James Ryland Pearl

JIM PEARL REMEMBERED FOR CAR DEALS, LOVE OF HORSES

November 21, 2002 ANNA - James Ryland "Jim" Pearl didn't do anything in life halfway. Whether it was advertising his automobile dealership, breeding and showing his championship horses or serving his community and friends through charitable acts, he went whole hog, those who knew him agree.

Jim Pearl died at age 74 Wednesday afternoon at Pearl Acres, his farm home near Anna, where he and his wife, Collynn, raised champion horses.

Pearl was famous for his TV commercials, in which he wore a feathered Indian war bonnet and galloped onto the car lot astride a classy horse. His nickname was "Chief Pearl." He thought the Indian theme was a natural, since Pontiacs were named after an Indian chief. The commercials may have been a bit cheesy, but they were hard to forget. And Pearl's horsemanship and showmanship were both genuine and legendary.

Pearl's passion for horses came long before his career with cars. As a young boy, Pearl began his equestrian career in Mexico, Mo., where he lived until he was 11. He was just 6 when he won his first title at the American Royal Show with his Shetland pony, Queenie. He won two more titles with the pony.

Later, Pearl went on to show at Shelbyville, where he was National Amateur Champion with his walking horses. In later years, he developed a passion for reining horses. Pearl Acres now boasts a champion stallion.

Jim's parents, Ryland Edward and Blanche Brownell Pearl, moved the family to Anna, where Ryland bought a Chevy dealership, when Jim was 11. He became fast friends with Lee Roy "Leepy" Rendleman.

"We went all through high school together, then four of us joined the Navy together (in 1946). They sent us in different directions after basic training," Rendleman recalled Wednesday. After the war, their friendship resumed.

"He was a super gentleman," Rendleman said. "He's done a lot in his life. He was a great guy and a great boss - just outstanding." He had visited his friend shortly before Pearl died. "He's in a better place now," Rendleman said softly. "I hope I'll see him there one day."

Mickey Cunningham of Anna was another in the group of school friends who remained close over the years. "He was a dear friend and we will miss him," she said.

After the war, Pearl returned to Anna and attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale while working in his father's dealership. In 1952, at the age of 24, he purchased a Chevrolet-Oldsmobile dealership in Vienna, becoming the youngest Chevy dealer in the country and a third-generation dealer as well. His grandfather, Ed Pearl, still had a dealership in Mexico, Mo., at the time.

He once told a reporter that at Christmas, instead of singing carols, his family members talked about "who was beating who on this deal or that." Pearl won his share of accolades for sales and service, such as being the top Cadillac dealership in the United States in 1986, based on percentage of sales over objective. As an alternative in 1975, Pearl even offered electric-powered CitiCars, Spartan transports that resembled overgrown golf carts.

In Vienna, Jim pitched in to help the community. He was president of the chamber of commerce and Kiwanis, helped organize and served as president of the Vienna Saddle Club, and helped raise funds for a new softball field.

In 1968, Oldsmobile asked Pearl to buy the Swindell Olds-Cadillac-Pontiac dealership in Carbondale. He did that, and later added GMC and Isuzu to his stable of four-wheeled steeds. In 1972, he moved the dealership to a site on East Walnut Street.

In Carbondale, too, he was active in the chamber of commerce; for many years he sponsored its Athena Award. He participated in other economic development activities.

Pearl also was on the original board for the United Way of Carbondale and sponsored its kickoff breakfast for 15 years. When the Cascade of Colors balloon festival was held at the Southern Illinois Airport, Jim and Collynn Pearl brought three balloons and their pilots to the event, one each for Pontiac, Cadillac and GMC.

Pearl was also a member of the Elks Lodge and VFW posts in Carbondale, and Mount Moriah Lutheran Church in Anna.

Failing health led him to sell the auto dealership in October 2001, ending his 49 years as a dealer. He returned to Pearl Acres to spend time with family, friends and his beloved horses.

Survivors include his wife, two daughters, a son, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete; Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 1110 N. Johnson St., Marion, IL 62959.