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.