Richard Rathmann
Indian Harbour Beach, Florida

Jim (JR) Rathmann, born Royal Richard Rathmann, July 16, 1928 in Alhambra, California, winner of the 1960 Indianapolis 500, the 1957 Monza (Italy) 500, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 23, 2011 surrounded by his family and friends.

He was 16 years old when he decided he wanted to start racing hot rods along with his friends. To eliminate the issue of being "under age" he swapped identities with his brother James, who was two and half years older.

Jim competed in 14, Indianapolis 500-Mile Races, finishing as runner-up three times in 1952, 1957, 1959 before triumphing in 1960. With his 1960 winnings, he partnered with General Motors and established Jim Rathmann Chevrolet Cadillac, Inc., on US Highway 1 in Melbourne, Fl where he remained Owner/Operator until 1997. Close friends with early astronauts, Jim supplied the original 7 with corvettes and even convinced one of them to discreetly affix a Jim Rathmann Chevrolet-Cadillac car dealership decal to the famous Lunar Rover that was driven on the surface of the moon.

A returning visitor to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway each May, he served as the pace car driver of the "500" six times between 1969 and 1982, and continued to be an outstanding ambassador for the sport. Jim was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of American on August 15, 2007. He was the oldest living winner of the Indianapolis 500.

A true competitor on the race track, off the track he was a simple, giving,generous, down to earth man that never met a stranger and always made everyone around him feel special. He loved to gamble and spend time in Vegas. He was fun-loving, good-natured and thoroughly enjoyed playing practical jokes. With a huge love for life, he always had a twinkle in his eye and possessed a most infectious giggle when telling one of his many amazing stories. He will truly be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Venn Rathmann, of Indian Harbour Beach, FL, Two sons, Jim (Kathy) Rathmann of Denver, CO and Jay Rathmann of Titusville, FL. Two step sons, Zack (Danielle) Pence and Tosh (Denne) Pence both of Melbourne, FL. Five grandchildren, Kristin (Thomas) Rathmann Rowe, of Fort Collins, CO, Kathryn Rathmann of Nashville, TN, James Todd Rathmann of Boulder CO, Jayson Rathmann and Ella Pence of Melbourne, FL. Once great grandchild Addison Rowe.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 29, 2011 from 10-11 AM at Davis-Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, 560 Montreal Avenue, Melbourne, FL, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to William Childs Hospice House, 381 Medplex Parkway, Palm Bay, FL 32907.