He was 5 feet 6 and had a relentless running style. The Albany native led Auburn in all-purpose yards in 1981 and 1982. James returned to Auburn after his NFL career and graduated in 1989. Always put the team first. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. He could turn a bad play into a great play like the 87-yard touchdown vs. Georgia in 1982. Agee called James pound for pound one of the greatest all-purpose players to play the game of football.. He coached tight ends on Terry Bowdens staff in 1996-97. Call Call. He is also survived by 11 Grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Lionel James, the legendary Auburn running back nicknamed "Little Train" because of his 5-foot-6 stature and unrelenting running style, died Friday following a battle with a lengthy illness . Church, Gautier - Burial: Crestlawn Cem., OS, www.UNITYFH.net He wasnt big in stature, but he was big in heart, and he symbolized Auburn football for a generation or more.. Always put the team first. Thoughtful, kind, caring, and the ultimate team player. You have permission to edit this article. Lionels best year as a pro came during the 1985 season when the player set the then-NFL season records for receiving yards by a running back and all-purpose yardage. New Orleans, LA LIONEL SMITH OBITUARY Lionel James Smith, Sr., lifelong resident of New Orleans and Kenner, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the. Lionel J. Nelson, Jr., age 69, a native and resident of St. James, peacefully, departed this life on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Search the massive Canada Marriages Database - Huge Canadian Obituary Collection. [11] They waived him days later after a failed physical examination due to his hip. 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. In 1985, Lionel set the NFL record for all-purpose yards in a season with 2,535 yards. *The following options are some of the categories listed in the Junk Fee Prevention Act. 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. If some guys bigger than me, then hes not as fast, and if hes as fast then I guess its about time for me to get out of the league.. 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. Lionel A. James 57 passed away Jan. 26 - Service: 11am Wed. Feb. 1 at New Era Bapt. James was nearly unstoppable in a game late that season against the Los Angeles (now Las Vegas) Raiders. He led by example and made everyone around him a better football player. 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. [20], James began his coaching career with stints at Terrell Middle High in Dawson, Georgia; Woodlawn High in Birmingham, Alabama; and Appalachian State. James was born in the year 1962. The next season when James gained 728 yards and Jackson 1,213 Auburn finished 11-1 and was ranked No. Did you know him or have close relations? 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. 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. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. May 1, 1937 - February 16, 2023 James, who made a name for . 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. Lionel James, a legendary Auburn running back called the "Little Train," died of a lengthy illness at 59. To put himself through DeLaSalle Catholic High School, he took his first job at Munsingwear sweeping floors at age 14 (thanks to his aunt lying about his age), then worked at Mac's diner. 18 on Auburn's career rushing list with 2,068 yards. He showed me what the Auburn family, the Auburn team, was all about on my official visit." 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). Former Auburn and NFL running back Lionel James has sadly passed away Friday from a lengthy illness at 59. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in the woods and nature. 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. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. They held a funeral. He was 59. Deeply loved husband of Bev, cherished dad and father-in-law of Susan & David Warne, and Kaye Aitken, loved grandad (Grundy) of Carley & Axel, Chloe, Leonie, and Mark, He could turn a bad play into a great play like the 87-yard touchdown vs. Georgia in 1982. February 16, 2023 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. A Loved One Has Passed Away Customer Service Plan Ahead . [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). SAN DIEGO Lionel James, the Chargers running back known as "Little Train" who was a sparkplug and record-breaker in the team's backfield in the 1980s, has died after a lengthy illness, his. Get the Local News headlines from the Albany Herald delivered daily to your email inbox. Lived: 21826 days = 59 years. His size had not been a hindrance, in college or in the N.F.L. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend . He was one of the reasons why I came to Auburn. James was second on the Chargers in receiving yards behind, List of NCAA major college yearly punt and kickoff return leaders, "Former Chargers star Lionel 'Little Train' James dies at 59", "Lionel James Is Charger Runner for All Reasons", "Legendary Auburn running back Lionel 'Little Train' James dead at 59", "Auburn places nine on preseason All-SEC", "Auburn Wins 1984 Sugar Bowl, but National Championship Still Eludes Tigers", "Lionel James, Speedy Back Who Covered a Lot of Turf, Dies at 59", "The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame announces class of 2006", "1985 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players", "Train's career finally just ran out of steam", "NFL Single-Season All-Purpose Yards Leaders", "Steeldogs' debut gets positive fan response", Lionel James College & Pro Football Statistics, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lionel_James&oldid=1107481338, African-American players of American football, Appalachian State Mountaineers football coaches, Coaches of American football from Georgia (U.S. state), Players of American football from Georgia (U.S. state), All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Short description is different from Wikidata, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 30 August 2022, at 06:04. Those tears showed that winning mattered and it was worth fighting for. Lawrence Philson . Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation, David Housel, a former Auburn sports information director and athletic director, said in a press release. 18 on Auburns career rushing list with 2,068 yards from 1980-83. Social Media Sensation Bianca Devins Has Been Killed, Mpura and Killer Kau Died in Fatal Car Accident; Kabza is Alive, Tragic Story Stands Behind Luc Montagniers Cause of Death. After rushing for 561 yards in 1981, he ran for 779 yards in 1982 when he teamed with Jackson, who had 829 yards. [14] The Kansas City Chiefs claimed James, planning to use him primarily as a wide receiver. View The Obituary For Lionel James Sirois. Are you a fan or a friend? Latest: Rapper Snootie Wild Shot to Death; Is He Still Alive?Suicide Led to TikToker Leah Cantillons Death at a Young Age. record for all-purpose yards that stood for 15 years, died on Feb. 25 in Birmingham, Ala. [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). There will also be a public viewing Sunday, March 6 from 2-6 p.m. at Poteat-Wakefield Funeral Directors, LLC, 435 Dunbar Lane. According to the official website of the Auburn Tigers, the legendary NFL player died after a lengthy battle with an illness. Lionel James Morrow June 7, 1951 ~ January 1, 2023 71 Years Old Obituary & Services Tribute Wall Obituary Lionel James Morrow peacefully passed away, with his wife by his side, on January 1, 2023 at the age of 71 years. Guestbook. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. He wasnt big in stature, but he was big in heart, and he symbolized Auburn football for a generation or more, Housel recalled. After attending Dougherty High School, Lionel received a scholarship to Auburn. There is no photo or video of James Lionel Markham.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. James played football at Auburn and in the NFL. Sign up for Albany Eats, a weekly email newsletter with the latest on eateries in the Albany area sprinkled with recipes. 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. Get the the most recent coronavirus news delivered to your inbox daily. 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. and services at 5:00pm on Sunday July 1, 2012, conducted by Rev. "DAVID HOUSEL"Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation. After. [8] James was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. This is a Memoriam for LIONEL JAMES published on 2022-12-11 in Nation News. Why Felicity Hoffman Sentenced to Only 14 Days in Prison? He was named Auburn's Most Improved Running Back after spring practice in 1981. [5] He was voted as the kick returner on the Chargers 40th Anniversary Team. The Albany, Georgia, native led Auburn in rushing and all-purpose yard in Pat Dye's first season as head coach in 1981. Our thoughts and prayers are with the James Family.Rest In Peace Lionel. Below are statements from former teammates Tommie Agee and Randy Campbell, as well as former Auburn director of athletics David Housel. 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. He was 59. Keep up with local events in southwest Georgia. Skip to content. He was waived during preseason in 1989, when the Chargers opted for a quicker running back, rookie Dana Brinson. 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. 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 Friday. at Te Nikau Grey Hospital, on October 23, 2021, aged 85. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of Acadiana. Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation, David Housel, a former Auburn sports information director and athletic director, said in a news release. 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He was born in Manning, Alberta on June 7, 1951 to Archie and Betty Morrow. Losing hurt. At 5 feet 6.5 inches tall and 170 pounds, James was probably the smallest player in the league, making him difficult to spot as he slithered quickly past tall, meaty linemen. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. He was named Auburn's Most Improved Running Back after spring practice in 1981. [16][17], James ended his career with 1,061 yards rushing and 2,278 receiving yards. Understandably, news of such development will come as a huge blow to David Beckham's Inter Miami, with manager Neville also making his intentions known to sign Messi's old team-mate Sergio Busquets. Crowley Post-Signal 602 N. Parkerson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526 Phone: 337-783-3450 Fax: 337-788-0949. [a][5] On November 10, 1985, James had his best day as a pro versus the Los Angeles Raiders. 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He was the second oldest of seven children born in Minneapolis, MN to Lionel and Jessamine McNamara. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. The ball probably shouldnt have been pitched, Jack Crowe, Auburns offensive coordinator, said afterward, because their guy was right in his face. Lionel James, an Albany native, died after an extended illness. [4] James was Auburn's leading rusher with 561 yards in 1981, head coach Pat Dye's first year with the team. Senator. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. He was predeceased by : his parents, Dolsey Veillion and Hilda Johnson Veillon; and his granddaughter Brittany Richard. Louisiana Funeral Services & Crematory 108 Hardware Rd, Broussard, LA 70518. "Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation," David Housel, former Auburn sports information director and director of athletics, said. He was 59. [5] In 1985, he set the NFL record for all-purpose yards in a season with 2,535 yards.