Jim Lakin, a former owner of Timpte and pioneer in the truck trailer industry, died at age 95.
Lakin joined Timpte Brothers of Denver, Colorado, in 1937 as a mechanic. He was promoted to shop foreman in 1942. In 1947, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the manager of the new Timpte branch facility. He was promoted to vice-president in 1958. Lakin moved back to Denver in 1961 and was promoted to VP and sales manager of Timpte.
In 1966, he became one of the owners of Timpte and was again promoted and carried the titles of director, VP, and general manager. In May 1969, the newly formed company Timpte Industries appointed Lakin president.
Lakin was appointed to the post of chairman of the board in 1972. He sold his interest in Timpte to the partners in 2003 and maintained the position of Chairman Emeritus since his retirement in 2003.
The memorial service will be held Thursday in Denver.