Record holder Jim Bolin, creator of Big Things in a Small Town, dies in tragic accident
GWR is saddened to learn that Jim Bolin (USA), the legendary creator of Big Things in a Small Town – a record-breaking assortment of comically large objects in Casey, Illinois, USA – has died in a tragic accident.
The news of his death was shared by his company, Bolin Enterprises, in an announcement that referred to him as a man of deep faith with “unwavering devotion to his family” and “genuine friendship to all”.
“Our Bolin companies and the Casey community experienced a profound loss yesterday,” they said. “Jim Bolin, Vice President of Bolin Enterprises and the visionary behind ‘Big Things in A Small Town,’ passed away after sustaining injuries during a snowmobile trip.”
They also added that their leadership teams remain committed to honouring Jim’s legacy, and that “we will continue his vision and passion that have shaped our companies, supported our 250 employees, and positively influenced the Casey community.”
In addition to Jim’s larger-than-life reputation, he leaves behind family, friends, and a community that were positively impacted by his generous spirit and investment in Casey after the 2011 recession.
The local businessman brought fame to the tiny town (population: 2,258) after creating a series of gigantic everyday objects – such as a golf club, mailbox, a pair of clogs, and a working barber’s pole – in the downtown area, drawing tourists and locals alike to the charming neighbourhood and putting Casey back on the map.
Over the last 15 years, he collected 12 Guinness World Records titles for 21 different objects, including: the largest wind chime (49 ft tall, or 14.94 m), the longest seesaw / teeter totter (82 ft long, or 25.01 m), and the largest rocking chair (56 ft 1 in tall, or 17.09 m).
“I'm saddened to hear the news of multi-record holder Jim Bolin's passing,” said GWR Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday. “I always loved seeing how his record-breaking builds brought so much joy to the world!
“Jim showed us all how just one person can make a difference. In his case, a BIG difference.”
Many of these incredible objects were functioning as well, which significantly adds to the spectacle.
His largest windchime clangs while breeze filters through the Midwestern town, and you can clamber your way inside the colossal pair of clogs across the street. The largest mailbox even has a built-in stairway inside the post stand so that visitors can climb up to the box and check out the interior’s mail history museum, while the giant flag can be raised up and down when mail is deposited.
These creative ideas were each designed and then executed by Jim’s team of capable builders, and unveiled to his community’s delight.
“These world records [have] just changed our town tremendously,” he said to GWR in 2016.
Jim was widely known and loved throughout Casey and beyond, but he will also be sorely missed by the record-breaking community as a whole – particularly GWR staff, who described him as an “absolute legend,” "a genuine pleasure to work with", and “King of the Big Stuff”.
The businessman and Casey, Illinois have been featured in the record books a number of times since 2017, and photographs and videos of the town’s immense items have thrilled viewers for over a decade.
And he will surely live on in the memories of his loved ones, the pages in our books, and through his gifts to the town of Casey.
Rest in peace, Jim.