For Release
April 8, 2001
Cerebral
Palsy Child debuts
Restored 1963 Nova SS
at 2001 Sahib Shriners Car and Truck Show
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Sarasota, FL – April 8, 2001-- Shriners Hospitals for Children cerebral palsy patient, Justin Jones from Sarasota, debuted his newly restored 1963 Nova SS at the 2001 Sahib Shriners Car & Truck Show held at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds
Justin’s challenges in life started in 1984, at the age of 2, when he was initially diagnosed at a Scottish Rites facility in Atlanta, Georgia to be burdened by cerebral palsy. At an early stage during evaluations there was the mention that Justin would never be able to ride a bicycle, a matter of great importance and meaning for a young boy. Following treatments within Scottish Rites programs, Justin became a Shriner Kid in 1989 when he was introduced by Sahib Past Potentate Lee Stewart and his Lady Shirley to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa Florida where he become involved in Shriners Hospitals "Free of Charge" orthopedic treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation programs.
Following five years of therapy at the Shriners Hospital, in 1994 at age 12, Justin’s mom and dad, Jeff and Sue Jones, considered that Justin was capable to take on another challenge, so the thought to introduce a father/son project originated. Since Jeff Jones was an avid car enthusiast it seemed only natural to introduce his son to this hobby. Their find turned out to be a 1963 Nova SS project car that was available for $650. This became the beginning of a father/son restoration project that has now spanned six years. Justin’s first established priority was the necessity to maintain excellence in school while accommodating family responsibilities. Next it became important for Justin to find part time jobs to generate funds necessary to restore the Nova. All the while, Justin was an outpatient at Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa, Florida participating in ongoing treatments and rehabilitation to overcome the burdens created by cerebral palsy.
Six
years ago, under his dad’s watchful eye, Justin started to disassemble the
63’ Nova to its bare bones. At the age of 12, Justin was introduced to
pressure washing and sand blasting parts that required cleaning, taking part
in the removal of the Nova’s engine and transmission, stripping interior
components to facilitate restoration, removing chrome and stainless steel trim
for straightening, plating and polishing, on, and on, and on. Justin saved his
money year after year to purchase parts and repair service as needed. Justin
learned the art of horse-trading for assistance when he required help from
master Chevrolet restorer Dave Cole of Bradenton, Florida. Justin swapped
"detailing labor" with Dave Cole in exchange for Dave rebuilding the
Nova engine and transmission, and repairing a few other items that needed the
touch of an experienced mechanic.
At
the outset, the Nova restoration project was scheduled for completion on
Justin’s 16th birthday, but available time and funds contributed
to unanticipated delays. However, when Justin learned the Sahib Shriners were
holding a Car and Truck Show in his hometown he became determined to debut the
restored Nova for its first showing of Justin’s years of toil. The car will
not be 100% complete, but it will be so close that Justin asks his peers to
understand his need to be in this show.
While one might think that the restoration project would be plenty for a young boy to accomplish, Justin mastered riding a bike at age 5. At age 9, he accomplished his first dirt bike ride, and has owned and raced three dirt bikes since. Roller-skating at 10. Justin holds a Blue Belt in Karate for which he accomplished two competition trophies. He achieved Honor Student status during elementary, middle, and in high school. In 1995 he was honored with a Sons of the American Revolution Award. In addition, there followed a "Do The Right Thing Award" in 1999, "Most Improved Student Award" in 2001, an "Academic Excellence Award", plus numerous Student of the Month and Citizenship recognitions. Justin is an accomplished weight lifter, is active on the Year Book Committee, and participated in TV Production for 2 years. And regardless that this might appear to be enough, Justin continues to maintain a 3.5 GPA in the National Honor Society.
During the past two years Justin started his own business "Mr. Detail" which is contracted by a local company to maintain corporate vehicles. Justin’s personal vehicle inventory has grown to include his restored 1963 Nova SS, a 1989 Ford Ranger and daily drives a 1996 Chevy Caprice LTI.
Come to the Sarasota Fairgrounds on March 30, 2002, to enjoy the cars and trucks on display at the 2002 Sahib Shriners Car and Truck Show, show your prized vehicle, and visit with Justin Jones in the flesh…
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A release for permission to publish this
information was obtained by Justin Jones and his parents.
This information may
not be reprinted or used in any other format without the expressed
permission
of Sahib Shrine Temple, Inc. or Justin Jones or his parents.
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