“Jim Jim” Moy on 30 Years of Italian Ice
Photo by Paul Bardagjy.
Deep Eddy Pool turned over a page this past year when “Jim Jim” Moy ended his 30–year run serving flavored ices from the rear bathhouse stand. While ices were still served this year, and we expect another vendor to resume the treats next summer, we wanted to honor Jim’s 30 years of service by sharing this recent interview.
Jim and I spoke while he was working his early shift, which typically begins at 4 a.m. Jim shared reflections on his journey, his customers, and plans for the future.
Q: You’re planning to retire and close all Jim Jim’s locations in Austin later this year. What are your retirement plans?
I’m looking forward to traveling with my family. I am inspired by the Harry Chapin song Cats in the Cradle to spend more time with my 12-year-old son—I’ve missed a lot of his summer vacations. I want to take the family cross-country and explore national parks across the US. Internationally, I hope to visit extended family in Australia, Norway, and the Philippines. It’s been over twenty years since I’ve seen many of them.
Q: Have you shared your Italian ice recipes with anyone?
No, as I was always cautious about expanding, worrying that too much growth might compromise quality. I preferred to keep things small and personally oversee the production of every batch.
Q: Are you a swimmer?
(Laughs) I can swim, but I am not a faithful daily exercise swimmer. Lap swimmers are their own breed, have their "rules of the lanes,” and I never developed a taste for it.
Q: How many years did you serve Jim Jim’s at Deep Eddy pool?
It’s been 30 years! My original cart business was on the Drag, in the University of Texas area. But I found that although the students liked my product, they didn’t have the funds to be regular customers. First at Deep Eddy, then later at Barton Springs and other Austin pools, I had better luck serving families who had disposable income. They embraced and accepted me, my business stabilized, and it has supported me and my family for years.
Q Do you have any Deep Eddy stories to share?
I have operated at a number of Austin pools, and Deep Eddy Pool has a unique personality and neighborhood feel, without the Barton Springs vibe of a tourist destination. At Deep Eddy, I have been able to get to know families on a personal level. Over the years, I have admired the steady leadership of the Friends of Deep Eddy organization. I commend FODE for its work preserving and enhancing Deep Eddy’s unique personality.
Q: What do you think about your 30 years in the business?
My path may not have been the best possible, but it has worked out for me and my family. It has been challenging to work twelve hours a day, seven days a week for years on end. But my wife has always been by my side, I enjoyed it and have always been proud of the Jim Jims product. I’ve realized thatI have more years behind me than ahead, and I want to make good use of the time I have left with the freedom of retirement.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory of serving a child or family?
I have too many memories to list or count, but great fondness for all the families we have gotten to know. The children I served in the 1990’s are now bringing THEIR kids to the pool. Many parents who struggled to get the kids to suit up and jump in the cold Deep Eddy waters would use a Jim Jim’s cup after their swim as the reward to make it all worthwhile. I’ve always been proud of that!
Chris Flores
Vice President of the Friends of Deep Eddy Board of Directors