James, who was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, led Auburn in all-purpose yards in 1981 and 1982 and became one of the first signature players of the Pat Dye era. He scored 16 career touchdowns, including two on punt returns. James was a football player at Auburn in the early 80s. He was 5 feet 6 and had a relentless running style. [5] He was voted as the kick returner on the Chargers 40th Anniversary Team. He finished his college career ranked No. He coached tight ends on Terry Bowdens staff in 1996-97. Those tears showed that winning mattered and it was worth fighting for.. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. LIONEL JAMES OBITUARY. Former San Diego Chargers running back and Auburn University legend Lionel "Little Train" James passed away after a lengthy illness Friday at the age of 59, the school announced. James returned to Auburn after his NFL career and graduated in 1989. He was 75. James never came close to matching his record for all-purpose yards in his next three seasons, and shortly before the start of the 1989 season, the Chargers cut him in favor of a rookie with similar skills, Dana Brinson, who was a bit taller but whose career would soon fizzle out. Inside Target CEO's Quest to Balance Cheap Chic With Cheap Boring, Dog Obsessed With Water Goes to Waterpark | The Dodo, Click here to get daily headlines delivered to your email inbox. After his playing career, he opened a sporting goods store and taught math in schools in Dawson, Ga., and in Birmingham, where he also coached football. James, who was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, led Auburn in all-purpose yards in 1981 and 1982 and became one of the first signature players of the Pat Dye era. When I broke into the open, James told The Los Angeles Times after the game, I thought to myself, This is like heaven.. Church, Gautier - Burial: Crestlawn Cem., OS, www.UNITYFH.net Get the most popular posts on AlbanyHerald.com from the previous week emailed to you every Monday morning. He showed me what the Auburn family, the Auburn team, was all about on my official visit." Always put the team first. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Share Your Memories and Sympathies and Join the Bereaved! Sign up for Albany Eats, a weekly email newsletter with the latest on eateries in the Albany area sprinkled with recipes. He was 59. Train will stand up to anyone, Coach Don Coryell told The Times. Losing hurt. Get a list of upcoming high school sports events delivered to your email inbox every Thursday. Obituary James McNamara passed away on July 6, 2022. 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A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Lionel James was born on May 25, 1962, in Albany, Ga. His father, Joseph, was a master electrician. 18 on Auburn's career rushing list with 2,068 yards. Obituary. The epitome of what it means to be an Auburn Man both on and off the field. Auburn announced the death of James, a 5-foot-6 player nicknamed Little Train, but provided no additional details. He should have been tackled at the line of scrimmage but made the guy miss and took it all the way. Choose wisely! A Loved One Has Passed Away Customer Service Plan Ahead . He was 59. James, who made a name for . Click on the image above to access the video and the step by step instructions. [15] James was hampered by a hip flexor injury in 1988, although he still managed to catch 36 passes. James spent his entire five-year NFL career with the Chargers from 1984-to 1988. Lionel "Little Train" James, who starred at Auburn and set NFL records for the San Diego Chargers, died Friday after a lengthy illness, the university said. James was drafted by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 1984 N.F.L. From casket choices to funeral flowers, the funeral directors at Poteat-Wakefield will provide individualized funeral services designed to meet the needs of each family. Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, 27909 Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. He led by example and made everyone around him a better football player. Romance in the Air, Story of AustralianGreat Singer Archie Roachs Cause of Death. You have permission to edit this article. He was 59. Former Auburn and NFL running back Lionel James has sadly passed away Friday from a lengthy illness at 59. . He was a giving soul with overwhelming generosity to family and friends. The Albany native led Auburn in all-purpose yards in 1981 and 1982. AUBURN, Ala. Legendary former Auburn football and NFL running back Lionel James, nicknamed "Little Train" for his unstoppable motor despite a 5-foot-6 frame, died Friday. [13], James missed nine games in 1986 with an ankle injury. Is Nanci Griffiths Cause of Death Related to a Health Problem? AUBURN, Ala. Former Auburn and San Diego Chargers running back Lionel James, who made a name for himself for being unstoppable despite his small stature, died Friday after a lengthy battle. draft. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Clear skies. One of the most popular players in Auburn football history, James weighed 150 pounds as a freshman and was named Auburns Most Improved Running Back after spring practice in 1981. Funeral services are Friday at 7 p.m. at Fountain Baptist Church, Summit, N.J. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. and services at 5:00pm on Sunday July 1, 2012, conducted by Rev. He was seventy-seven years old. He could turn a bad play into a great play like the 87-yard touchdown vs. Georgia in 1982. He gained 345 all-purpose yards including a career best 168 yards receiving and scored the winning touchdown in a 4034 overtime victory. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Rayne-Acadian Tribune 108 North Adama, Rayne, LA 70578 Subscribe to theUS day News newsletter inboxto receive celebrities daily news, Trend News:Star Sally Kellermans Cause of Death Reported As Heart FailureReal Story of Stunning Actress Veronica Carlsons Cause of Death. There will also be a public viewing Sunday, March 6 from 2-6 p.m. at Poteat-Wakefield Funeral Directors, LLC, 435 Dunbar Lane. 3 in the final Associated Press college football poll. Former Auburn and San Diego Chargers running back Lionel James, who made a name for himself for being unstoppable despite his small stature, died Friday after a lengthy illness, the university said. He was 59. Lionel " Little Train " James [1] (May 25, 1962 - February 25, 2022) was an American professional football player who was a running back for the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). Auburns Lionel James carries the ball in front of Michigans Dave Meredith during the Sugar Bowl in 1984. He sits 4th all-time in yards-per-carry average (6.14).Below are statements from former teammates Tommie Agee and Randy Campbell, as well as former Auburn director of athletics David Housel.TOMMIE AGEE"Pound for pound one of the greatest all-purpose players to play the game of football. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. On Fridays, upcoming weekend events are delivered to your email inbox. We love Lionel and will miss him very much.. Obituaries. Copyright 2022 WALB. The Albany, Georgia, native led Auburn in rushing and all-purpose yard in Pat Dye's first season as head coach in 1981. The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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(AP) Former Auburn and San Diego Chargers running back Lionel James, who made a name for himself for being unstoppable despite his small stature, died Friday after a lengthy. LIONEL WASHINGTON OBITUARY. Lionel "little train" James public viewing was at Poteat-Wakefield Funeral home (WALB) Lionel's mother and brother said they were overwhelmed by the support of the city. First name. . They held a funeral. James, a fifth-round pick of the San Diego Chargers in 1984, played five seasons with the franchise, setting an NFL record with 2,535 all-purpose yards in 1985. The specific details on the illness are still awaited. James was nearly unstoppable in a game late that season against the Los Angeles (now Las Vegas) Raiders. Write your message of sympathy today. Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation, David Housel, a former Auburn sports information director and athletic director, said in a news release. Lionel James Morrow - Ponoka News June 7, 1951 - January 1, 2023Lionel James Morrow peacefully passed away, with his wife by his side, on January 1, 2023, at the age of 71 years. 18 on Auburn's career rushing list with 2,068 yards. Events November 17, 1933 - February 3, 2019. record for all-purpose yards that stood for 15 years, died on Feb. 25 in Birmingham, Ala. His 6.14 yards-per-carry average ranks fourth in program history. James set the record for receiving yards by a running back with 1,027 yards while leading the AFC in receptions with 86. Keep up with local events in southwest Georgia. All of the things you want to think Auburn football is about, Lionel James summarized. AUBURN, Ala. Former Auburn and San Diego Chargers running back Lionel James, who made a name for himself for being unstoppable despite his small stature, died Friday after a lengthy battle with an unnamed illness, the university said. Auburn took the lead but Georgia won, 19-14. Great Author Bob Proctor Passed Away at 88, Autopsy Result Clarifying Prophet TB Joshuas Cause of Death, The Star Dakota Skyes Cause of Sudden Death is Unknown, Smokie Bassist Terry Uttleys Sudden Death at 70 Confirmed, Secret Behind Cesar Millans Juniors Cause of Death is Private, Nebraska State Senator Rich Pahls Passed Away, American ArtistJames Bama Unfortunately Passed Away, Tragedy of Football Player Sione Veikosos Cause of Death, EX Chargers Quarterback John Hadls Cause of Death at 82. He led the AFC in receptions that season with 86 while setting the NFL record for receiving yards by a running back with 1,027. We love Lionel and will miss him very much.. [18] His record for receiving yards by a running back was broken by Marshall Faulk (1,048) in 1999,[19] and his all-purpose yardage record was eclipsed in 2000 by Derrick Mason (2,690 yards). POLL: If the Junk Fee Prevention Act passes, where will you save the most money? James Lionel Markham Obituary It is with great sadness that we announce the death of James Lionel Markham (Sutherlin, Oregon), who passed away on February 16, 2023, at the age of 71, leaving to mourn family and friends. Lionel James, a former star running back for the Auburn Tigers in the early 1980s nicknamed 'Little Train', died Friday after a lengthy illness, Auburn Athletics announced. James used his speed and darting moves with the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers during the 1985 season to amass 2,535 all-purpose yards: 516 as a running back, 1,027 as a receiver, 779 as a kick returner and 213 as a punt returner, surpassing the previous record set in 1975 by Terry Metcalf of the St. Louis (now Arizona) Cardinals. He was one of the reasons why I came to Auburn. [20], James began his coaching career with stints at Terrell Middle High in Dawson, Georgia; Woodlawn High in Birmingham, Alabama; and Appalachian State. Lawrence Philson . Dougherty County grad, former Auburn, NFL RB Lionel James dies at 59. old jeep parts catalog; intraday . After coaching in 2000 with the Birmingham Steeldogs of the AF2, the Arena Football Leagues development league, and with the Birmingham Thunderbolts of the XFL in 2001, James returned to teaching high school math in Birmingham for several years. A good deal of sunshine. Always put the team first. Lionel A. James 57 passed away Jan. 26 - Service: 11am Wed. Feb. 1 at New Era Bapt. Lionel James, an Albany native, died after an extended illness. I loved what he did the first couple of years, San Diegos new head coach, Dan Henning, said after releasing James, and if I thought he could still do that, hed still be here.. Former Dougherty star Lionel James, a 5-foot-6 running back nicknamed "Little Train" who starred for Auburn in the early 1980s and set NFL records, has passed away after a lengthy illness. Create a password that only you will remember. Our staff of dedicated professionals are always available to assist you in making funeral service arrangements. To read all the details surrounding Lionel James's cause of death, stay up with us. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. May 11, 1951 - Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. He was 59. After rushing for 561 yards in 1981, he ran for 779 yards in 1982 when he teamed with Jackson, who had 829 yards. There is no photo or video of James Lionel Markham.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. All of the things you want to think Auburn football is about, Lionel James summarized. These cookies do not store any personal information. He also set the record for receiving yards by a running back with 1,027 yards,[10] becoming the first running back with a 1,000-yard receiving season in the league. Lionel Jamess cause of death has been reported as a lengthy illness. On Monday, February 20, 2023, God called home his son, Lionel Washington, age 59. [16][17], James ended his career with 1,061 yards rushing and 2,278 receiving yards. [1] He was also a math teacher while he was coaching in high school. He set an NFL record with 2,535 all-purpose yards in 1985 after leading the Chargers in rushing, receiving and kickoff and punt return yardage. He led the AFC in receptions that season with 86 while setting the NFL record for receiving yards by a running back with 1,027. He piled up 345 all-purpose yards (the second most in a single game in league history until then), including a 34-yard touchdown pass from Dan Fouts in the third quarter and a 17-yard rushing touchdown that won the game, 40-34, in overtime. [8] James was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Former Auburn running back Lionel 'Little Train' James dies after lengthy illness, Lionel James, a former star running back for the Auburn Tigers in the early 1980s nicknamed 'Little Train', died Friday after a lengthy illness, Auburn Athletics announced. High near 80F. AUBURN, Ala. Former Auburn and San Diego Chargers running back Lionel James, who made a name for himself for being unstoppable despite his small stature, died Friday after a lengthy illness,. He played college football for the Auburn Tigers. as a running back, receiver and kick. Pound for pound one of the greatest all-purpose players to play the game of football. Standing 5-foot-6 and weighing only 150 pounds as a freshman, James became one of the most popular players in Auburn football history. Write your message of sympathy today. The next season when James gained 728 yards and Jackson 1,213 Auburn finished 11-1 and was ranked No. [10] The total yardage was second at the time only to the 373 yards by Billy Cannon in 1961, and remains a Chargers franchise record. He was 59. This is the way I figure it, he told Sports Illustrated during the 1985 season. He was 59. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. He led by example and made everyone around him a better football player. Lionel James, a former star running back for the Auburn Tigers in the early 1980s nicknamed 'Little Train', died Friday after a lengthy illness, Auburn Athletics announced. Please join us in Loving, Sharing and Memorializing Lionel James Sirois on this permanent online memorial. Celebrate the life of Lionel Ames, Jr., leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information. James led the Tigers in rushing in 1981, Pat Dyes first season on the Plains. JORDAN - In loving memory of JAMES LIONEL, sunset December 7, 2020. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. He was one of the reasons why I came to Auburn. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. He was a team captain in 1983 and helped lead the Tigers to their first Southeastern Conference championship in 26 years. We've received your submission. How did Lionel 'Little Train' James die? (Auburn won, 9-7.) Auburn announced the death of James, a 5-foot-6 player nicknamed "Little Train," but provided no additional details. [11] They waived him days later after a failed physical examination due to his hip. Fill in some information about your loved one, and we'll generate some text that you can use as a starting point for your online memorial. Lionel James Price was born on December 30, 1951 and passed away on April 21, 2020 and is under the care of Paradise Funeral Home. Call Call. Funeral arrangement under the care ofSutherlin Chapel of the Roses. Get the Sports headlines from the Albany Herald delivered daily to your email. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend . He loved to travel and went coast to coast a number of times. View Patrick Lionel James's obituary, send flowers and find service dates or sign the guestbook. He was 88. Cherished father of Antonia Davis and George McMullen; grand and great grandfather. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WVTM-TV. [3] He played college football for the Tigers, sharing the backfield with Bo Jackson. His best year as a pro came during the 1985 season, when he set then-NFL season records for receiving yards by a running back and all-purpose yardage. Green and Mae Nell Green. You can also leave a condolence message below the comment box to honor him. Auburn says James, a 5-foot-6 player nicknamed Little Train, died Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. He died peacefully surrounded by family and friends. January 31, 2023 Anyone can read what you share. During his first training camp, he quickly showed that he was not intimidated. Why Felicity Hoffman Sentenced to Only 14 Days in Prison? That backfield included 1985 Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson and another future NFL player, Tommie Agee. Send Flowers. He doesnt back down to linebackers or lineman who are twice his size.. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. He was 59. His family has not released the exact cause of death. Get the Local News headlines from the Albany Herald delivered daily to your email inbox. He wasnt big in stature, but he was big in heart, and he symbolized Auburn football for a generation or more, Housel recalled. Lionel James the Little Engine That Could. He led by example and made everyone around him a better football player.. Lionel James died on Friday. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. We won't share it with anyone else. He became a team captain in 1983 and helped lead the Tigers to their first SEC Championship in 26 years. He led by example and made everyone around him a better football player. He was drafted in the fifth round by the San Diego Chargers in 1984. [6] He was a captain in 1983,[1] when the Tigers won the Southeast Conference championship and the 1984 Sugar Bowl. at Te Nikau Grey Hospital, on October 23, 2021, aged 85. He is not dating anyone. he told Sports Illustrated during the 1985 season, when James gained 728 yards and Jackson 1,213, inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.