Hello
 

Hi my name is Mike and I used to be a Mariah Dealer in montana. I had took on Mariah in 1994. Wow I had never seen a runabout boat so nice as Mariah. The moto of ( Equipped like no other boat in the World) was so true. Jimmy really knew how to put on a show. He would fly all of us dealers to the dealer meetings, my first Saint Louis. Yes there he had Mickey Mantle come and give a speech. Yes you could have your pic. with him, but no autographs as he had sold the rights to his name (wow). So instead of pics. Me and My wife went up in the arch as we had never been to Saint Louis. Jimmy would have Magicians, jugglers and such entertain you at the big dinners. In Memphis TN , He would rent the two big river paddle wheel boats and have Elvis impersonators and baby back rib dinners. He did things top notch, just like his boats. Thompson Marine has been out of business since 1998, but I still have the memories and banners that Mariah left me. I just recently purchased my first Mariah, 1995 Z212 as that was the boat I wanted, sold them, but I didn't have one. Now I do. Sad to here of Jimmies passing. He was a great man, remember the poster of him and Mickey Mantle in his office at the factory, sitting in a Mariah on the Lake enjoying a cold brew. I feel honored to have known Jimmy and felt his sincereity in his hand shake. Jimmy miss you, God Bless you!!! And Thank You for Mariah!!!!

Re: Hello
 

Nice post, glad to have ones like you as well in this club.

Re: Hello
 

Great post Mike, and welcome to the forum
Happy Boating
Dan

Re: Hello
 

Welcome to the club Mike, glad to have you! :wink_thumbup:

I had the opportunity to interview Jimmy before his passing, he was a great man, genuine, honest, and he was absolutely amazed at the following that was established for his dream and the Mariah legacy. Check out his official bio on the site if you haven't already. He sent me literally hundreds of pics, and I'm still working on a few articles for inclusion on the site. His family are members on the site as well, and I'm sure they'll appreciate the kind words and memories.

Re: Hello
 

Welcome aboard Mike! Glad to have you as a member here. :wink_thumbup: