By Mariana Echeverri Alvarez, Communications Coordinator
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and our provincial sport community are remembering Gerry James, an inspiring athlete who passed away on February 13, 2024.
Gerry James was honoured by the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1982 for his accomplishments in football, but he was also a standout in hockey.
On the gridiron, James, a Winnipeg native, was signed by his hometown Bombers at 17 and quickly made an impact. He led the team in rushes three times and scored three times during his 11-year career. James was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player twice.
On the ice, James was a standout with the Winnipeg Monarchs. With his rights to the Toronto Maple Leafs, James was brought to the Big Smoke to play for the Marlboros. During the 1954-55 season, James received a one-game audition with the Maple Leafs and played with the Buds for four seasons.
James remains the only player competing in the Grey Cup and Stanley Cup Finals.
