Obituary of James A. Thorpe

THORPE, James A. of Glen Cove, NY on July 1st, 2020 age 76. Jim was never married, however he did have many nieces, nephews, cousins, grand nieces and grand nephews. Jim served in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War. Visitation and service held at Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home. Interment Calverton National Cemetery. Jim was an accomplished professional football player. Jim's football career began at Manhasset High School. Thorpe joined the Toronto Argos in 1969, a time when most CFL teams were transitioning from three running backs to two in the backfield. The new position was variously referred to as a "wingback" or "slotback" and while primarily a receiver, also had more responsibility for rushng than modern slotbacks. This is reflected in Thorpe's 1969 stats with 21 carries for 47 yards to go with 26 catches for an very nice 724 yards and a 27.8 yard average gain per catch. That may not be a great reception total, but Thorpe took 8 of those 26 catches to the endzone including one for 84 yards. Thorpe's ability to find the endzone and to be a deep threat was something that stayed with him for all four years that he played. In 1970, Thorpe played only 12 games but had 43 catches for 671 yards and was named to both the East and CFL All-Star teams. Thorpe was traded to Winnipeg in 1971 and teamed up with a passing QB in Don Jonas (who ironically had also been with Toronto in 1970), exploded for his best season with 70 catches for 1436 cards and 20.5 yard average to lead the West in receiving. Thorpe captured his second West and CFL All-Star honours for his 1971 peformance. In his last season in the CFL in 1972, Thorpe matched his previous season with 70 catches and had his second thousand yard reeiving season with 1260 yards to once more lead the West in receiving. Thorpe also picked up his third West All-Star award in 1972. In just four seasons, Thorpe rang up 4091 yards on 209 catches and had 34 receiving touchdowns.