SIMPLY BEV...
"DETERMINATION IS EVERYTHING"
by
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Biography of Beverly Rae Kimes, Renowned Automotive Historian and Author, to be published
James H. Cox, husband of the late, Beverly Kimes, announced today that he has recently authored a personal biography about Beverly, first woman editor of Automobile Quarterly, renowned author, and the foremost automotive historian of her time.
The biography chronicles Beverly’s youth, taken from copious notes, letters and pictures found in numerous personal scrapbooks saved over the years. It follows her adult life in New York, through her rise up the ranks to editor of Automobile Quarterly, her notoriety as an automobile historian, and life with her husband, family and friends.
Married to Kimes in 1984, Cox felt the need “to capture the essence of the real person Beverly was, not just focus on her memorable career” Cox admits, " Many people knew Beverly from different sectors of her life, but none really knew what drove her determination, quest for knowledge and her need to help people. “
The inspiring story is about a woman, in a man’s world, overcoming odds, getting involved, and touching the hearts of all types of people worldwide along the way. The road to greatness was not easy for Beverly, in fact it took its rocky turns. Life was filled with obstacles due to illness, circumstances, or just plain fate. But she travelled on, nonetheless, with dignity and style.
. “The volume of things Bev accomplished during her lifetime, as a person and a professional, is almost unbelievable. This is not a book about classic cars, although they played a big part of Bev’s life. It is about reaching for greatness and overcoming obstacles along the way. I am hoping that this book inspires young people do the same.”
“It is with much love, admiration and respect that I have dedicated myself to write her story. Beverly deserves her life story to be told, and it’s my hope that those who read this book will have better understanding of just who Beverly Rae Kimes really was.
The book, due out in hardcover at the end of the year, will be sold through iUniverse.
For more information about where to purchase a copy of the book, contact www.iuniverse.com
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About the Book
This biography of Beverly Kimes, was written by her beloved husband, Jim Cox. This is not a book about the illustrious career of Beverly Kimes, first woman editor of Automobile Quarterly, renowned author, or the foremost classic car historian of her time. But, a story about Beverly Kimes; daughter, sister, friend, mentor, wife, and inspiration to women and men who had the distinct honor of having her be part of their lives.
Determination is everything. This was her mantra, the creed that she lived by from the time she was a small girl growing up West Chicago, until the day she died in 2008. Beverly Kimes was a woman on a mission: to do whatever it was she was destined to do (and she did plenty!) by taking on a leadership role, and helping those who travelled with her.
This biography chronicles Beverly’s early years, taken from copious notes, letters and pictures found in numerous personal scrapbooks saved over the years. It follows her adult life in New York, through her rise up the ranks to editor of Automobile Weekly, her notoriety as an automobile historian, and life with her husband, family and friends.
How does someone so determined for greatness, make it happen in a career she initially knew nothing about? When she went to her interview with Scott Baily at Automobile Quarterly, she told him, “The only thing I know about automobiles, is that I have a driver’s license.”
This inspiring story is about a woman, in a man’s world, overcoming odds, getting involved, and touching the hearts of all types of people worldwide along the way. The road to greatness was not easy for Beverly, in fact it took its rocky turns. Life was filled with obstacles due to illness, circumstances, or just plain fate. But she travelled on, nonetheless, with dignity and style.
And for all who had come to know and love her, it was a hell of a ride!
About the Author
Jim H. Cox was born on May 24, 1942, in Elton West Virginia. He was one of nine children born to John P. and Frances B. Burke Cox.
His father was a coal miner all of his life. According to Jim, he really should have been a mechanic, because he was truly a very good one. As soon as Jim was old enough to hold the drop light, pass tools and clean parts, he helped his father work on cars. This early training eventually lead Jim to a career.
Jim left home in 1960, and moved to New Jersey in 1960. He joined the Army in 1961 and, after completing his tour of duty, settled back in New Jersey. He married to Evelyn Hergert from 1964 until 1981. The couple had three children: James Jr., Lorain Ann and Cheryl L.
Jim eventually left behind various factory jobs to take a job restoring antique and classic automobiles. He started out as a mechanic, but quickly learned how to do body and paint work, wood graining and machine work. He worked for the restoration company for 15 years, and was eventually promoted to Vice President and General Manager.
Beverly and Jim opened our own automobile restoration business, Sussex Motor and Coach Works, in April of 1981 in Branchville New Jersey, but later relocated to Matamoras, Pennsylvania, 1983. For the next 17 years, Sussex Motor and Coach Works turned out many award-winning restorations. They closed the business in 2001.
Beverly and Jim were also avid antique toy collectors, and opened an antique toy store in the same building as the restoration shop. They both thoroughly enjoyed the toys, and the friends that they made along the way.
After Sussex Motor and Coach Works closed, the couple opened an antique store, Olde Scissors Factory Antiques from 2001 until 2006.
Since the late 60’s, Jim was a member of The Classic Car Club, The Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg Club and the Antique Automobile Club. He also served as Director and officer of the Society of Automotive Historians .
Jim co-authored a book with Beverly, Walter L. Marr, Buick’s Amazing Engineer, published in 2007. Beverly relied on Jim to write about the mechanical information, while she wrote the history.
Jim is am currently semi-retired and lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania with his friend Christina King/ Fahnestock, their dog Henry, and Oscar the cat. Jim recently purchased a 1951 Ford , Victoria, which he loves driving and reminds him of his youth. (His first car, at the age of 16, was a 1951 Ford Victoria.) Recently, Jim attended classes in real estate, and is currently looking forward to taking the state exam and going back to work.