Gone to Soon – Jim Whitsett, Bicycle Industry Veteran, Dies at 56


Jim Whitsett

We were saddened to learn that Jim Whitsett passed away in his sleep from an apparent heart attack last weekend.

Jim had deep roots in the cycling industry and managed many of SoCal’s popular bike shops including Supergo, Cynergy, Giant of Santa Monica and Performance over the past few decades.

We had the pleasure of collaborating with Jim on the media side while he worked at Cynergy Cycles, a Specialized Concept Store,  and were lucky to meet him when Cynergy Cycles hosted some fun events including “An Evening in Fast Company: Team HTC-Highroad at Cynergy Cycles” prior to the Amgen Tour of California and Cynergy Cycles “Be One with Your Bike”

Jim was always kind,  humble, easy to work with and had a cool sense of SoCal style.

Staying true to his passion, Jim was in the process of opening a new bike shop South Bay Cycle, a Specialized Concept Store, in Manhattan Beach with fellow industry veteran Alan Goldsmith that is set to open in mid-February.  Sadly, Jim passed away before South Bay Cycle’s grand opening.

Jim leaves behind two sons, Jason and Jesse James. Jim’s oldest son Jason Mageau has set up a GoFundMe page to help support Jim’s youngest son Jesse James for those that would like to donate.

Jason wrote, 

Attached is a photo of Jim and Alan Goldsmith taken roughly 14 hours before his passing. As most of you know his new shop South Bay Cycle in Manhattan Beach is set to open very soon. Please check the social media pages for the shop for details. I would love for everyone to go see the shop and keep his spirit alive in the cycling community. This was his life, down to the very end.

Everyone has been asking about services for Jim and we are planning a memorial in the coming weeks once things settle down a little.

Our condolences go out to Jim’s family and friends in this difficult time. All the best to South Bay Cycle! We know that Jim will be with you every step of the way on the path to success! Jim, you will be missed!

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