Longtime auto pro retires

A quiet change is occurring in Mapleton as one of its well-known businessmen retires and closes his business.  

Jim Burrill announced his retirement and the closure of Jim’s Automotive after more than 50 years in the care and sale of automobiles and trucks.  

Burrill told how he began his business. When he was 14 years old, he started cleaning cars in Ashland from 1963 to 1966.  It was a way for him to earn spending money. From this early age, Jim learned the importance of doing quality work.

Later in 1974, Jim opened Jim’s Automotive Cleanup on the Houlton Road in Presque Isle.  As he became better known, Jim relocated his business to Main Street in Presque Isle. Then in 1983, he decided to expand his business by becoming a car dealer.  In 1985, Jim moved and expanded the business again. Jim’s Automotive opened on North Street across from the old Zayre’s store. Jim added a third business, Jim’s Vehicle Appraisals, that included doing antique, classic, estate and hot rod appraisals.  

He relocated his businesses one more time when he decided to move the businesses to his home on the Griffin Ridge Road in Mapleton.  This decision was Jim’s favorite business move, as he enjoyed working from home. There was some worry at the beginning regarding this move, but customers followed him right out to Mapleton.  Jim has been pleased by the repeat customers who became long-term friends. But now, 50-plus years later, he is closing his detailing and car sales businesses this July and has put his property up for sale.

Jim and his wife, Karen, are in the process of downsizing as they prepare for Karen’s retirement from the Defense and Accounting Center this coming December.  Their plans are to spend time traveling in their large motor home this winter in warmer areas of the country. The good news for their friends and neighbors is Jim and Karen are not leaving the area, but will be living in Chapman when they are not travelling.  Jim also plans to continue running his classic appraisal business while traveling.

After 50 years in business, Jim wanted customers, friends and neighbors to know, “I loved doing business in The County, where if you work hard you can receive great rewards,” he said.

“With my retirement, there is a real opportunity for young person who would like to start a detailing business,” he said.

Jim attributed his success to being ready to change with the times, which what he recommends to anyone wanted to start their own business.  He added, “Work hard and don’t quit.”

 

Balloon reservations

The Mapleton Lions Club reminds everyone interested that the new online Flight Reservation System is operational and the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest is now taking reservations.  

The limited numbers of passenger openings are always snapped up quickly. Visit http://www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org/reserve-your-flight/.

Also put on your calendar the Meet the Pilot and Crew Breakfast, which will be held on the morning of Aug. 25 in Chapman.  Hosts for the breakfast will be the Chapman Snowmobile Ridge Runners Club and held at their Clubhouse. A closing breakfast will be held on Sunday morning, Aug. 26, at the Masonic Lodge.

The Mapleton Lions Club encourages everyone to come and enjoy the balloons as they fly from the Northern Maine Fairgrounds.  While at the COMBF, remember to visit the Mapleton Lions Club’s food booth for the best burgers and fries in town.

Beat the Heat

The hot weather continues.  By now everyone has felt the heat of summer.  Just in case you would like to beat the heat, do remember the Mapleton Pool is open.  Free swim is Monday through Friday, 2 to 6:45 p.m. It is also open on Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4:45 p.m.  Everyone is invited to enjoy the summer pool experience and beat the heat.

Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.