John and Jill Parham Step Down As President And Vice-President Of J&P Cycles

In a surprise announcement a few minutes ago, John Parham has informed the industry that he and his wife Jill are retiring as President and Vice-President of J&P Cycles. Comfortable that J&P Cycles is operating on a sound business foundation with a solid management team in place, John Parham can now dedicate more of his time to his two greatest passions, his family and the National Motorcycle Museum. Son Zach Parham has been named VP and General Manager to head the team of professionals his parents built and to assume the day-to-day management of J&P Cycles. John will also continue to serve J&P as a member of the Advisory Board of Directors.

Started 32 years ago as a swap meet vendor from the back of the family’s Ford van, J&P Cycles has grown into one of the largest motorcycle parts and accessories retailers in the world. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to create and be part of the team that managed this business through all these years. Jill and I have met a lot of great people who have helped us overcome the challenges we faced along the way.” says John. “We are so thankful for all our loyal customers, suppliers and friends who have supported us over the past three decades. Together we have created a wonderful success story that would make anyone proud.” added Parham.

The next chapter of this success story calls for John and Jill to attend future motorcycle rallies and trade shows, as well as the annual J&P Cycles Open House. Last year, John moved the National Motorcycle Museum to a larger facility in Anamosa, Iowa. The new building displays 325 motorcycles and collectibles in a world class setting and in the manner they deserve. J&P Cycles will continue to support the museum through the annual raffle bike fundraiser and various other promotions.

42 Responses to “John and Jill Parham Step Down As President And Vice-President Of J&P Cycles”


  1. 1 Blue Sep 14th, 2011 at 10:30 am

    The news is out, then. We wish John and Jill the greatest admiration for the past and the very best for the future. Enjoy yourselves kids, you’ve deserved it!

  2. 2 jason Hallman Sep 14th, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Kudos! What a great company to compete against. They are honorable folks that only increase the professionalism of our industry overall. I am certain the new board will do great!

  3. 3 howard kelly Sep 14th, 2011 at 10:34 am

    Congrats John and Jill on doing what you love with your lives.
    Howard

  4. 4 Tami Smith Sep 14th, 2011 at 10:35 am

    It’s definitely their turn for some healthy down-time! It looked like a pretty rough road there for awhile during John’s illness. It was good to see him this past summer after his successful transplant and recovery!

    I’m glad to hear that they will still participate in the annual J&P Open House, an event that many of us have come to really look forward to. John & Jill (and their awesome staff!) go out of their way to make their vendors and customers feel welcome and enjoy themselves. The new museum is amazing and holds more history than you can absorb in just one visit. I look forward to going back each year.

    Best of luck to John & Jill. Have some fun!

    Tami Smith
    James Gaskets, Inc.

  5. 5 jeff decker Sep 14th, 2011 at 10:36 am

    John & Jill are captains of industry who have pushed our community is only positive directions.
    Good people who have been an asset providing services we have all benefited from over the years.
    The museum is world class and from this point on will clearly become only better.
    They both work so hard, and with John’s heath, I for one am so happy he is steeping down. Hopefully he can concentrate on his passion and get a little stress out of his life. Cheers & congratulations!

  6. 6 Cindy Erato Sep 14th, 2011 at 10:42 am

    John and Jill, I wish you nothing but the best. Enjoy and have fun!

  7. 7 Bill Gormley--Bill's Trailer Sales Sep 14th, 2011 at 10:46 am

    Best of Luck in all your future adventures. A little rest never hurt anyone. Thank you for all your help over the years.
    Bill and Crew

  8. 8 Mike Tomas Kiwi Indian MC Co Sep 14th, 2011 at 10:49 am

    John and Jill are 2 of the finest ambassadors our industry has ever had. Johns time and comments on various panels has been invaluable.
    Thanks to your foresight of preserving so many early motorcycles and memorabilia for others to enjoy for many years to come. Truly a dynamic team and willing to give back unselfishly.
    John and Jill’s smiles will last forever.

  9. 9 Paul Sep 14th, 2011 at 10:52 am

    Congratulations! Pioneers of the motorcycle catalog / web & retaitail showroom industry, provided opportunities for a lot of people and have alot to be proud of. There is more good stuff down the pipeline, enjoy! Gomey

  10. 10 LENNY SINNET MC ADVANTAGES Sep 14th, 2011 at 10:58 am

    Congratulations you both did a great job with a great company and deserve to enjoy life and have fun with your time. Best of luck John and Jill and glad to here you will be at the open house.

  11. 11 Joe Phillipson Sep 14th, 2011 at 11:10 am

    All those years of incredible hard work has paid off and I am glad you are able to finally take the time to enjoy your family and hobbies. The business you have built has helped many businesses like mine, given many people jobs and effected the lives of people you don’t even know about. God bless you both.
    Joe Phillipson
    Adjure Inc.

  12. 12 Christine Paige Diers Sep 14th, 2011 at 11:14 am

    Best of luck to John & Jill – hope you both enjoy spending more time with family and with each other.
    Christine Paige Diers
    Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

  13. 13 Rikki Battistini Sep 14th, 2011 at 11:15 am

    Thank you both for your support, help and advice over the years you have been an inspiration to many. I wish you both the best for the future and look forward to seeing you both at all the usuall haunts!

    Zack congratulations and I am certian the ship will continue to sail in the right direction with you at the helm. if ever you need anything please do not hesitate in contacting.

    Rikki Battistini
    Battistinis Custom Cycles

  14. 14 Rebecca Sep 14th, 2011 at 11:28 am

    Best of luck and congrats John and Jill. Do what you love and success will follow! You have always been a couple I admire and look up to. I have loved working with you over the years and at your store during my T-Bags tenure.

  15. 15 Rebecca Sep 14th, 2011 at 11:30 am

    Oh crap, how could I forget Zach! I watched him grow up. Congrats Zach!

  16. 16 Marc Mazerolle Sep 14th, 2011 at 11:46 am

    Good for them!!! If I could retire comfortably now I would too!! Best of wishes!!

  17. 17 Richard Sep 14th, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    Interesting…In his comments above, John thanks everyone else and takes no credit for his considerable accomplishments. That says a lot about the man. I’ve been to the old museum downtown and am looking forward to riding down to Annamosa to see the new one in the next two weeks (I.E. before it gets too cold). Previous visits were great…great staff and great bikes. I recommend it for anyone who loves bikes! Congratulations to John and Jill.

  18. 18 Joe Biggs Sep 14th, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    A great organization is always just that because it directly reflects the values and ethics of those who birthed it and nurtured it to maturity. Clearly J&P Cycles is a perfect example of this and why it is a gold standard in our industry.

    I am proud of the relationship between J&P and the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rallies and look forward to it for many more years to come.

    John and Jill, enjoy the next chapter of your lives to the max. I am happy for you that you have a son to carry on the family tradition. Gidder done Zach!

    Joe Biggs
    Thunder Beach Productions

  19. 19 James at BAKER Sep 14th, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    Best of luck John and Jill, and congrats Zach! You all deserve it. You have created a legacy you should be proud of. We always enjoy attending your open house, it has become the “Little Sturgis” of the midwest, and the museum just keeps getting better every year. Relax and enjoy!

  20. 20 Tabitha Sep 14th, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    J&P is nothing but a class act and look forward to the continued success of the company under Zach’s capable management. Best wishes to John & Jill in their retirement (ha ha!) who have forever made their mark on the cycling world. From the humble beginnings 32 years ago selling as a swap meet vendor from the back of the family’s Ford van into one of the largest motorcycle parts and accessories retailers in the world! Truly amazing! God Bless You & God Bless America!

  21. 21 izadore007 Sep 14th, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    I will be truthful with you all…………….I like the Face & Figure of the VP, Jill that is.

  22. 22 Cris Sommer Simmons Sep 14th, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    Does this mean you will have time to come visit us in Hawaii now? So happy for you guys! Let’s go do some cool stuff together!

  23. 23 Arin Sep 14th, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    What a great ride, it has been such a privilege to work with the family known as J&P Cycles. Wicked Image is very grateful for you believing in our company, J&P put us on the map! Enjoy your time together and I look forward to seeng you two riding in Sturgis knowing that Zach and the crew have everything under control!

    Zach- yo brother, it’s your time to shine!

  24. 24 Rogue Sep 14th, 2011 at 6:05 pm

    I stopped at J&P Cycles as well as visited the museum on my recent trip to Kansas City to cove a 9/11 event.
    Missed seeing John by a few minuets.
    The museum was Very Impressive.
    it is good to see what is happening at J&P as they are some of the nicest people in the industry.

  25. 25 Tony Pan Sanfelipo Sep 14th, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    What a great pleasure it has been to know John and visit J&P and the museum in Anamosa. I first met him many years ago when I was running ABATE of Wisconsin and he was operating out of the trunk of his car doing swap meets at our State Fair and other locations. To see what he built from that meager beginning is testimony to his passion, intelligence and drive. He also happens to be a real person starting from the bottom and working his way up with hard work and dedication. A truly nice guy too. Have fun and relax a little. You’ve earned it. Glad to see you’re doing ok and I hope you enjoy your next great adventure with the museum. I was there with Rogue and although I was there before, the new building with added space is really impressive. Great museum and I know you’ll make it even better. Best of luck John.

    Tony Pan

  26. 26 Spitfire (Vicki Sanfelipo) Sep 14th, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    No wonder he was busy last Thursday when we stopped by for visit. John and Jill so deserve this stage in their lives!!! An American success story. Best wishes to Zach who has a great mentor at his fingertips.

  27. 27 Lisa Williams Sep 14th, 2011 at 6:51 pm

    Good for you two! Enjoy your well deserved time together.

  28. 28 Pepper Massey Sep 14th, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    Enjoy the next chapter. Much bliss.

  29. 29 Yale Sep 15th, 2011 at 7:33 am

    Congratulations, lots of health and fun in your new phase of life. You both have so much to be proud of.
    Good luck to Zach

  30. 30 uhl Sep 15th, 2011 at 7:52 am

    Time to enjoy indeed, what a fantastic family. Thank you John and Jill for all you have done!!! and the best of luck to Zach with the empire.

  31. 31 Night Train Sep 15th, 2011 at 8:11 am

    I interviewed John one on one back a couple years ago. What a class act he and his family are. All the best to them!

  32. 32 HarleyMan Sep 15th, 2011 at 8:39 am

    During most of 1982 and early ’83 I was rebuilding and customizing a 1972 900 Sporty which was pretty trash and a POS when I acquired it. Back then most of the custom parts and accessories I purchased were from a 300 page Jammer catatog that was worn out from my constant perusing, wishing and fantasizing.

    One day I received a yellow one page advertisement with crude pictures of parts that were traced with handwritten descriptions, etc. This document was reproduced on blue colored mimeograph stencils which removed the waxed portion creating a path for black ink to flow through. This stencil was then placed on a approximate 12 inch diameter cylinder which contained the black ink and a paper tray. As you rotated this cyclinder; early models manually, later ones were electric, one sheet of blank paper was picked up and the stencil produced state of the art printing of those days. I first recall the mimeograph machine and process in sixth grade . Yes I have veered off course somewhat above, but that one page yellow tri-folded flyer mailed to me early in 1983 was the first J&P flyer I received and my initial knowledge of them. Yes, through the years J&P has grown and prospered. But it was their tenacity, dedication and whatever actions or painstaking roads taken to derive from their first mass mailing to a world renown icon and success story. It is their love of the sport and industry they have enjoyed with people for three decades. I commend and thank you for your contributions made. With Jill and John’s stepping down and entering retirement (which they may or may not take advantage of and enjoy) I wish them the best and see not one reason their son Zach will fail to continue the tradition instilled in him.

    P.S. Somewhere in my stuff I believe that first J&P flyer may be found.

  33. 33 Jeff Nicklus Sep 15th, 2011 at 11:34 am

    Good for you John and Jill ….. enjoy the next chapter in your life, you desirve it ….. as was said earlier and I will say again …. you are a class act! Futher, you leave the company in good hands … all the best Zach!

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  34. 34 live2rideaglide Sep 15th, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    Go on a cruise and don’t take no clothes. Enjoy yourselves you have earned it.

  35. 35 Brenda Fox Sep 15th, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    Thank you for making such an impact in the Industry and contributing to what makes the motorcycle world a great family.

    Sending you full throttle good wishes ~ Let the good times roll!

  36. 36 brumby Sep 15th, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    John and Jill,

    very best wishes from Viv and myself and congratulations on a wonderful achievement with J&P. And thankyou for supporting our little Australian magazine over the last twenty years. We have grown, right alongside J&P and it’s been great. Hope to see you in 2012!

    Neale Brumby

    editor

    HEAVY DUTY MAGAZINE

    Melbourne Australia

  37. 37 Gina Woods Sep 16th, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    I worked with John in the days that he was still doing the swap meets (which wasn’t all that long ago) back in the days the J&P Swap Meet was at Donelly Hall? Remeber that John? He wasn’t afraid to get in there and get his hands dirty then and still not.. he built his empire through alot of hard work! I respect him so much for that. Heres somebody that could have hired help to do it and he could have sat back and pushed a pencil but John was always on the front line doing the task at hand – good for you….the time has come for you to enjoy what you’ve both worked so hard to build… congrats to Zach….John put in a good word for me to Zach will ya – I have some good ideas I’ll be calling to share with him soon 🙂

  38. 38 Blackmax Sep 18th, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    The few times I’ve gotten speak to either or both of the Parhams, they were very gracious with their time. Good luck to the both of you and good luck to Zach,
    It sounds like the buisness is in good hands

  39. 39 Fred UHL Sep 19th, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    I have recently had the opportunity to meet in person this class-act of John and Jill and wish you the very best!
    I am also very pleased to have met an energetic, bright, very capable and passionate Zach at this years Sturgis, whom I am confident will make a great mark in the industry his way, and look forward to seeing it in person.
    Congratulations to all three of you,

    Fred Van de Perre,
    CEO, UHL WORKS, INC.

  40. 40 mike corbin Sep 20th, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    Love you both, Mike +Bev !

  41. 41 Arie Sep 23rd, 2011 at 4:32 am

    Wow. Wow!!! I’ve been out of town too long!!! Best of luck to you John & Jill. I hope you enjoy retirement. You sure deserve it! Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you have done for our wonderful industry. To Zach: watch your back!!! MAG may have had a hand in these recent developments! You know that cuz you’re smart!!! Best of luck to all of the super, super people who made J&P what of is today. MAG, please don’t bastardize this company and f***k it l up!!! John & Jill’s passion and dedication made it work. Their love for all things on two wheels. What motorcyclist loves anything for 100 years? Harley guys. F**k it up… Lose the relationship. Simple Simon. MAG: fuck up #1 (2 for those who are counting). Three is a strike. No giant us too big. You dig?

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