[8], After a long illness, James died in Birmingham on February 25, 2022, at the age of 59.[1][8]. 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. Those tears and his reaction symbolized the change in attitude about Auburn football. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of Acadiana. 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. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Lionel Barrow Sr. of Gray, Louisiana, who passed away on February 28, 2023, at the age of 79, leaving to mourn family and friends. He was 59. James memorial will be Monday, March 7 at noon at Mt. Funeral arrangement under the care ofLouisiana Funeral Services & Crematory. A diminutive player, he set a single-season record in 1985 for yardage gained in the N.F.L. When, how and why music should be incorporated into a funeral service, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. Richardson "The Big Bopper" and Roger Peterson, Making the holiday season bearable during grief. San Diego Chargers running back Lionel "Little Train" James looks for room to run during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders on Sept. 28, 1986 at the Coliseum. LIONEL JAMES OBITUARY. Elizabeth City. After rushing for 561 yards in 1981, he ran for 779 yards in 1982 when he teamed with Jackson, who had 829 yards. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Try our free interactive obituary template. 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.. [5] James also led the team in all-purpose yardage in 1981 and 1982,[1] when he also led the nation in punt returns with a 15.8-yard average. Read more. Train will stand up to anyone, Coach Don Coryell told The Times. [6] He was a captain in 1983,[1] when the Tigers won the Southeast Conference championship and the 1984 Sugar Bowl. He was born July 5, 1934, in Camden, NC to the late . LIONEL JAMES OBITUARY Lionel ""Little Train"" James, son of devoted father Mr. Joe James (who preceded him in death) and nurturing mother Mrs. Cherrine James, was born on May 25, 1962 in. 18 on Auburn's career rushing list with 2,068 yards. More. The epitome of what it means to be an Auburn Man both on and off the field. [4] James was Auburn's leading rusher with 561 yards in 1981, head coach Pat Dye's first year with the team. His wife, Kesha Mallory James, confirmed his death but did not specify the cause, saying only that it came after a long illness. 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,. All of the things you want to think Auburn football is about, Lionel James summarized. 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 drafted in the fifth round by the San Diego Chargers in 1984. He could turn a bad play into a great play like the 87-yard touchdown vs. Georgia in 1982. Green and Mae Nell Green. 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. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. He became a team captain in 1983 and helped lead the Tigers to their first SEC Championship in 26 years. 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This memorial website was created in memory of Lionel James, 59, born on May 25, 1962 and passed away on February 25, 2022. 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. Get a list of upcoming high school sports events delivered to your email inbox every Thursday. View The Obituary For Lionel James Sirois. James was nearly unstoppable in a game late that season against the Los Angeles (now Las Vegas) Raiders. We love Lionel and will miss him very much.. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. The concept of not having to pay excessive fees for expenditures* such as: travel amenities, cable and internet service, credit card and/or concert tickets; is being considered. Rayne-Acadian Tribune 108 North Adama, Rayne, LA 70578 The Tigers defeated Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. He was a team captain in 1983 and helped lead the Tigers to their first Southeastern Conference championship in 26 years. 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. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. *The following options are some of the categories listed in the Junk Fee Prevention Act. Guestbook. Our staff of dedicated professionals are always available to assist you in making funeral service arrangements. . He was my favorite because he was the underdog. He led by example and made everyone around him a better football player. He was my favorite because he was the underdog. He was part of the 1983 Southeast Conference champion team and Sugar Bowl championship team. [5] In 1985, he set the NFL record for all-purpose yards in a season with 2,535 yards. And his 33-inch vertical leap enabled him to be competitive for passes against taller defensive backs. Do you have any more details due to the heartfelt News? Winds light and variable. He coached tight ends on Terry Bowdens staff in 1996-97. After college, he went pro and played for the San Diego Chargers from 1984-88. Events Former Auburn and NFL running back passed away Friday at 59. [a][5] On November 10, 1985, James had his best day as a pro versus the Los Angeles Raiders. The Albany, Georgia, native led Auburn in rushing and all-purpose yard in Pat Dye's first season as head coach in 1981. Church, Gautier - Burial: Crestlawn Cem., OS, www.UNITYFH.net We've received your submission. Former Auburn and NFL running back Lionel James has sadly passed away Friday from a lengthy illness at 59. Lionel James, a fast, elusive running back nicknamed Little Train, who shared the backfield with Bo Jackson at Auburn University and set a single-season N.F.L. He could turn a bad play into a great play like the 87-yard touchdown vs. Georgia in 1982. Get the Sports headlines from the Albany Herald delivered daily to your email. In a game that November, with Auburns record 8-1, James took a pitch from quarterback Randy Campbell and was nearly caught in the backfield, but he broke free, cut to the left and raced untouched for an 87-yard touchdown, one of the longest in team history. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. James captained the Tigers in 1983, leading Auburn to its first SEC championship in 26 years, teaming up with backfield mates and future NFL peers Bo Jackson and Tommie Agee. [11] They waived him days later after a failed physical examination due to his hip. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. AUBURN, Ala. (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 illness, the university said. He is a member of famous with the age 60 years old group. [16][17], James ended his career with 1,061 yards rushing and 2,278 receiving yards. He was part of the 1983 Southeast Conference champion team and Sugar Bowl championship team. Arrangements. View Obituaries Klein Memorial Park - Spring-Klein Lionel James Sirois. He is also survived by 11 Grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. James in 1985, when he played for the San Diego Chargers. To read all the details surrounding Lionel James's cause of death, stay up with us. During his first training camp, he quickly showed that he was not intimidated. James returned to Auburn after his NFL career and graduated in 1989. Little Train played in the greatest group of running backs in Auburn history with Bo, Tommie Agee and Brent Fullwood. 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. The Albany native led Auburn in all-purpose yards in 1981 and 1982. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. LIONEL WASHINGTON OBITUARY. Those tears and his reaction symbolized the change in attitude about Auburn football. Nicknamed "Little Train" because of his size and interest in Lionel . Agee called James pound for pound one of the greatest all-purpose players to play the game of football.. First name. Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. He should have been tackled at the line of scrimmage but made the guy miss and took it all the way. Call Call. Below are statements from former teammates Tommie Agee and Randy Campbell, as well as former Auburn director of athletics David Housel. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend . He was one of the reasons why I came to Auburn. After his coaching career ended, he returned to teaching high school math in Birmingham. Success! On Fridays, upcoming weekend events are delivered to your email inbox. Obituaries. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Would you like to offer James Lionel Veillons loved ones a condolence message? His 6.14 yards-per-carry average ranks fourth in program history. After high school, James worked for the Miller Valentine Group as a Maintenance and Grounds Worker for many years. [3] He played college football for the Tigers, sharing the backfield with Bo Jackson. Paul Berg (1926-2023), Nobel-winning genetics scientist. James was drafted by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 1984 N.F.L. He was 5 feet 6 and had a relentless running style. James captained the Tigers in 1983, teaming up with backfield mates and future NFL peers Tommie Agee and Bo Jackson. James finished that game with 316 yards. Memorial services for Patrick Lionel James, age 54, will be Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 1:00 PM in the Riser Funeral Home Chapel in Olla, LA with Pastor Steve Cripps officiating, A visitation for family and friends will be prior to the service . James Lionel Sawyer, Sr. 87 of Elizabeth City, NC died Saturday, July 10, 2021, at his residence. BOIS, James Lionel - age 40 of North Salem, passed away tragically in Shubenacadie on April 1, 2022. He received his high school diploma at Colonel White Hight School in 1979. Share Obituary Facebook Twitter reddit WhatsApp Email Print. 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. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Auburn fan wins car after sinking insane 94-foot putt, Controversial coach dealing with social media questions after Auburn hiring, This looks like the saddest college basketball tournament ever, Auburn in talks with next head coach after Lane Kiffin trolling, Aaron Rodgers shuts down talk of $50M contract ask, Daniel Jones needs to see big picture in Giants negotiations, Red-hot Jon Rahm no match for wind-swept Bay Hill: 'F--king hard', The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave. His size had not been a hindrance, in college or in the N.F.L. Tue Feb 28 2023 - 07:42. Lionel James, a legendary Auburn running back called the "Little Train," died of a lengthy illness at 59. Choose wisely! Please help us write a better, more reliable article by sharing your information with us. Error! Because of his small stature of 5feet 6inches (1.68m) and 150 pounds (68kg), Auburn University was the only major college to recruit him. "Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation," David Housel, former Auburn sports information director and director of athletics, said. [9], James was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 1984 NFL Draft. Those tears showed that winning mattered and it was worth fighting for. [11] He led the AFC in receptions with 86, and led the Chargers in yardage from rushing (516), punt returns (213), and kickoff returns (779). ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A Dougherty County native turned pro footballer passed away Friday, according to family members. 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. Bill Rademacher, a two-way player for the New York Jets in their early years, has died. [22][23] He was the offensive coordinator of the Birmingham Steeldogs of the arenafootball2 in 2000,[24] and served as the running backs coach for the Birmingham Thunderbolts of the XFL in 2001. Always put the team first. Auburns Lionel James carries the ball in front of Michigans Dave Meredith during the Sugar Bowl in 1984. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in the woods and nature. Losing hurt. 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. James Abourezk (1931-2023), first Arab American U.S. From there, he worked at the Startache . Memory of Alex Murdaughs Son & Wifes Death Hunt Him AllTime. Thanks for contacting us. After his NFL career, James returned to Auburn and graduated in 1989, then coached tight ends on Terry Bowdens staff in 1996-97.