A TRUE Zroner passes.
05-14-2015, 12:41 PM
#1
Pro Mechanic
Pro Mechanic
Thread Starter
A TRUE Zroner passes.
I am sad to report that my friend, Jim Van Dorn, has died.
My God, what a shock and a loss.
Jim was known to many in the Corvette hobby as a friend, one of the earliest members of the original ZR-1 Registry, organizer of a number of ZR-1 events in the early years of that part of the hobby, a Corvette service shop owner with a big heart and a willing hand to help any Corvetter in need, the original “Pirate” of “Pirate Racing, outspoken commentator of all things Vette both on the Internet and in print, the guy who put on those great BBQ’s during NCM event weekends, an absolute authority on the C4 ZR-1, Father of three wonderful kids and generally, a damn fine individual.
I was honored to have been his friend for more than 20 years.
In one of life’s cruel ironies, Jim died in his sleep, during night of 13-14 May, on the eve of the National Corvette Museum's "C4 Gathering" weekend. Twenty years ago, he organized the “Legend Lives” event at the NCM which began the tradition of a weekend event for C4 ZR-1 owners. Over two decades, what Jim started grew into a three-day event for all C4 enthusiasts, jointly sponsored by the ZR-1 Net and Grand Sport Registries.
My friend, Jim Van Dorn, will be greatly missed by his children, Jim Jr., Erin and Kristen and by all of us in the Corvette hobby who greatly valued his friendship.
Let’s all take a moment...
….then raise our glasses–raise ‘em real high, people–to “The old Pirate”, Jim Van Dorn.
Indeed, the Legend lives”, Van Dorn, and you had a part in keeping it alive!
My God, what a shock and a loss.
Jim was known to many in the Corvette hobby as a friend, one of the earliest members of the original ZR-1 Registry, organizer of a number of ZR-1 events in the early years of that part of the hobby, a Corvette service shop owner with a big heart and a willing hand to help any Corvetter in need, the original “Pirate” of “Pirate Racing, outspoken commentator of all things Vette both on the Internet and in print, the guy who put on those great BBQ’s during NCM event weekends, an absolute authority on the C4 ZR-1, Father of three wonderful kids and generally, a damn fine individual.
I was honored to have been his friend for more than 20 years.
In one of life’s cruel ironies, Jim died in his sleep, during night of 13-14 May, on the eve of the National Corvette Museum's "C4 Gathering" weekend. Twenty years ago, he organized the “Legend Lives” event at the NCM which began the tradition of a weekend event for C4 ZR-1 owners. Over two decades, what Jim started grew into a three-day event for all C4 enthusiasts, jointly sponsored by the ZR-1 Net and Grand Sport Registries.
My friend, Jim Van Dorn, will be greatly missed by his children, Jim Jr., Erin and Kristen and by all of us in the Corvette hobby who greatly valued his friendship.
Let’s all take a moment...
….then raise our glasses–raise ‘em real high, people–to “The old Pirate”, Jim Van Dorn.
Indeed, the Legend lives”, Van Dorn, and you had a part in keeping it alive!
05-14-2015, 02:15 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
RIP my old friend. this really is sad news. any details on his funeral?
it would be fitting to rev up the ZR-1 in front of his shop to let him know we are thinking of him.
wow, I'm shocked.
it would be fitting to rev up the ZR-1 in front of his shop to let him know we are thinking of him.
wow, I'm shocked.
05-14-2015, 06:26 PM
#3
Race Director
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Sorry the hear this.
05-14-2015, 07:41 PM
#5
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St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
OMG! I'm so sorry to hear of this!! JVD was an icon!
Sincerest condolences to his family and the ZR-1 community as a whole.
Sincerest condolences to his family and the ZR-1 community as a whole.
05-14-2015, 08:42 PM
#7
Le Mans Master
I am sorry to hear that Jim has passed. I think recall him participating on the old team Zr-1 list server back in the mid to late 90's that was managed by John Rovner.
Jim and John back in the day provided me some very good advice on my much loved c4 zr-1.
Jim and John back in the day provided me some very good advice on my much loved c4 zr-1.
05-14-2015, 09:01 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
Jim was always great to talk to and gather information about the ZR-1. I learned a great deal from him on both of my ZR-1's.
Thoughts and prayers to his family, you know he treasured his children.
Thoughts and prayers to his family, you know he treasured his children.
05-14-2015, 09:19 PM
#9
To my friend and Veteran... You will be missed greatly, I will miss the conversation we had with Hib and all the support you provided to the military...
The support you showed me and my guys while we were deployed was something I will never forget. The auction you had in your shop and the video you put together for my family was priceless....
I salute you my friend, RIP
The support you showed me and my guys while we were deployed was something I will never forget. The auction you had in your shop and the video you put together for my family was priceless....
I salute you my friend, RIP
05-15-2015, 12:01 AM
#11
Melting Slicks
Sad news indeed.
You will be missed.
Ahoy, and so long for now, may your Pirate Frigate long sail with you at her helm.
Until we meet again.
Humbly Yours,
A fellow Pirate.
'Crabs
You will be missed.
Ahoy, and so long for now, may your Pirate Frigate long sail with you at her helm.
Until we meet again.
Humbly Yours,
A fellow Pirate.
'Crabs
