Posted January 18, 2018

One thing I’ve noticed through the years is that, if you walk into a room full of textile industry folks and shout the name “Jim,” several men will look up. Sure, that’s a common first name in the U.S., but I’ve come to believe it’s more prevalent among those of us who live in the wonderful world of textiles.

In conversation, I’ve often had to use last names when referring to any of the Jims I know in the industry. Otherwise, I get the response, “Jim who?” Could be any of the Jims who run in our circles: Jim Chesnutt, Jim Booterbaugh, Jim Hopkins, Jim Blalock, Jim Netzel, Jim Ciccone, Jim Robertson, Jim Lee, Jim Landreth, Jim Pye, Jim Turner, Jim Conner – to name just a few. And that doesn't count all the Jimmys and James who also answer to “Jim.”

Which reminds me of an old tune by the late comedian Tim Wilson, who wrote and recorded “The George Song,” with lyrics composed solely of the names of famous “Georges” (i.e. George Jones, George Burns, George Foreman, etc.). It’s classic and funny, although he was remiss in excluding the most famous George in the South and in this industry, George Abbott of Inman Mills. (If I ever get bored, I plan to write the textile version of “The Jim Song.”)

Among the aforementioned Jims, one of my (and everyone’s) faves is Jim Chesnutt, CEO and chairman of National Spinning Co. When I met him a couple of decades ago, I was immediately struck by his warmth and genteel nature – which even emanated when he was publicly giving a politician or government official “the business” on behalf of our industry. He would and still does know how to give a stern talking to people who may not have textile employees’ best interests at heart, then respectfully shake their hand after making his points – passionately and persuasively. He’s fought hard for us many years, and we should all be thankful for his activism. He has truly made a difference.

Neither Chesnutt nor any of our leaders have always gotten their way, of course – otherwise, our deep downturn would’ve never been so steep. But that wasn’t from a lack of communicating our messages to those who hold our future in their hands.

Speaking of which, it troubled me deeply a few weeks ago when his company announced the closure of its Beulaville, N.C., yarn production plant. I knew that sector of the industry had been soft for awhile, yet I was hoping it would pull through this sluggish period. After all, 160 people with families depended on it.

I briefly spoke with Chesnutt about the decision, but he saved his most powerful petition for those who needed to hear it most: North Carolina representatives in the U.S. Congress. Quoting excerpts of a letter sent to those elected officials by his hometown paper, The Washington Daily News, he wrote: “Elected representatives in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have ignored blue-collar workers for decades. Bad trade agreements have been negotiated by bureaucrats and approved by Congress and signed by Presidents with little thought to the consequences for hard-working U.S. Citizens living in rural communities.”

He continued: “This is another sad day. Am I angry? Hell yes! Don’t send me any future mailings asking for campaign monies, as I am finished. … You all are out chasing the Amazons and ignoring the jobs that feed rural areas.”

Classic give-’em-hell Jim Chesnutt.

I’ve witnessed Chesnutt’s acrimonious discourse firsthand a number of times, from meeting rooms at The Speedway Club in Concord, N.C., to Congressional offices on the Hill in Washington, D.C. – and always left feeling proud to be a part of an industry with such an ardent, strong voice (and a Southern gentleman, to boot.)

I was reminded of those Chesnutt chastisement sessions last week, when word came of the passing of another Jim – Jim Leonard, a 34-year Burlington Industries exec who spent several years as deputy assistant secretary for Textiles, Apparel and Consumer Goods in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Leonard came to “Textile Country” on numerous occasions to deliver President George W. Bush’s talking points on trade and other matters, and Chesnutt was frequently in attendance. And, often, these assemblies would become “The Jim and Jim Show,” with Chesnutt bringing up points of contention between the industry and Washington free traders and Leonard loyally sticking to his messaging.

Don’t get me wrong – these public powwows weren’t contentious. Chesnutt and Leonard were longtime friends who could say just about anything to each other. Chesnutt spoke to Leonard as the emissary and not the enemy, hoping his and the industry’s position on various matters would reach the right ears in D.C. (And I’m sure they often did, for what it was worth.)

Anyway, Jims have been on my mind lately, for sure. I’m fortunate to know and have known so many Jims in this industry – most of whom are true “gems.” And I put Jim Leonard in that category, too. He was a friendly, well-spoken leader in our industry who was admired and respected by many. He contributed much, and he won’t be forgotten.

Perhaps next week, I’ll turn my attention to all the “Bills” I know in this industry …