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Jim Lease began his automotive career in 1941 when he attended night school at Ward Donohue’s garage to learn auto engine repair. When the courses were over, Donohue offered Jim a position in his repair shop, which Jim gladly accepted.
He worked at Ward’s garage until 1942, when he accepted a job in civil service at the farm show in Harrisburg, PA. This was turned in to a training school for aircraft repairs and Jim learned how to repair propellers. He worked on aircraft repairs for a few years before returning to the automotive repair business.
In 1944, Jim took a job at White Rose Motors Cadillac and Olds Cars. He worked there until 1951.
In January 1951, Jim decided to go in to business for himself. He bought stock and equipment from Bill Boring. When Boring sold the garage in 1954, Jim was left with no place to work on cars and thus was out of business.
It wasn’t long before Jim’s loyal customers started reaching out to help him get his business up and running again. One of his good customers told him about a weeded lot on 11th Avenue where a building foundation had been started, including three foot high walls and steel beams. Jim purchased this lot for $1,800.
He had a customer who was a mason and brick layer. They worked together, Jim mixed the mortar and the customer laid the brick to finish off the building. Another group of customers helped to clear the lot, install the roof, lay the floor, do the plumbing, and install the heating system. With the help of family and friends, Jim had the building up and running within 3-4 months.
Once opened in 1954, Jim specialized in PA State inspection, alignment, and all general auto repairs for 40 years. Throughout his years running Jim’s Auto Repair, he began training in body work and collision repair from one of his employees, Mac McComas. He enjoyed repairing and painting cars and it became one of his passions.
In 1978, his son in law, Gary Bankos, joined the team as a technician. This allowed Jim to concentrate on the collision aspect of the business while Gary was able to focus on mechanical and electronic repairs.
Gary had training at York Vo-Tech, where he received his State Inspection License, and Harrisburg Area Community College, where he earned his Associates Degree in Automotive Technology and completed a GM Certification Program. He has also completed a Horizon Management Program and training at Automotive Training Institute (ATI). Gary has earned ASE certifications in electrical, performance, brakes, and service writing.
In 1994 Gary bought the business from his Father in Law, Jim. Gary continues to be the President, Owner, and Operator of Jims’s Auto Repair.
In October of 2010, Gary’s son, Brad Bankos, became an employee of Jim’s Auto Repair. Brad earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Marketing from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has also received certification for State Inspection and Emissions and completed service writing education as well as other various training courses. He is currently enrolled at Automotive Training Institute (ATI) for training in Consulting and Management in hopes of running a more efficient Jim’s Auto Repair.
Now entering its third generation of family at Jim’s Auto Repair, we are very proud to run the business on these very values of Family.
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