JIM KERR & ASSOCIATES, LLC

From Wild to Mild

MANUFACTURER’S REPRESENTATIVES

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For The Leading Manufacturers of Performance & Specialty Equipment 

since 1968,

 , ,

,

We are sorry to have to say that on March 6, 2025, James (Jim/Jimmy) Kerr passed away peacefully at home. He was 91.

Jim was a passionate advocate for all thing motorized, ranging from remote controlled cars, boats, and airplanes to nitro fueled hotrod and dragsters. His passion for motorsports, while extensive, did leave room for other interests such as family, friends, food, and fireworks. His enthusiasm for life was matched only by his love for his family and all the friends lives he touched.

In 1967, Jim founded Jim Kerr & Associates, a successful automotive parts and accessories focused manufactures representative business for over five decades. As a manufacturer’s representative he often traveled great distances by automobile throughout the eastern United States to provide the reliable service that manufactures and customers appreciated. For many years he exceeded 80,000 miles behind the wheel with catalogs and price sheets filling the space behind him.

As a valued member of Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Jim dedicated much of his life to advancing the high-performance automotive industry. He shared his knowledge and ability with those around him. This is what led to one his most well-known accomplishments in the automotive industry while working for the pioneering automotive company Hurst Performance. Jim helped to develop the race support program known as Hurst Shifty Doctors which provided repairs for racers at no charge.

Amateur and professional race enthusiasts sought out his insight and his amazing reach of contacts within the industry and made him one of those often mentioned whenever a legitimate opinion was needed, or a contact was sought. For many years, he helped run the SCCA races at Pocono and could be found helping his friends when not working or with family. Jim’s contributions to the world of motorsports and car culture will be remembered by many.

For his accomplishments he was inducted into the Halls of Fame for SEMA and East Coast Drag Times. He also was presented with the National Nostalgia Drag Racing Association’s Legion of Honor Award for achievements and contributions to drag racing during US30 Heritage Days at the East Coast Museum of Motor Racing.

Jim was a devoted husband and father. His love for his family was the cornerstone of his life, and he provided generously for them. His children appreciate the special items that helped make for a fun-filled (and adventurous) childhood - such as a Skee-ball machine, Pit passes, slot cars, dune cycle, jet boats, a gasoline powered pogo stick, minibikes, and a dune buggy. His unwavering support, gentle spirit, and constant encouragement made him a pillar in his family’s life. Jim’s legacy will live on through the memories he created and the love he gave.

In addition to his work and family life, Jim had a zest for living and a deep love for the thrill of fireworks displays. He often traveled both domestically and internationally to view displays and competitions. He knew the schedules of large displays by the likes of Grucci and Zambelli and would invite along anyone who was interested so they could have as much fun as knew he was going to have. Jim felt that the experience of fireworks was all the richer if you were close enough to physically experience them through multiple senses. Whether it’s the deafening boom, chest rattling shock wave, smell of gunpowder, heat of a fireball, or the rain of embers upon you, he loved it all. If unable to attend in person, he watched them on live TV or online. For him New Year’s Eve was a particularly enjoyable time for viewing fireworks in multiple time zones and provided him with several hours of prime viewing.

Whether it was a Sunday spent in the driveway cleaning, maintaining, and repairing vehicles of his family and friends or numerous snowmobiling trips through the Pocono mountains, upstate New York, and Canada, Jim’s presence always brought a sense of calm and assurance to those around him, enhanced by a voice that had been described as a voice made for radio. He spoke with a deep tone, rich in confidence. He inherited these qualities from his father who served as a Philadelphia mounted police officer and was the chaplain of the Fraternal Order of Police Philadelphia Lodge no. 5. Jim often took the helm of the trailing vehicle on multi vehicle excursions so could he keep a watchful eye over the journey’s proceedings. If needed, he could diagnose and repair breakdowns, instilling confidence in those traveling with him.

Jim was predeceased eleven years ago by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Agnes (nee Benedick) and by his only daughter, Karen Denton (Lou). He is survived by his other children Kevin (Rita), Dennis, Terre (the late Lorie), Brian, and Jay (Teresa), five grandchildren, three step grandchildren, two great grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.

He was known for his easy-going nature generosity and his ability to make everyone feel like they were part of his extended family enabled his family and friends to attend many sporting events in the luxury of the Mayor’s Box at local professional sporting events even though he had little connection to politics.

His unwavering support, gentle sprite, and constant encouragement made him a pillar in his family’s life. Jim is going to be deeply missed by the many family, friends, and colleagues who remember him fondly. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he affected, the memories he created, the love he gave, and by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

James’s family will receive condolences on Friday March 28, 2025 from 9:30 am until his Funeral Mass 10:30 am at Assumption BVM Church 1900 Meadowbrook Rd. Feasterville. PA 19053. Interement will be private.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on later date(TBD), where family and friends will gather to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Drag Racing Association of Women(a non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional support to qualified individuals involved in drag racing accidents at a track.), “Fast Help for Fast Friends”, at drawfasthelp.org/donate.html in Jim’s name.

Rest in peace Pop. You gave us all more than we could ever have hoped for, and you will be greatly missed.

Presentation of Qualifications

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS;

1967 to Present

MANUFACTURER’S REPRESENTATIVE

Jim Kerr & Associates formed in 1967 to represent some growing manufacturers who needed experienced sales people in the northeastern United States. Mr. Gasket, Lakewood, Hooker, and Eelco were among those represented in the formative years. Present companies represented include:

  , , ,, , ,   

ACCOUNTS:

Concentration of efforts are directed at performance and RV warehouse distributors, major chains, and feeders. Included in all accounts called on are performance engine builders, production engine re-builders, chassis shops including street rod specialists, circle track, marine, cycle, and foreign car parts distributors.

TERRITORY:

States of NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD, Fairfax County VA(Portion of VA adjacent to Wash.D.C.) Some lines include New England States

PERSONAL:

Several of the companies represented do not employ reps as part of their sales team. Every effort is made to develop sales efforts which function as an extension of their companies. These efforts include; Catalog preparation and development, including proof-reading of catalogs & price sheets prior to printing,. Dating programs, developing sales programs, attending jobber trade shows as well as awards banquets are additional services performed.

45 Carriage House Drive, Holland, PA 18966-2224

E-Mail: jimkerr@jimkerr.com