Jimmie And Raymond Parks

Since 1998, Jimmie has held a birthday party for his friend and hero Raymond Parks. The event is annually attended by some of the greatest legends in stock car racing.

“Right after the war, stock car racing was coming on its own,” Jimmie said.  “I was 12 years old, and impressed with these men, the way they drove and lived, and many were and still are my friends.”

Until his death a couple of years ago, J.B.’s pal Tim Flock would occasionally join him and Willavene at many racing functions during the year, beginning with Speedweeks at Daytona Beach in January and ending back in Florida for the Jax Raceways December banquet.

Pioneer Raymond Parks and wife Violet joined them at many of these gatherings.  Jimmie recalled a moment back in 1947 at the Greenville-Pickens Speedway.

“I remember the track photographer with that black curtain over his head as he took pictures of the drivers and their cars in front of the stands,” he said.  “Raymond Parks was my hero because I was a dirt poor kid and there he was in his suit and hat with two of the prettiest race cars out there.  He got to have his picture made twice.  I never forgot that.”

Some thirty years later, he got to meet his hero.

“I’ve been going to the Daytona 500 since 1975, where I’ve had the same seats,” Jimmie said.  “I didn’t know it, but Raymond sits right behind me.  Over the years I would converse with people around me and speak about seeing him when I was a kid.  Finally in 1992, I was gabbing and Raymond tapped me on the shoulder and introduced himself.  We’ve been friends ever since.”