James Edward Vasser

James Edward Vasser, a swashbuckling, self-made entrepreneur, automotive enthusiast, spectacular storyteller and Napa icon, died Saturday, July 24 while surrounded by his family of heart failure. He was 82.

A Seattle native nicknamed "Silverback" by his beloved friends and family, Vasser enjoyed hot rods, his car collection, dogs, black jellybeans, designer clothes and adamantly picking up the tab.

After joining the Navy at age 17 -- a decision he said changed the course of his life -- he served almost four years before launching a career in business both in the United States and abroad.

Vasser followed his mother and stepfather into the business world, first in the ductile iron pipe used for drinking water and then in prefabricated houses and small buildings.

He relocated to Iran in 1973 but fled in 1979 at the height of the Iranian Revolution. In a scene mirrored by the Academy Award-winning movie "Argo," Vasser sped through barricades in the dark of night to reach the Tehran airport with his wife and children before the borders were closed.

He abandoned the Mistubishi Galante with the keys still in the ignition.

After an initial detour to Cyprus, Vasser grew a beard to sneak back into Tehran in an attempt to help other Westerners get out of the country and retrieve the money he left behind in the company safe.

He illegally processed as many as 2,000 exit visas in a matter of days. When he again tried to leave Iran -- this time with his cash stuffed into the false bottom of a carry-on bag -- security put him through such a thorough inspection and shook his bag so hard that nearly $30,000 tumbled out and was seized.

Vasser settled in Morgan Hill, where he transitioned into the car business, raised his children and found a passion for motorsports that runs through his family to this day.

In 1974, he won the Grand National Roadster Show, the most coveted custom car competition in the world, with a 1914 Ford Touring. He helped his son, Jimmy, start a career in racing that spanned 15 seasons at the top level of American open-wheel competition.

Jimmy Vasser won the 1996 CART championship and is owner of the 2013 winning Indianapolis 500 car, and his father was frequently trackside to celebrate with him. After moving to Napa in 1998 he became the operator of Jimmy Vasser Toyota and Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet, both located on Soscol Ave. in Napa. The elder Vasser could often be found in his upstairs office at the Toyota dealership surrounded by racing memorabilia and reading the printed copy of the daily newspaper.

He also enjoyed spending time at V12 Vineyards, the family-run winery on Soda Canyon Road.

Vasser is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sharon, brother Mike Daley, children Patrick, Candice, James Jr. and Victoria, as well as seven grandchildren. A celebration of a life well-lived to the fullest will be held on January 21, 2022 -- what would have been his 83rd birthday.

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