Meet Your Neighbors

Years ago, I purchased an old 1926 Model T truck. The truck had come from an apple orchard in the mountains and had been sitting for decades, but I saw the beauty in it – and without hesitation, I knew the right person to bring it back to life and get it running again. 

John Parker, a Holly Ridge resident for decades, is the local “go-to” for creative and amazing mechanical and welding. Born in New Jersey in the late 1950’s and like many young men, he found himself stationed at Camp Lejeune in the 1970s. When he got out of the service he moved back up north, only to return a few years later to the area to help care for his sister who had fallen ill. When she passed away, he decided to give the Holly Ridge area a try. He soon made friends in the mechanical and welding world and started his long, trophy winning career of building some of the most unique motorcycles and automobiles around. 

In the 1980s, John started J&W Motorworks on Highway 50 in Jimmy Asbury's old welding shop. To save money, he and his dog lived in his old blue truck. About a year later, he moved to 152 Bass Street where rented space from Albert Earl and then Percey Padgett (PH) before eventually buying the repair shop. Soon after, he bought the trailer next door, where he lives today. 

Parker’s Garage and later PMS (Parker Motor Sports) went on to build mud racing vehicles, custom cars and custom motorcycles.  At one time he had eleven mud racing vehicles all representing Holly Ridge, NC when they raced. John has traveled the country with his custom builds and has accumulated over 100 trophies and awards for his hard work. 

While looking through stacks of photos, it’s easy to see that this man’s creativity has no boundaries. Interested in meeting John? Check him out on Facebook! And yes, he got the old Model T running again!