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From car lot to 'mayor'

James "Big Jim" Bargo has made a name for himself selling used cars, racing cars and cutting ribbons.

By MEAGHAN FORBES
Published September 2, 2005

Most honorary mayors campaign for residents' hearts for half a year.

But James Bargo's race for mayor was effortless. Fifteen years ago, an announcer at a car race declared him honorary mayor of Seffner. He hasn't had to politick for the job since.

Bargo, 70, owns a busy used auto sales business on U.S. 92 in Seffner, but in his spare time he's courting the town and making special appearances.

Like other honorary mayors, Bargo, or Big Jim as he's respectfully called, attends ribbon cuttings, Chamber of Commerce events and church activities. "I think he deserves it," said Bargo's son, Dave, 49.

After managing his businesses and performing his duty as honorary mayor, Bargo sets out on another feat - spectator racing on local speedways. That's his real passion.

"That's his entertainment," said Cindy Toombs, Bargo's secretary.

Bargo started racing 15 years ago, at age 55, about the same time he was declared mayor. He has won more than a hundred races against some of the toughest amateur racers.

The proof lies in the more than two dozen trophies that are displayed on the desk, bookshelf and windows of his dealership office.

His pictures and other memorabilia tell stories.

"I remember a race on the old Lakeland Speedway," Bargo said. "I drove a car until the wheel came off, and I still won the race."

With the exception of Daytona, Big Jim has raced on every track in Central Florida. His next race is scheduled for the East Bay track in Gibsonton in his 1979 Ford Mustang.

"I've beaten Corvettes and (Dodge) Super Bees," he said, gleaming as if it happened yesterday.

Bargo first tried the auto business by buying, fixing and selling used cars in the early 1960s. After two years, the Cincinnati native realized he could make more money selling cars than driving semitrailer trucks. "I found out I could make a profit and still sell someone a good car," he said.

Almost 44 years later, he's still selling cars and making enough to contribute to his racing hobby. He recently sold a 1930 Ford Model A for $13,000 and put his earnings in savings for future races.

As mayor, he continues to enjoy the spotlight and offers his opinions.

"If he were to stay home, he'd be missing it," says his wife of 50 years, Rosetta, 69. But if it came down to someone else having to receive the honor and offering suggestions, Bargo says he wouldn't mind.

"I would step down if that's the way it works," he said. "It's like the president getting voted out. He has to step down."

AGE: 70

FAMILY: Wife, Rosetta, two adult sons

BUSINESS: Owner, Bargo Auto Sales in Seffner

LIFE NECESSITIES: Family and church

PASSION: Spectator racing

PROUDEST MOMENT: Beating a Corvette in a race at the Lakeland Speedway and taking the monetary prize over a chance to be in a movie.

[Last modified September 2, 2005, 02:15:35]