James Elvin Bryant, the founder of Bryant Boats died Dec. 3. He was 81 years old.
In a statement, Bryant is described as a “lifelong entrepreneur” whose tenure in the marine industry began when he launched Thunder Craft Boats out of his mother’s garage in the early 1960s. He sold the business in 1989 and in 1990 founded Bryant Boats with Debbie Bryant, and Joe, Barbara and Rich Bryant.
Bryant retired from boatbuilding in 2012 and operated a 200-acre cattle operation until 2022. His career also included business ventures in coal mining, Harvestore silo sales and construction, and a 600-acre dairy farm.
Bryant also built race cars and owned NASCAR vehicles in the 1970s. In the mid-1980s, Bryant pioneered Pro Modified drag racing and built the world’s fastest 1957 Chevy.
