2 replies to this topic

[MG Brown]

James Joseph 'Silky' Silknitter has passed away. He was 87.

 

 

James lived a long life filled with hard work, adventure, and creativity. He was a US National Guard veteran and a machinist for Western Electric. After retiring, he founded Silky's Custom Slotcar Tracks.

 

Silky was a loved and admired model car racing community member in Omaha/Bellevue. He was a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend to many.

 

James was preceded in death by his wife, son James, and grandson Douglas.

 

He is survived by his brothers: Bob Silknitter, Art Silknitter (Joyce), and Bill Silknitter (Julie). His legacy continues through his children: David, Mary (Doug), and Anna (Mike), along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all of those he loved enough to say were his "non-biological children."

 

James will be missed dearly and never forgotten!

[MG Brown]

Today, January 20, is the anniversary of James' birth. 

 

I wondered today how many tracks are out there that Silky either built, helped build, or reconditioned?

 

 

(random pic from silky's site - no idea what it is or where it is located)

[Thom]

Jim was a great guy to know and a good friend. He did so much for the Omaha racing community it would be hard to share it all.
 
So many great stories, like the time he wanted to build his own track but the house he lived in wasnt big enough and didnt have a basement or garage. So he and brother Bill dug a basement by hand with shovels to make room for one. I dont remember the tracks or shop pictured above, so I assume they were taken after he moved from Omaha to Colorado or Arizona.
 
I have raced on dozens of his tracks. If he had a commercial space open he would build tracks in the back room. After they were completed we would break them in at our weekly race meeting then help he and Bill take them apart, load them in a truck or trailer, and send the two of them off to deliver it.
 
Personally Im on Silky track #2. My first one was the lime green one that is shown in the Slot car tracks for sale section, it now lives in Lincoln, NE.  The black oval that was sold lives in the Quad Cities area. The brown tri-oval owned by Jims good friend, the late Terry, is still looking for a good home. My track, that was built for Jims brother Bill is pictured below.