.

JVD

[USAZR1]

What a sad day,to hear such news as this. Man,this sucks.

[Eric24]

Jim,

I will never forget the gratitude you showed a bunch of Army guys while deployed to Afghanistan by hosting an auction at the famous "JVD BBQ" 5 years to date. The video and phone call you set up for my family was priceless...

I will miss our conversations we had with Hib and the stories and support you showed to me and my family.

Our prayers are with the kids during this time and we salute you JVD!



'Stad

[edram454]

I am very sad to hear this news. I have read a lot about him and his accomplishments. I have read many great stories about the type of guy he was and it was always complimentary. I am sorry I personally never got to know him but I respect the person he was by so many positive commentaries about him. He was truly a pioneer of the ZR1 and has helped many fellow forum members with his amazing knowledge.

He will truly be missed. Condolences to his family during this very difficult time.

Ed Ramos #3028

[tccrab]

Goodbye 'O my Captain, Goodbye.

Until we meet again.

TomC
a.k.a, "Crabs"

[Bearly Flying]

Godspeed, Jim.

Never met you but have read a lot about you. Happy Trails.....

[Vette Guy]

We will certainly miss Jim.... I met him for the first time on Wednesday - we spent over 2 hours chatting in his office that afternoon.

Jim was planning to donate some historical items to the NCM during the banquet this year.

With heavy heart.....

Mark

[HIZNHRZ]

Terribly sad news. Jim was among the first experts I had the pleasure to speak with when I was looking for my first ZR-1 20 years ago. Genuinely good person. Our prayers to you and your loved ones. Godspeed Jim Van Dorn.