Jim's Dari; on the corner of 12th and Washington Ave since 1958.
Built over 100 years ago
Ice Cream in the 30's?​
Thanks to the Delta County Historical Society, we were able to track down Ice Cream in our building back to the 1930's! This is our current building, although raised a couple blocks higher, and at the very same corner. Notice the rear windows; these were for the residence side of the "store". The door then faced Washington Ave and how we received the Washington address. The front facade is STILL hand painted with the old store front advertising. Well... Under the current siding of course!
Jim's Dari-Kreme is Born
New Ownership - Cousineau's
Passing on the Soft Serve tradition, Jim sells his business to Don and Thelma Cousineau. The Cousineau family helps expand the menu and dished up the creamiest and most affordable ice cream in North Town. Their ownership of 1201 Washington took place from1970 to 1978
Sold! Laporte holds longest running ownership
Having much history in the dairy field, Dona Laporte buys up Jims in 1978. Growing up close to the Jilbert family and having ins at Bancroft and Escanaba Dairy, it was only fitting to run your own dairy related business. Dona made the purchase of the little local shop and made most of the changes and set in stone what Jim's is today under her long tenure. Purchasing the lot adjacent to the business, a parking lot was installed, building raised, vinal siding installed, and the walk-in cooler relocated to the rear of the building. Upon remodeling the back stock room, the last remnants of a residence (old kitchen cupboards, flooring, paneled walls, sink, and bathroom area) were removed and updated to a commercial kitchen area. Many new menu items were added to expand the unique choices we still offer today. Items such as Slush Pop, E.T. Sundaes, and the Teddy Bear Shake were invented and popularized.
Running with much help from her family, Dona owned and ran the business even through her fight with cancer. Diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer, and undergoing both chemo and surgery, could not slow down her work and involvement at the counter. Although slowing down a bit, she could still be spotted behind the counter almost every day. Once again, with a second tumor and diagnosis, she would still be in the business as much as she could showing her wisdom and training the next generation. Upon passing away, she had agreements, along with Last Will paperwork, ready to pass on the hometown staple to her grandchildren. 'Showing the ropes' on the operations, and by no way 'training-in'; Dona felt good knowing her prized pocession would be in great hands with Trevor Sebeck and Austin St. Vincent taking the reins in 2021.
Keeping It in The Family
Ready to give in to the cancer fight, having taught the ways of the business, and passing on the paperwork; Dona willed the business to her grandsons and ended her chapters. Trevor and Austin took over the shop in 2021 and jumped into upgrades and needed repairs. Having the roof redone, parking lot resealed, and upgrading equipment; Jim's operated with the same hometown family-owned feel. Having 15 years of being behind the counter, Trevor took over all bookwork and operations while Austin assisted with daily operations and maintenance before selling his shares.
Living and creating chapters in Oregon, Austin decided to step back from the business and sell his half of Jim's. Not wanting the business to change hands or close in any way, Trevor jumped at the opportunity to take sole ownership and keep his grandmother's legacy and hard work going. Transitioning from employee at the counter to owner at the desk can sure be stressful. With the love and support from his family and close friends, the business continued to succeed and grow. Having a new staff, along some loyal managing employees, Jim's Dari-Kreme kept to its name finding new unique treats for all ages, sprucing up its outdoor decor, and replacing the 30-year-old lobby windows. The image of the business was reintroduced as our 'Cone guy' was regenerated and became our official mascot logo. With direct family there to assist and lend a hand, it's safe to say that Jim's will remain a small, local, hometown, family owned business for many years to come.
"Thank you for all the love and support during the transition(s). Also, for pushing me that it IS possible to run after your dreams and do what you love. I really couldn't have done it without my close friends, family, co-workers/employees, and the promise that was made to Gram in her final hours" -Trevor
