How do you memorialize a legend in the Aftermarket? With the passing of Jim Moss (founder of Truck Parts & Service), many industry professionals have inquired on the best way to pay tribute to Jim. One trait that was commonly shared about Jim was his passion for the Aftermarket and the heavy-duty industry and his willingness to share his knowledge with others.
With the 50th anniversary of Truck Parts & Service, the timing to celebrate Jim Moss could not be more fitting.
Jim started Truck Parts and Service in July of 1966 (which began as Fleet Distribution) and remained at the helm until 2007. Some of the industry’s leading representatives recall Jim’s contribution to the heavy-duty aftermarket industry in Truck Parts & Service’s recent anniversary issue:
“There was Jim Moss’s viewpoint on some issue in our industry and there was always an article written by some distributor in the industry about the industry.” (Marc Karon, Total Truck Parts)
“Jim Moss made a visit to gather notes and take some photos (with a real camera, no cell phones with cameras back then!). We were familiar with Jim, but spending a full day and supper that evening together gave us a good chance to know him better. We had some great chats about the business and the industry in general.” (Paul Raymond, Parts For Trucks, Inc.)
“I can say Jim [Moss] was a good friend, a tireless advocate of the independent aftermarket, and shared his knowledge and wisdom freely. We regularly discussed the marketplace and the various dynamics that caused it to grow and change.” (Dave Scheer, Inland Truck Parts)
Jim developed the Council of Fleet Specialists (CFS), which eventually morphed into the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN); he was one of the founding fathers behind the development of a show dedicated to the Aftermarket — now HDAW. Since his early years of field sales work, Jim was an evangelist for the vital role of independent parts distributors and service providers. Jim also recognized the significant contribution that truck dealers made to the heavy duty aftermarket, launching Successful Dealer in 1978 to support this channel of distribution.
Above all, his most important contribution was that of mentor, to so many young people and industry newbies, and in fact, many of us probably received a few words of wisdom from Jim Moss over the years.
To honor him, it seems most fitting to continue his tradition of education by establishing an annual scholarship to be awarded to a deserving college student whose studies focus in the Aftermarket and/or the Heavy Duty Industry with preference given to Northwood University students.
We are pleased to announce the creation of The Jim Moss, Aftermarket Legend, Scholarship.
Donations of any size may be made payable to University of the Aftermarket Foundation. UAF is a 501c3; all donations are deductible.
Donors should indicate on their check “restricted to Jim Moss Scholarships.”
Checks should be mailed to:
Auto Care Association
Attn: Julie Brehm
Suite 1300
7101 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
The Jim Moss, Aftermarket Legend, Scholarship was developed by a group of aftermarket veterans and friends of Jim Moss to honor his legacy in the industry.
