– Former multi-sport athlete Gerry James passes away at 89
– Gerry James, former multi-sport athlete, dies at the age of 89.
Former Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Blue Bombers Player Gerry James Dies at 89
Former Toronto Maple Leafs right winger and Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Gerry James, originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, has sadly passed away at the age of 89, as reported by bluebombers.com. James had an illustrious career, playing for the Maple Leafs from 1954 to 1960, the Blue Bombers from 1952 to 1962, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1964.
A Multi-Sport Athlete
Gerry James showcased his exceptional athletic abilities in both ice hockey and Canadian football. As a National Hockey League (NHL) player, James played 149 games, scoring 14 goals and providing 26 assists, resulting in an impressive total of 40 points. Throughout his NHL tenure, he accumulated 251 penalty minutes, contributed to four power-play points, scored one game-winning goal, and registered one shorthanded point. Notably, on March 5, 1960, James scored the game-winning goal in a 5-2 victory for the Maple Leafs against the Boston Bruins, with an assist from Red Kelly of Simcoe, Ontario.
A CFL Record-Holder and Grey Cup Champion
Transitioning to Canadian football, Gerry James established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In his remarkable Canadian Football League (CFL) career, he recorded 995 rushes for 5,554 rushing yards and an impressive 63 rushing touchdowns. Nicknamed “Dynamite,” James set a CFL record during the 1957 season with 18 rushing touchdowns, a record that stood strong for 34 years. Additionally, he showcased his versatility by occasionally serving as a kicker, successfully converting 40 field goals, 21 singles, and 143 converts. James’s contributions on the field were instrumental in securing four Grey Cups for the Blue Bombers in 1958, 1959, 1961, and 1962, with each victory coming against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Award-Winning Career and Hall of Fame Inductions
Gerry James’s exceptional performance did not go unnoticed. He was honored twice with the CFL Award for the Most Outstanding Canadian, first in 1954 and then again in 1957. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Canadian football, James was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in Hamilton in 1981 and the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in Winnipeg in 1982.
A Fond Farewell
The passing of Gerry James is a great loss to the sports community. His exceptional skills and achievements on the ice and football field have left an indelible mark on Canadian sports history. As we bid farewell to this legendary athlete, we remember the impact he had on the game and the countless memories he created for fans across the nation.
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1. Former multi-sport athlete Gerry James dies at age
2. Former multi-sport athlete Gerry James passes away at age.
