James Marion West, Jr.
| James West |
| Born |
James Marion West |
| Other names |
Silver-dollar Jim, Diamond Jim |
| Citizenship |
USA |
| Years active |
early and mid 1900s |
| Known for |
Houston oilman |
| Parents |
James Marion West Sr. |
James Marion West Jr. (September 26, 1903 – December 18, 1957) was a Texas oilman. He was the son of James Marion West Sr., the businessman who created the West family fortune. He was nicknamed "Silver Dollar Jim", because of his habit of throwing silver dollar coins toward passersby on the street.[1] He was also called "Diamond Jim" because of the diamond-studded Texas Ranger badge he wore. He was known to chase criminals right behind the police.[2] West kept a fleet of thirty cars, mostly Cadillacs in or around downtown Houston, which were equipped with an arsenal of 30-35 guns. He became an iconic fixture at Galveston casinos such as the Balinese Room.[3] He is considered to be an archetype for the eccentric Texas oilman.[1]
Notes
- ^ a b Burrough (2009), pp. 191-192
- ^ Burrough (2009), pp. 193-194
- ^ Cartwright (1998), pg. 241.
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| Name |
West, James Marion |
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| Date of birth |
September 26, 1903 |
| Place of birth |
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| Date of death |
December 18, 1957 |
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