Boucherville, Quebec — FinishMaster founder Jim White, who started the company with a single location and lived to see it grow into a national leader, died last week at the age of 101.
White died Aug. 26 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, FinishMaster announced Friday.
“Jim White was a great man who was a true visionary,” FinishMaster Regional Vice President Paul Jones said. “Jim lived a wonderful life and was always proud of the continued success of FM. The lessons that he taught are the foundation of our company and me as an individual.”
In 1968, White’s entrepreneurial spirit led him and his wife to start Auto Body Supply Company, which would become the present-day Finishmaster, where he had roles as President, board member and Chairman. Since its establishment, the company has grown to more than 180 locations, 1600 team members and five distribution centers.
“The phrase ‘You’re Always Right with Jim White’ was coined in 1968 and the meaning behind that phrase lives on,” FinishMaster wrote in an online release. “Throughout the years, we have remained dedicated to providing the ultimate customer experience, committing to Jim’s dream, carrying out his legacy. It was not about one man being right, it was about a team living behind the commitment they made to each other, their customers, and their partners.”
“Most of all, Jim will be remembered for his larger than life personality and ‘never give up, never give in’ philosophy, which was an inspiration to his children, grandchildren, and co-workers,” FinishMaster wrote.
White is survived by his son, Ron; six grandchildren; “numerous” great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 73 years, Vivian; son, James; and grandson, Peter.
