RIP Jim Stagner

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Community Discussion
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Posted on the yahoo classic Cougar discussion board by Jim Karamanis

It is with great sadness that I share this horrible news with you. Jim was a founding member of the Delmarva Cougar Club, long time member of the CCOA and great friend to all in the Classic Cougar World. Jim had suffered for many, many years with Lung issues which finally took his life this past Monday. His family is planning to hold a memorial in VA next month, I will pass on details as I learn about them.


Jim has helped many of us over the years. He was one of the original TCCN contributors. A sad day for our hobby

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Very sad. Jim was a Cougar guy through and through. He was the original owner of his 428CJ Cougar.

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Sad new, prayers go out for his family.
Steven

4

Thanks Jim, for the advise, counsel & good humor over the years. Jim always had a kind and/or encouraging word throughout the long resto of my R Code, and I enjoyed those times we got to meet in person and share a few laughs. One of the good guys, to be sure.

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My condolences to his family and friends. I did not know Jim personally, but his name is very well know in the Cougar world. RIP Jim. I am sure that where he is now, all of the parts are NOS, in stock all the time, and priced like 1968.

6

I did not know Jim either. But I can appreciate what he meant to everyone and the hobby. Prayers to his family.

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This is always sad, and hard on friends and family. Prayers for them as well.

8

Lo those many years ago, a group of Cougar enthusiasts met face-to-face for the first time at a Mercury dealership in Richmond Virginia and formed the Delmarva Cougar Club. That was where I met Jim Stagner for the first time. A laid back Californian with a warm smile, a ton of enthusiasm and 3 killer Cougars. I got my first ride in a CJ Eliminator courtesy of Mr. Stagner (going to dinner one night at Carlisle). Jim and his terrific wife Mary Ann were mainstays at all the DCC functions until Jim’s health issue prevented it.

Jim was one of those guys that just didn’t seem to have a mean bone in his body.

He will be sorely missed.

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My condolences to Jim’s family and friends.

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Thanks for posting that picture Phillip. I did not know him well but a nice guy. My prayers go out to his family.

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Really touches my heart to see all these heartfelt notes about my dad. I will be carrying on his love and excitement for classic cats by driving and showing his 1970 Cougar Eliminator that he so lovingly passed on to me. Thanks dad! Love you and miss you!

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As all have noted here, Jim Stagner was the quintessential Cougar-guy. A friend to all, and I will miss the opportunities of the past where I could just call and talk with Jim about Cougar-stuff. RIP.
Jim Pinkerton

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Thanks! Sure wish he was here too! Dad made sure that his 3 classic cats would stay in the family, the 69 Eliminator CJ428 with my brother, the 69 CJ428 XR-7 with our little sister and the 70 Eliminator 351C with me. We are proud to carry on our dad’s love and devotion to these very special cars in honor of him.

14

Hi Lizzie,

The Delmarva Cougar Club just had our X-mas Luncheon today at the Globe & Laurel Restaurant in Stafford and I really missed your Mom and Dad.

They were always a fixture at the Holiday get-togethers and it just wasn’t the same without them.

Your father was a delight to be around and I am so glad that I knew him :beerchug:

He always told us that his kids were getting his Cougars - it is great to know they are in good hands and being enjoyed!

  • Phillip
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I never met Jim, but e-mailed each other a few times. Back a few years ago we were both bidding on some Eliminator documents on Ebay. He won the auction and then sent me an e-mail figuring I was a Eliminator owner as well. He said as soon as he recieved the documents he would send me a copy of them at no charge and he even paid the postage. :thumbup: We talked a few times with e-mails and tried to met to get photos of our Eliminators together, but that never happened. Seemed like a heck of a nice guy his kids could be proud of…

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Hi Phillip! I know my dad really enjoyed the club and the members. I am glad you have great memories with him. He was one of a kind.

We kids are honored to carry on his tradition with his beloved classic cats. I look forward to joining the San Diego Cougar club and taking the 70 Elimator to shows. I know my brother plans on racing the 69 Eliminator again too.

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Yes, that sounds like something my awesome dad would have done. :slight_smile: He touched many people and I am so proud to be his daughter.

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Welcome Lizzie! I’m so glad to hear that Jim handed down a love for Cougars (and the cars themselves) to the three of you. Looking forward to meeting you all.

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The Eliminator is heading back home. Is the 69 heading back to the West Coast as well. I remember the stories about putting the overdrive in the 428 and then heading to the east coast. I have one of your Dad’s spare RH side mirrors on my matching 70 Eliminator.

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I only knew Jim through emails, but his warmth and charm was still evident. He did an original owner story for the CCOA newsletter which mentioned his plans for the cars. I hope the cars help you and your siblings cherish his memory.