J.B. Nethercutt, 91; Owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics Los Angeles Times, 9 December 2004 p. B15
J.B. Nethercutt, 91, Cosmetics. Car Expert, Los Angeles Times, 11 December 2004
J. B. Nethercutt [1913-2004]
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Obituaries/Funeral Announcements, Los Angeles Times, 9 December 2004, B15.
"J.B. Nethecutt, owner of one of the nation's leading cosmetic houses, died on December 6, 2004 in Santa Monica. He was 91.
"Born in South Bend, Indiana, on October 11, 1913, J.B. moved to Santa Monica in 1923 to live with his aunt, Merle Nethercutt Norman, after his mother Florence G. Titus, passed away unexpectedly and his father, Carl Corwin Nethercutt, was relocated for business.
"In 1931, Merle-with husband Andrew Norman and nephew J.B. as partners-founded her namesake cosmetic company. On September 3, 1933, J.B. married high school sweetheart Dorothy Sykes, who was the company's second full-time employee. Together, the Normans and the Nethercutts built Merle Norman Cosmetics into a top manufacturer and distributor of skin care and cosmetic products, with franchises throughout the U.S. and Canada.
"With a natural talent for cosmetic chemistry, J.B. became a nationally recognized authority in the field, specifically in the chemistry of cosmetics. The California Cosmetics Association named him president of the organization, and later appointed him director of the Toilet Goods Association (now called the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association). J.B. was responsible for creating many popular products including the renowned Merle Norman Blush Rouge, Decollete Eau de Toilette Spray and Parfum, and a wide variety of Merle Norman lipsticks.
"Along with his role as a pioneer in the cosmetic industry, J.B. was equally renowned for his world-class vintage automobile collection.
"J.B.'s very first serious show car was a 1930 du Pont Model G Merrimac Town Car, purchased in 1956 at a corner filling station for $500. Despite the missing bumpers and torn interior fabric, J.B. was captivated and convinced the vehicle could be fully restored in three weeks. In his pursuit of perfection, the restoration took well over a year and cost $65,000. By 1958, his meticulously rebuilt project claimed its first prize-the coveted "Best of Show" award at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
"As J.B.'s collection grew, he was determined to freely share his masterpieces with the public. In 1971, he and his wife Dorothy opened a groundbreaking museum in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and named it "San Sylmar," which today consists of more than 250 vintage cars and the many rare collectibles he regarded as "functional fine art."
"By the summer of 1992, J.B.'s cars had won the top award at Pebble Beach an unprecedented six years. He has received the most "Best of Shows" in the event's 54-year history. To recognize his achievements, the Concours d'Elegance gives out a yearly trophy in his name.
"In the summer of 2000, the Nethercutts opened a 120,000-square-foot museum that today showcases his restored vehicles and houses the Nethercutt Automotive Research Library and Archives.
"In 2001, a committee of 22 prominent automotive journalists named J.B. "Meguiar's Collector Car Hobby's Person of the Year" for his contribution to the preservation of classic cars. J.B. was also a 32nd Degree Past Master Mason.
"Prior to his wife Dorothy's death in 2004, the Nethercutts also dedicated their time and resources to supporting many charitable organizations. They were key contributors to the Kayne-ERAS Center, Santa Monica Hospital and Kenora Hospital in Canada.
"J.B. is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Helen Nethercutt II (Las Vegas, Nevada), and Robert and Roberta Nethercutt (Pacific Palisades); and two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
"The viewing will be held Thursday, December 9, from 4-8 p.m. at Gates, Kingsley & Gates, Moeller Murphy Mortuary, 1925 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Funeral services will be Friday, December 10, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1008 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403.
"In lieu of flowers, contributions in J.B. Nethercutt's memory may be made to Kayne-ERAS Center, 5350 Machado Road, Culver City, CA 90230, to benefit the Nethercutt Post Seconday Program.