JACK A. WEIL, 1901-2008
Jack A. Weil is the great granddaddy of the western shirt. He founded Rockmount Ranch Wear and began manufacturing his timeless classic signature snap-front cowboy shirts in downtown Denver in 1946. At the age of 107 he was believed to be the oldest working CEO in the USA. He went to work and greeted his customers everyday until a week ago.
I took this photo of him when I was in Denver last August. His grandson came to one of my slide shows and invited me to come by the Rockmount Ranch Wear store to meet his famous “papa.” So, of course, I did. “Papa Jack” talked my ear off and I savored every moment.
The unforgettable experience prompted me to then always ask my Denver Friends, when I spoke to them, how he was doing. The response was always the same “fine I guess, I haven’t heard otherwise.”
Then Wednesday when I arrived in Denver one of the first things I did was drive downtown to Rockmount Ranch Wear to check in with, who else, “Papa Jack.” It was late in the afternoon, I was tired and I couldn’t find a darn place to park. So I decided to come back and see him in the morning. A couple of hours later I while having dinner with my Denver friends I asked again, “how’s ‘Papa Jack’?” I got the same answer, “fine, we haven’t heard otherwise.”
When I got back to my room I turned on the local news and the first thing I heard was: Jack A. Weil, legendary founder of Rockmount Ranch Wear died tonight at the age of 107.
So here’s to “Papa” Jack A. Weil and every timeless classic cowboy shirt he ever made! He will always be Americana Royalty of the highest order!
Man Charles. I bet you were sad, but also elated that you got to spend time with the legend. I am a proud owner of one of his shirts that I purchased at Kings in Studio City, sadly no longer there. Cheers my friend. Break a leg in the mile high. We’ll see you when you get back for some much needed Americana Dining !
How richer I am for having met Papa Jack – thanks to you Charles! I visited his store (upon your online recommendation) last October when in Denver on business and was thrilled to meet Papa Jack and return home with a dandy Hawaiian print Rockmount cowboy shirt. My condolences to the Weil family. I will continue to direct Denver travellers to Rockmount Western Wear as well as The Cruise Room and Casa Bonita – all great finds Charles – keep `em coming.
“Papa” Jack. Elmer Vernon Bailey. They were both born in the same era frequently seen wearing their unofficial uniforms… the cowboy shirt with genuine kachina-inspired, Barry Goldwater, bolo tie.
Elmer was the owner/operator of Bailey’s Hot Springs just a few miles north of Beatty, Nevada. I never did get a chance to look inside Elmer’s closed steakhouse. All can still see his drive-in now, and much to Elmer’s chagrin… painted hot pink!
I still remember the old-man taking me down to Goldwater’s in 1962 Phoenix in preparation for our “immigration out west” to Las Vegas. “We’re gonna have to look like the locals Jerry. That’s why were getting OUR cowboy shirts, bolo ties, riveted Levis, and cowboy boots today!”
The kids in Rose Warren Elementary must have thought I came in on a buckboard the first day of school.
Thank you so very much for honoring Jack Weil. What an incredible man he was here in Colorado……..he will be missed.
What a wonderful evening we spent with you at the Holiday Show last year. It was a wonderful trip down memory lane.
Best to you for keeping the memories alive.
Sharon
Littleton, Colorado
Dear Jack A.Weil, R.I.P. God bless you.
Wow, I hadn’t heard of Jack Weil until I read your slide-of-the-week today. What a treasure, and I’m sure he will be sorely missed.
Charles,
As usual, you have shown us what is great in this America in a way that speaks to our best sense of humanity and of course you make it most interesting and colorful. I’ll wear my snap on western shirt with pride now.
Thank you for this, Charles. It’s so good to
hear about someone who loved his work and
felt useful and in touch right until the end.
Plus his shirts look great! These days shirts
often don’t have pockets (cheaper to make them
that way) but the old fashioned well made shirts did. Thanks for this item.
Papa Jack was such an amazing guy — the real thing. His son who died earlier this year was very genuine too. His grandson has huge boots to fill of both his father and his grandfather. Rockmount under the grandson’s guidance has ripped off many of our Nudie designs — though the quality is not anywhere near what it could or should be. The Elder Weils were more interested in remaining true to the basic western shirt, which they pioneered — not going vintage and/or copying anything Nudie had done — embroidered and Rhinestone Cowboy inspired. The sawtooth pocket and pearl snaps, especially the diamond shaped ones were all classic Rockmount — Papa Jack is also responsible for popularizing the Bolo Tie. Square Dancers everywhere have Papa Jack to thank for keeping them in Bolo Ties and Collar Points even when they went out of style, the Rockmount catalog always had plenty of those somewhat cheesy drugstore cowboy accountrements carded and ready for sale. They knew what their contributions were and they stuck to their guns, they didn’t need to copy anyone. I have many Rockmount shirts in my collection and for casual western style they can’t be beat. The Weils made mucho dinero with their formula — Papa Jack said – “Don’t sell to cowboys, they have no money — sell to the cowboy in us all.” Smart guy, and very sweet and wise as well.
Charles,
What a great story.. Would Papa had been there if you had found a place to park? Wow to be there on the same day he died… it was like he waited for you.
Charles,
Awwww….we love the “Papa” Jack story.
Darius/Rose
I will totally have to find me a cool shirt and order it, in honor of Jack. Thanks for sharing, Charles. I heart you and all your wonderful kitschiness.
Andy*