Meet Jimmy Harrell, Owner of Jimmy G's Toy Box: A Collector and Philanthropist in Orange Beach

By Meredith Amon
Published November 29, 2024

On a sunny, blue-sky afternoon in October, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Jimmy Harrell, the owner of Jimmy G's Toy Box in Orange Beach, Alabama. Our meeting was filled with admiration and respect for a man whose life story embodies the American dream. Jimmy’s warm demeanor, knowledge, and humble nature immediately made a lasting impression.

Jimmy Harrell, originally from Mobile, Alabama, and a proud Marine veteran, has lived a remarkable life. His industrial valve business, which he started in 1975 with just three people, grew into a successful enterprise with 230 employees across four locations—Mobile, Cleveland, Tennessee, and Bastrop, Louisiana. After dedicating 44 years to the business, Jimmy retired about eight years ago. It was then that he and his wife decided to move to Orange Beach, where they built a beautiful new home and began an exciting new chapter of their lives.

But Jimmy wasn’t quite ready to sit still. His passion for cars, which he had little time for while building his business, finally had the chance to flourish. In retirement, Jimmy built the magnificent garage now known as Jimmy G's Toy Box, located on Easy Street—a stunning showroom showcasing pristine vintage cars. This space is not only for his collection of cars but also serves as a venue for parties and events. He also generously hosts events for charities and non-profits, which underscores his philanthropic spirit.

Jimmy’s collection includes a stunning 1966 GTO, reminiscent of the GTO he purchased when he was 23 and serving in the Marine Corps. He proudly showed me his 1937 Ford, which I refer to as the "mobster car," and other gems like a red 1965 Chevrolet convertible, a 1941 Willis, and a gleaming orange 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle. He even has a University of Alabama-themed convertible golf cart that gets more attention than any of his cars.

One of Jimmy's most remarkable qualities is his profound humility. When asked how many cars he owns, he simply chuckled, modestly admitting that he doesn’t even know the number. Yet, his deep passion for his collection is unmistakable. Each vehicle is kept in immaculate condition and lovingly maintained by Jimmy and his dedicated team, a testament to both his commitment to excellence and his appreciation for detail.

Jimmy’s love for his community is as strong as his love for cars. He supports local charities like Toys for Tots, Makos Academics Arts Athletics Club, Samaritans Purse, Christian Service Center, Marine Corps League, Tunnel to Towers, St. Jude, and Baldwin Family Village.

Jimmy Harrell’s story is one of hard work, service, and generosity. His life is a testament to the values of a self-made man, a devoted family man, and a philanthropist who gives back to the community he loves. The world could certainly use more gentlemen like Jimmy.

Related Articles
April 11, 2025
AI Portfolio Management Read More
April 11, 2025
The Gift of Time Read More
November 29, 2024
Operation Surf: A Veteran’s Journey from Darkness to Light Read More
July 31, 2024
Gulf Coast Kid's House Read More
November 27, 2023
Spreading Joy: Marines Toys for Tots Program Read More
August 6, 2023
NAUTICAL NEIGHBORS: Sailing the Seas of Compassion for Disadvantaged Children Read More
April 5, 2023
Artistic Hospitality Read More
April 5, 2023
Junior League Strengthens Pensacola Read More
February 1, 2021
Southeastern Guide Dogs: The Creation of a Superhero Read More
December 1, 2020
Blake Senior Living and Memory Care Center Read More
December 1, 2020
Builder's Perspective Public Adjusting Read More
August 1, 2020
Olde City Developers Read More
June 1, 2020
IMPACT100 of NWF - Changing the Gulf Coast One Woman at a Time Read More
June 1, 2020
Truland Homes Panama City, FL: Building Homes With Heart Read More
December 1, 2019
Mattie Kelly Arts Center Read More
October 6, 2019
Mobile Baykeeper Read More
August 10, 2019
UWF - Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program Read More
August 1, 2019
DR Horton: Prominence North Read More
August 1, 2019
VolumeONE Salon - The Impact of Small Businesses on the Revitalization of Pensacola Read More
August 1, 2019
Northwest Florida State College Veterans Resource Center Read More
June 10, 2019
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Read More
April 15, 2019
Portofino Island - The Final Phase Read More
February 15, 2019
The American Heart Society - Art for Heart Read More
December 15, 2018
Baldwin County Boys Ranch Read More
What Our Clients Have to Say
We Saw Results After Our First Ad Placement!
We have tried multiple advertising channels throughout the years and stand firm by Coastal Lifestyle Magazine. We saw immediate results after our first ad placement, and continue to experience growth with each issue.

The Design Team
Hollis Interiors
hollisinterior.com

The Best Decision We Made About Allocating Our Advertising Dollars!
To say Coastal Lifestyle Magazine is a benefit to your business is an understatement! The day our ad hit we started receiving calls about our modular homes. Mitch and his team went above and beyond for us. This was the best decision we could have made about allocating our advertising dollars. Thank You Coastal Lifestyle Magazine for helping our business excel!!

Wendy Dean
Whitson Modular Home Builders
Facebook @WhitsonBuilders

Website & Marketing by Real Nice Digital

Coastal Lifestyle Magazine. Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram