James 'Jim' Wayne Alspaugh

James Wayne (Jim) Alspaugh passed away at the age of 85 on Monday, September 13, 2021. Jim was born on April 8, 1936 in French Lick, Indiana to Thelma and Emmett Alspaugh. Jim leaves behind a wife Lucille A. Alspaugh and one daughter, Cynthia Clark (Chris) by a previous marriage.
Jim lived his early life in Northern Indiana and it was here where he developed a passion for car racing practicing first on the rural Indiana dirt tracks where he won the first race he was in while driving a red, white and blue 32 Chevy coupe. Jim transitioned from hot rods to Corvettes, and was never without one or more Corvettes in 58 years. When moving to Florida in 1966 he was credited with starting the first Corvette Club NCCC chapter, (Gulf Coast Corvette Club) and was President for several years.
His success in autocrossing (top 10 in national points) led him into IMSA racing at Road Atlanta, Daytona and Sebring in 1974-75-76. Jims racing team USA Racing Team is credited with running the first telemetry-equipped Corvette at Daytona in 1974. That experience led to Johnny Rutherford using the technology at the Indy 500 the following year. From the beginning of the Daytona 24 hour race until 1983, 70 Corvettes had competed but Jims star spangled red white and blue Corvette was one of only 32 Corvettes that had completed all 24 hours of Daytona during that time frame.
During his IMSA racing career Jim was always in the top 7 finishing Corvettes. In 1975 Jim was the 3rd highest finishing Corvette in the Daytona 24 hours outlasting many of the big name Corvette drivers. Jim was a lifetime member of the National Corvette Museum and his passion for corvettes, earned him numerous awards and trophies at speed events, concourses and car shows well into his 70s. Jim was a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather and a good friend to many. He always had an upbeat grin that is unforgettable. Jim will be missed but he left us with many wonderful memories.
Jim was preceded in death by his father Emmett, his mother Thelma and his brother Bob. He is survived by his wife Lucille, daughter Cynthia (Chris), grandchildren Cody and Connor (Taylor) and great-grandson Luca.
Graveside services will be Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Riverview I.O.O.F. Cemetery with Jay Janke officiating.
Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral home is entrusted with care.
Friends and family are encouraged to share a photo, a memory, or a message of condolence at www.springerfuneralhome.com