James Marion West Jr.
James Marion West Jr. (September 26, 1903 – December 18, 1957) was a Texas oilman. He was the son of James Marion West Sr., the businessman who created the West family fortune, and brother of Wesley West. He was nicknamed "Silver Dollar Jim", because of his habit of throwing silver dollar coins toward passersby on the street. He was also called "Diamond Jim" because of the diamond-studded Texas Ranger badge he wore. He was known to chase criminals right behind the police. West kept a fleet of thirty cars, mostly Cadillacs in or around downtown Houston, which were equipped with an arsenal of 30-35 guns. He became an iconic fixture at Galveston casinos such as the Balinese Room. He is considered to be an archetype for the eccentric Texas oilman.
Personal facts
![James Marion West Jr.](/photos/james-marion-west-jr.jpg)
Alias (AKA) | Silver Dollar Jim Diamond Jim |
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Birth date | September 26, 1903 |
Birth name | James Marion West Junior |
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Date of death | December 18, 1957 |
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