In the high-octane automotive world, one name has roared through the ages with the power of a supercharged engine – Jimmy Rodd. For decades, he’s been more than just a car enthusiast; he’s been a driving force propelling the industry forward. Jimmy has not only served as the President of the Rocky Mountain Chapter and the Board of Directors of ATRA, but he has also left a trail of tire tracks across the automotive landscape. As the sun sets on his remarkable career, let’s embark on a heartwarming journey through the life and legacy of Jimmy Rodd, who has devoted most of his life to helping others in the community.
Born in 1947 in charming Leadville, Colorado, a small mining town, Jimmy Rodd’s life was destined for adventure from the start. His father’s government job meant moving frequently, taking young Jimmy on journeys few could even imagine. From a farm town in Germany to a compound in Texas and a stint on Wake Island during the Korean War, his early years were a tapestry of experiences that undoubtedly shaped the man he would become.
Jimmy’s journey to becoming an automotive legend was not a direct path. Initially, he harbored dreams of becoming a military pilot, a goal that necessitated a college degree. But fate had other plans. Jimmy was chosen out of 168 applicants for a prestigious position at a major insurance company in Los Angeles. Jimmy disliked living in the bustling city, which ultimately led him to pursue a different path in a more serene setting.
Eventually, he was able to convince his wife to move to Cortez, Colorado. Nestled in the Four Corners region, it boasts a population of around 6,000 to 6,500. Jimmy’s father had retired from government service and purchased a GM dealership in the area. As the sales manager at the GM dealership, Jimmy gained a multitude of invaluable experiences that would later shape his illustrious career in the automotive industry.
In 1975, as the dealership changed hands and was sold to individuals from San Diego, so Jimmy found himself considering new career ventures. In 1977, Jimmy took a leap of faith and left the dealership to start his own shop – a pivotal moment began shaping his destiny, eventually earning him a revered place in the transmission community. “The rest is history,” as they say, and indeed, history was made as Jimmy Rodd continued to meet and help countless individuals in the automotive industry.
Behind every great man is a great woman. In Jimmy’s case, that great woman is his wife, Marian. She’s stood steadfastly by his side, supporting his endeavors with unwavering dedication. Together, they’re a powerhouse team, working tirelessly to ensure the success of ATRA’s seminars and other initiatives.
From Salt Lake City to Albuquerque, Jimmy Rodd crisscrossed the Southwest, conducting seminars and leaving a trail of automotive wisdom in his wake. After joining ATRA in 1980, he and Dave Dunbar laid the foundation for the Rocky Mountain chapter in 1992. Jimmy swiftly ascended the ranks. By 2002, he had taken the helm as President of the board for the ATRA Education Foundation.
In 1995, Jimmy launched ATRA technical seminars in the heart of Salt Lake City, an annual tradition that continued until unforeseen disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These seminars were far more than mere training events; they served as valuable opportunities for transmission experts from every corner of the nation to convene, share knowledge, and nurture their professional growth. Jimmy’s commitment to knowledge sharing and his dedication to fostering a tight-knit community of transmission enthusiasts were unparalleled.
Amid his whirlwind adventures, Jimmy found loyal companionship in his enduring friendship with Eddie Doyle, then Vice President of ATRA. Notably, one of their most significant accomplishments with ATRA was the successful relocation of the organization from California to the San Antonio area of Texas. To this day, Jimmy and Eddie have frequent conversations, and achieved remarkable feats while serving on the ATRA board together.
Jimmy and Marian are dedicated to helping and serving beyond the automotive world. They undertook an extraordinary mission in their local community. Their efforts led to the establishment of the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, a project that began in 1980 when the County Commissioners gave their resounding approval. In 1985, Jimmy secured a lease for approximately 1,200 acres from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to build a racetrack, breathing life into this ambitious endeavor. Jimmy’s dedication to the fairgrounds continued to grow, and in 1990, he assumed the role of President of the Board for the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, cementing his legacy in his local community.
Jimmy’s journey, from the early adventures of his childhood to his remarkable career is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and commitment to making a difference. As he rides off into the sunset and retirement, Jimmy Rodd leaves behind a legacy that will endure for generations yet to come. His future plans include continuing his volunteer work and constructing a hobby shop on his sprawling property. He enjoys woodworking and restoration of classic vehicles. He also looks forward to indulging in his love of travel, undoubtedly adding to the wealth of experiences that have shaped his remarkable life.
As we bid farewell to Jimmy Rodd, we do so with gratitude for the passion, dedication, and warmth he’s brought to the automotive world. The road ahead may be different without his presence, but the automotive community, inspired by his example, will continue to evolve and thrive. Jimmy, your industry journey may be retiring, but your legacy is here to stay. Thank you for a lifetime of dedication.
