Coffee With Jim

Man On A Mission. February 8, 2026

Tom Saluzzo, today’s guest, is a man on a mission. His vision of a museum that preserves artifacs from WWI to the Vietnam War will soon be a reality. But what makes this museum unique is the focus that is being placed on the exhibits and educational programs that tells the stories of men and women who served. 

Tom's road to pawnshop manager and museum organizer has been a long and twisted one. Along the way there was a stint as an aircraft mechanic, pilot, farmer, and large animal veterinarian assistant. Now he is well on his way to making the Museum of The Great Wars in Kingman, Arizona, a destination in a town with a rich aviation history that includes the WWII Kingman Army Airfield. This episode of Coffee With Jim is about chasing dreams, how a passion for the sharing of America's amazing story can inspire a new generation, and living life to its fullest.  

Today's episode is made possible through your support on Patreon. It is also sponsored by the Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park, Gilligan's Route 66 Tours, Two Lane America, Connie's Shop and Wagon Wheel Motel, RouteTrip USA, and Deana Nelson State farm Insurance. 

Next week on Coffee With Jim - How do we ensure Route 66 and the great American road trip remain relevant in 2030? What inspires the next generation to preserve Route 66? Will a generation raised with tablets, smart phones, and video games be passionate about road trip adventures? I am asked those questions often. Today we get answers, insight and inspiration as our guest is Pete, an amazing young man that is passionate about the American experience that is a Route 66 adventure. Join the conversation. Invite your friends!

Welcome to Needles, California, February 1, 2026

Our visit with Mayor Janet Jernigan in Needles, California will surely inspire a road trip or two! A discussion about the upcoming Route 66 Info fair at the historic El Garces Harvey House Hotel scheduled for February 14, 2026 kicked things off. Then we talked about upcoming events including the annual rodeo, new motels in Needles, restaurants, and the town's surprising connection with some Hollywood classics. And we discussed why this often overlooked community on the banks of the Colorado River should be considered as a destination for a great road trip or for opening a business on Route 66. 

Give a listen and then share your memories of a visit to Needles. 

Today's program is sponsored in part by listeners support through Patreon. It is also sponsored by the Roadrunner Lodge Motel, Connie's Shoppe and Wagon Wheel Motel, RouteTrip USA, Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park, Deana Nelson State Farm Insurance, Gilligan's Route 66 Tours, and Two Lane America.