Staff > Jimmy Adams ~ General Manager
Jimmy Adams ~ General Manager
Jimmy Adams first discovered his passion for cars when he was 13 years old. His father Dick Adams recognized this passion and helped him to buy a 1956 Chevy Nomad for $200.00. Together they restored the classic car. Jimmy drove the car all through high school and was the envy of all his friends. He continued to drive the Nomad up until he and his wife had their first child because they needed a seatbelt to hold a car seat for the baby. He still owns the 1956 Chevy Nomad today.
Born and raised in Salinas, Jimmy attended El Gabilan Elementary School, El Sausal Middle School and North Salinas High School. He started working with his father at Harry Garage at the age of 14 and remained a full time mechanic until he was 30 years old. He then took over the administrative responsibilities of Dick Adams Automotive after the passing of his father.
The journey all began when Jimmy and his father Dick opened Dick Adams Automotive in 1976. Jimmy and his father were the only two mechanics and his future wife Diana was the bookkeeper.
With the help of Jack Booth, Ray Sutter, Howard Hall, and Ron Beck, all friends from a poker club, the shop opened on September 1976. Jimmy still remembers their first customer, Ted Riley. His 1969 Dodge Charger had blown a radiator. The business thrived and soon they had hired 5 mechanics. They outgrew their present location at 388 East Alisal and moved to their current location in November of 1982.
Jimmy has attended every A/C Delco training class between 1974 and 1995. In 1989 after undergoing intensive training in electrical and computerized diagnosis Dick Adams Automotive was selected to be one of the first A/C Delco Tech Shops in the United States. Jimmy has also attended ESI Management classes since 1994. Dick Adams Automotive is a member of the Automotive Service Council. He is always looking for new ways to improve the family business.
Unfortunately, on February 22nd, 1988 Jimmy’s Father Dick passed away from a brain tumor.
Later on, in order to keep up with the changing times, Jimmy added computer diagnostic equipment, computer invoicing, green technology of all manuals on electronic media.
Jimmy and Mark Deems along with Gene and Chris Cochetti helped to raise 25K for Salinas Valley Memorial Foundation by donating a restored 1968 Chevy Camaro for the Cherry's Jubilee raffle. He has been involved in the Steinbeck Rotary Club, The Chamber of Commerce, the first graduating class of Leadership Salinas, The national advisory board for Jasper Engines and Transmissions and is active in volunteering in numerous community events.
Jimmy suffered a temporary set back in 2005 when he suffered a stroke. The stroke set him back for two years. His trusted employees and his main service writer Fernando Garibay kept the business afloat. He is very grateful for their loyalty. In July of 2007 Jimmy was able to return to work.
In June of 2011 Matt Beck, a local tire expert, came to help out at Dick Adams Automotive when Jimmy was short staffed. After two weeks of volunteering his time Matt decided to stay full time. They explored the idea of expanding the business by adding a commercial tire department with 24 hour service trucks.
Jimmy s happily married to his wife of 35 years Diana. They have two married children and two grandchildren. Jimmy enjoys going to the lake, snow skiing, cooking, and being a Grandpa. Jimmy is an avid Nascar Fan and Giants fan. He is active at Shoreline Community Church and credits his many blessings to God and the support of his family Diana, Janelle and Symon, Jason and Kelly, his mother Barbara and his mother in law Lorraine. Thanks to Pete, Steve, Glen, Bill, Jo, Lindsay, Roy, Eric, Billy, Warren, Chuck, Teri, and Mark who never abandoned or gave up on him. God bless you all for your friendship.
