James Marion West Jr.
James Marion West Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 26, 1903 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | December 18, 1957 (aged 54) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Oil entrepreneur, cattle rancher, lumber businessman |
| Known for | Texas oil magnate, nicknamed "Silver Dollar Jim" and "Diamond Jim" |
James Marion West Jr. (September 26, 1903 – December 18, 1957) was a prominent oil entrepreneur from Texas, recognized as the son of James Marion West Sr., who established the West family wealth, and sibling to Wesley West. He earned the moniker "Silver Dollar Jim" due to his practice of distributing silver dollar coins to onlookers, while also being dubbed "Diamond Jim" for his diamond-encrusted Texas Ranger badge. West operated a collection of approximately thirty automobiles, predominantly Cadillacs, outfitted with various firearms, and was a well-known presence at Galveston casinos such as the Balinese Room. His persona embodied the quintessential eccentric Texas oil magnate.
Personal life
West was born in San Antonio, Texas and relocated to Houston, Texas when he was two years old. He had a brother, Wesley West, and a sister named Mildred. Following in his father’s footsteps, he pursued ventures in oil production, cattle ranching, and lumber. Academically, West completed studies at Southwestern University and earned a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.
Distinguished by his vibrant character and extravagant fashion sense, West often sported custom monogrammed cowboy boots, oversized gold belt buckles, and diamond jewelry. His nickname “Silver Dollar Jim” originated from his tendency to leave generous tips in silver dollars and to toss these coins to strangers in public places. Upon his passing, executors uncovered substantial stashes of silver dollars and $2 bills valued at around $250,000 (equivalent to over $2 million in 2013) hidden in his basement.
West maintained an extensive vehicle collection housed at several Houston locations, including a dedicated three-level parking garage, along with ownership of four aircraft such as a DC-3 and a Twin Beech. He succumbed to diabetes in Houston on December 18, 1957. At the time of his death, his estate was appraised at more than $100 million—roughly $1.1 billion when adjusted to 2023 currency values.
References
- Burrough, Bryan. The Big Rich: The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Texas Oil Fortunes. Penguin Books, 2009. ISBN 978-1-59420-199-8.
- Cartwright, Gary. Galveston: a history of the island. Macmillan, New York, 1998. ISBN 0-87565-190-9.