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Beverly Rae Kimes Cox

Beverly Cox Obituary

COX--Beverly Rae Kimes. August 17th 1939-May12th 2008. Passed away May 12, 2008, at Lenox Hill Hospital after a long illness. Born in West Chicago, IL. The daughter of Raymond L. and Grace D. Parrin Kimes. Her growing up years were in Wheaton, IL. She attended U of I Urbana Illinois. Then on to Penn State at State College Pennsylvania for her Masters in Liberal Arts and subsequently to New York City to pursue her career. After finding no work in her field of choice, writing for Theater Publications, she took what she referred to, as a job to pay the bills. The job, however, would become her lifelong career. Hired at Automobile Quarterly in 1963, as a secretary. Her first ride in an Old Car was from Times Square to the Worlds Fair in a 1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile driven by Henry Austin Clark Jr., of Glen Cove, NY. She would remain at A.Q. until 1981. It is my opinion as well as others, that A.Q. would not have been as it grew to be without her skills, leadership and hard work. She went free lance, and also became the Editor for the Classic Car Club of America, a job she would fulfill for 26 plus years. Her first Book as a free lance author was The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942, with Henry Austin Clark Jr. The Book has become a must for Automotive Writers as well as Hobbyists through out the World. Her last Book just out is Walter L. Marr, Buick's Amazing Engineer. Her writings are so massive it would be hard to list them all here. For more about her google her: Beverly Rae Kimes. Her Books and Articles have received more Awards than any other Author in the Automotive Field. She was referred to by Life Magazine as the "nation's foremost automotive scholar" ACD Club, bestow her Woman of The Year Award, CCCA with their Distinguished Service Award, Distinguished Service Citation from the Automotive Hall of Fame, she became the first historian to receive this award, A Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the Best of Books honor from IAM Awards. She served as the Voice of the Burn Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States for 17 years. She was also an Honorary Judge at The Pebble Beach Concours. A past President of The Society of Automotive Historians. She is Survived by Her Husband James H. Cox, a Sister Sharon of Star Lake, WI, a niece Plam Sauer, Mudra, her husband Billy and Grace and Will of Thackerville, OK, Cullen Sauer, wife Michelle and Thomas, of Elburn, IL. Three step kids, James H. Cox Jr, and family Marry Ann, Brittany and Jim Jr of Bushkill, PA, Lori Ann Cox Reeve, and family Tim, Nick, Alexia, and Haily of Hampton, NJ, Cheryl Lynn Cox Redding and family Bill and Lizzy of Baltimore, MD. Beverly Loved New York City and was often involved in programs to make the City a better place, she served as The President of The East 80th St Block Association. She also served as an officer for the U of I Alumni Club of Greater New York. Beverly was Truly a Very Loving and Caring Person, the whole of her life, she touched the hearts and minds of a lot of people, she will be very sadly missed, but she will never be forgotten. Lovingly, Husband Jim. "Funeral services are private". Memorial contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org or 1-800-6229010

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on May 18, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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Sherry Mohan

October 19, 2008

Jim,

My heartfelt sympathy on Bev's passing -- I didn't hear about it till this month (Oct.) from my sister Laurie when one of your neighbors called her about taking over the duties of the E. 80th Block Letter.

I enjoyed my friendship with Bev immensely -- and loved working with her on all the advertising, Block Letter and car club projects she had me typeset over so many years.

In recent years, Don also grew fond of her through their e-mail correspondence. We lost Don Oct. 3 to respiratory failure related to his COPD. I know he would have been so sorry to hear that Bev had died. We've lost two special people.

"Heigh-ho" one last time, Bev -- you were one of a kind and my life is richer for having known you.

Love,
Sherry

John Cox

July 24, 2008

Bev, my very dear sister-in-law: Our e-mails on various topics of common insterest kept us in touch between those very seldom visits in person. We enjoyed many of the same things in our lives and that made our relationship much richer than is normally found in many family circles. Your success in pursuing your career was unequaled and you lived your personal life in the same manner. You touched many lives from every walk of life and their lives will be forever changed by your passing. Our attendance at your Memorial Service on June 21, 2008 gave us closure of your earthly departure and you will remain in our hearts forever. Love you, John and Vonnie Cox

Judy Burke

May 20, 2008

Jim . . . Your brother John notified me of Bev's passing. You have my heartfelt condolences. I have printed the obituary to give to mom (your Aunt Bervyl, 90). I know mom always enjoyed the update letters she received from you and Bev. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. In due time, Jim, I'd like to hear from you. Please take care! Cousin Judy (Moundsville, WV)

Richard Sills

May 19, 2008

I will never forget Bev's narrative descriptions of the cars exhibited each year at the Burn Prevention Foundation concours. She placed each car in the proper historical context, and described its unique features. Her passionate interest in the subject matter was evident, along with her encyclopedic knowledge. Her death is a great loss to the antique automobile hobby, as well as to her family and friends.

Jim Butler

May 19, 2008

I knew Bev for over a quarter of a century and her contributions to the history of the motorcar and the people who built the industry will be solely missed. Her contribution to the development of Automobile Quarterly from it's inception in 1963 helped create the reputation which has continued to the present. Her various books including the Packard history and all her others provided automotive historians such as myself with great details of the great marques. The desire for quality made the CCCA Classic Car manazine and Classic Car Bulletin two of the finest club publications available. As a 19 year Burn Prevention Foundatiion Concours d'Elegance committee member, her description of the cars as they drove past the revewing stand will never be forgotten. She was also kind enough to give me credit for supplying photographs for The Classic Era Book.
She was a very talanted individual and my condolences go out to both Jim and her family.

May 19, 2008

Beverly was without peer as an automotive historian and journalist. My condolences to Jim and the family.

Marian Suman-Hreblay

May 19, 2008

Thanks to Ms. Bev Kimes for all those excellently written, edited and thoroughly researched books and articles, and my sympathies to her survivors.

Janet Daniels

May 18, 2008

Dear Jim, Sharon, and family,
It is hard to imagine a world without Bev in it. I will miss our correspondence, our shared memories of our childhood, and the opportunites for dinner and conversation with Jim and Bev in Manhattan.
Mostly, I will miss Bev.
Lovingly,
Janet Daniels

Thym Smith

May 18, 2008

My condolences to Jim and his family on behalf of the Delaware Valley Region, CCCA. Bev was a terrific person and an editor that will be greatly missed. She is truly irreplaceable.

James Boughter

May 18, 2008

Bev, your auto books are just wonderful. You will be missed by all your antique car friends, who have such warm regards for you.
Jim Boughter DVR CCCA

Kevin Bitz

May 18, 2008

I had the great fortune to work with Beverly at Automobile Quarterly for more than 12 years. She was an amazing lady. I'll always remember her love of chocolate at the Hershey Car shows. She was a great lady and the hobby has certainly lost one of its best.

Joe Malaney

May 18, 2008

Bev, I will miss our correspondence over the years while I was proofing your various publications. Thanks for making my life richer by knowing you.

Edna Cadillac

May 18, 2008

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Nancy Schaut-SAH

May 18, 2008

Ms Kimes' diligent research has been an inspiration to all automotive writers. She will be greatly missed.

joan & bernie aaron

May 18, 2008

Bev, we have long admired both your written work, your strength of character, and your kind personality. You will be sadly missed.

John Hamilton

May 18, 2008

Bev, I will miss working with you on articles. It was always fun -- and successful!

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