Founder of Jimboy’s Tacos dies; sold sauce out of trailer in Tahoe
By Bob Shallit, Sacramento Bee
James Knudson, known to many as “Jimboy” because of the famous taco chain he founded, died Wednesday at the age of 95.
He remained active until being diagnosed with cancer a week ago and had “a mercifully quick end to what was quite a life,” said Tom Boalt, general manager of Jimboy’s Tacos and a longtime friend.
Mr. Knudson was born in Alberta, Canada, and grew up amid hardship in Minnesota. His father died when he was 2, leaving behind a wife and six children.
“They were literally the poorest people in their town,” living in a barn, said Karen Freeman, Mr. Knudson’s daughter and president of Jimboy’s Tacos.
A tough childhood infused her father with a powerful will to succeed, she said.
Miss the Jimboy’s we had up here where the old center was about in the spot of the current McDonald’s at stateline. Still one in Placerville.
Actually the first Jimboy’s was where Izzy Burgers is now. Used to go there with Mom and Dad and Sis, and we’d eat right there in the parking lot,in the truck , get all greasy and messy… great memories for sure……….
I remenber a Jimboys close to where wildwood ends on the N. side of 50 with a two pump arco to the east.
I used to go the Jimboy’s Taco truck that would be parked at the King’s Beach beach!! As well, I would also later go the the Jimboy’s Taco in Sacramento. I think, it was on Alhambra Blvd!! Loved their tacos!!! yummmm
Yes Lou, there was a Salon Hair cutting school in the same complex.Went there for free hair cuts, now just let grow to the floor.(new world order)
Wild-wood lake,50- cause the water stayed there for weeks after rain ,snow melt,two guys from Italy,Chinese food on the other.(Actually people WERE there on a regular basic,good prices, Nice portion,Plus the chinese place had Bachelorette parties 5.00 for American boy special)..lol..fUN PLACE.NO ?? ABOUT THAT.
Always loved Arco two pump as you could always get a smog check right from the office.(the way it should be)..no pension for DMV.(so sorry)?
Moss Station,(orange Julius,one hour photo drive Thur)…
Drive Thur ,unbelievable…TRPA RATS BOAT HADN’T ARRIVED YET.
Due-fanoulaic …nice older lady wanted to dance,squeeze you death,place.
BUT NOT TO IGNORE Jim’s,greasy tACOS LOTS LETTUCE……FAST IN OUT,GO ACROSS THE street to the Dead head(5.57 )brand new LP..next door do the wash,bring your trash ,Tahoe largest public Fireplace cause you shoes freeze to the floor)..Hip PLACE TO SCORE MORE THAN SUDS……VERY FRIENDLY MOUNTAINS MOMMAS WASH THE THREADS IN THERE.
(“There’s SURE ALOT OF US REMEMBERING, WHAT HELL HAPPENED TO THIS TOWN?)