Retired!
Jim’s retirement marks the end of an era in automotive service, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter for him and his family. Passing the business to his son Paul ensures that the legacy of trust, honesty, and integrity that Jim established over three decades will continue to thrive in the community. It’s heartening to see a well-planned succession, ensuring a smooth transition and allowing Jim to retire with peace of mind.
Despite stepping down from day-to-day operations, Jim’s continued involvement as CEO of STAR and his willingness to lend a helping hand demonstrates his ongoing dedication to the business and its success. With more time on his hands, Jim can now indulge more in his passions for travel and scuba diving, enriching his retirement years with adventure and exploration.
Beyond personal pursuits, Jim remains deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with his church (Calvary Crossroads), Rotary, and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). His commitment to service underscores a live dedicated to making a positive impact on others. Jim’s retirement is not just a farewell to a successful career but a celebration of a life lived with purpose and generosity.
It started with car troubles
In March of 1990, Jim Lefeber was driving his Porsche 914 south from Seattle on I-5. Around Canyonville, his car started those unforgettable “bad” noises. Jim limped his yellow Porsche into Grants Pass, finally deciding that he was simply not going to be able to make it back to LA. The first stop was Lonnie’s Union (now Lonnie’s Texaco) at the top of 6th street. They recommended STAR Imports as the place that could fix his car. Across the street at a Mobile station (now a BP station), the station attendant also recommended STAR Imports. The Texaco station on 7th street told him to go to STAR too. So, Jim figured he’d better ho to STAR Imports.
The next morning, at 7:30 AM, Jim waited outside the front door to STAR imports. Jay Drescher (now retiring and happily playing golf) just would not open the front door until 8:00 AM, so Jim waited. Patiently. David McKenzie wrote up the work order; Dan Doshier looked at Jim’s Porsche. The diagnosis was that the engine had to come out and the cylinder heads removed. Jim reluctantly said “OK”. Later on that day, Dan discovered two burnt exhaust valves as the culprit of the “bad” noises and lack of power. (Of course, Jim knew the carburetors were running a little on the lean side, so there was no one to blame except himself.) Dan got to work on the Porsche for three days. Jim got to stay at the Knight’s Inn and enjoy Grants Pass. Jim got to play piano “boogie-woogie” music at David McKenzie’s house too (Dave’s wife came home one night and said, “Who is this guy playing the piano?”).
A new start
Jim had quit his job at IAP West, Inc. in LA the day after Thanksgiving in 1989. His trip to Seattle was to review a bankrupt auto parts & repair business. In a nutshell Jim had decided to try to go into business for himself. For the last 10 years he had been a manager at IAP West, an importer & exporter of automobile parts. Probably the largest VW expediter in the US: warehouses in Los Angeles and New Jersey. Jim ran the warehouse in Los Angeles; 72,000 square feet with 55 employees; 16 million in annual sales. ‘Nuf said.
Over the next few days, while the Porsche was being fixed, Jim learned that David Markley (then owner of STAR imports), might just be interested in “retiring”. So, Jim talked with David Markley. Of course, David thought Jim was nuts (who is this guy from no where in my shop?), but Jim persevered. After many visits to Grants Pass, a lot of discussions with David Markley and family, negotiations, inspections and evaluations, legal fees and advice, accounting fees and advice …. Finally 9 months later, on December 1, 1990 (the day after Thanksgiving – one year to the day he had left IAP West), Jim was the President and sole shareholder of STARPrises Inc. DBA STAR Import Services in Grants Pass, Oregon.