Jim MacMaster, former Yokohama exec, dies at 75

GAINESVILLE, Ga.—Jim MacMaster, former executive vice president and chief operating officer of Yokohama Tire Corp., died June 14 at age 75.

MacMaster had a 39-year career in the tire industry, including 30 with Yokohama. He retired from the company in 2010.

After retiring, MacMaster was elected to the board of directors at Lehigh Technologies Inc. in Georgia, a role he'd held since 2014. He also was chairman of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (now the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association) from 2007-09

"We are saddened by the news of Jim's passing. He was a great leader, friend and mentor to many in the industry," said Andrew Briggs, Yokohama's vice president of marketing, who worked under MacMaster.

"On behalf of everybody at Yokohama, we are proud and honored to have worked with Jim. Our sincerest condolences go out to his wife Teri, their children and grandchildren. Jim was an inspiration and will be sorely missed."

MacMaster spent three years in the U.S. Navy, later working in the defense and computer industries before a decade-long career on the manufacturing and dealer side of the tire business.

He joined YTC—the U.S. arm of Tokyo-based Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.—in January 1981 and held "nearly every leadership position" before being promoted to executive vice president/COO in 2009. During his career, YTC's grew to over $1 billion from $30 million, the company said.

"The tire industry has been home for most of my adult life," MacMaster said when he retired, according to Yokohama. "The terms 'team' and 'relationships' are often overused, but our team at Yokohama has taken this company from lean years to prosperity.

"I want to thank everybody for their dedication and support. I have been privileged to watch careers and families grow and I am so proud of our associates. I have also been very fortunate to have wonderful relationships with our customers, our marketing partners and industry leaders. My time at Yokohama was full of so many favorite memories."

MacMaster is survived by his wife of 57 years, Teri; son Tim (Pam ); daughter Mia (Adam Faulkner); two granchildren and two great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations be sent to the Salvation Army.