Jim Moran Dies at 88
Moran owned Southeast Toyota Distributors, the world's largest franchised Toyota distributor.
Jim Moran, founder of JM Family Enterprises, Inc. (JMFE) died April 24 at the age of 88. Ranked by Forbes magazine as the 18th-largest privately held company in the United States, JMFE headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Fla., is a recognized leader in the automotive industry. The company's operations include Southeast Toyota Distributors, the world's largest franchised Toyota distributor. Founded in 1968 by Moran, who was an honorary chairman and 2005 inductee into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the company has grown from a core distribution business into a diversified automotive corporation whose principal businesses focus on vehicle distribution and processing, finance and warranty services, insurance activities, retail sales and technology products and services. In an email to all company associates, it was expressed that Moran’s extreme generosity and deep compassion for others, coupled with his business ingenuity and strong belief in good old-fashioned hard work made him an inspiration. Final arrangements have not yet been announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Jim Moran Foundation at 100 Jim Moran Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 or the Youth Automotive Training Center at 399 SW 3rd Avenue, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441.
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