He should have been tackled at the line of scrimmage but made the guy miss and took it all the way. He was 59. He is also survived by 11 Grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. In 1984, he was selected by the Chargers in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. From there, he worked at the Startache . draft. James played five seasons with the Chargers, who have since moved to Los Angeles, after being drafted in the fifth round in 1984. 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, 27909 He was 59. Lionel James, a legendary Auburn running back called the "Little Train," died of a lengthy illness at 59. Those tears showed that winning mattered and it was worth fighting for.. 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. As a team captain in 1983, he and helped lead the Tigers to their first Southeastern Conference championship in 26 years. Video: How to Add Obituary on Facebook. 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. On Monday, February 20, 2023, God called home his son, Lionel Washington, age 59. Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. Romance in the Air, Story of AustralianGreat Singer Archie Roachs Cause of Death. He was 59. Read more. Those tears and his reaction symbolized the change in attitude about Auburn football. 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. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. Visiting will be held on Monday, September 13, 2021, from 9 am. "Pound for pound one of the greatest all-purpose players to play the game of football. During the title run, James shared the backfield with Bo Jackson and Tommie Agee. Nicknamed "Little Train" because of his size and interest in Lionel . More ways to support the family. The epitome of what it means to be an Auburn Man both on and off the field. You have permission to edit this article. That backfield included 1985 Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson and another future NFL player, Tommie Agee. He was the second oldest of seven children born in Minneapolis, MN to Lionel and Jessamine McNamara. (Auburn won, 9-7.) He could turn a bad play into a great play like the 87-yard touchdown vs. Georgia in 1982. Our thoughts and prayers are with the James Family.Rest In Peace Lionel. 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. There is no photo or video of James Lionel Veillon.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. He was predeceased by : his parents, Dolsey Veillion and Hilda Johnson Veillon; and his granddaughter Brittany Richard. During the title run, James shared the backfield with Bo Jackson and Tommie Agee. Get the latestobituaries delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. We love Lionel and will miss him very much.". 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. 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. He was a giving soul with overwhelming generosity to family and friends. The specific details on the illness are still awaited. 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. Lionel James, left, of Auburn gaining yards against Michigans Dave Meredith during the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 2, 1984. Did you know him or have close relations? Lionel Eugene Ames, Jr. Obituary. January 31, 2023 Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. [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). James Abourezk (1931-2023), first Arab American U.S. James was nearly unstoppable in a game late that season against the Los Angeles (now Las Vegas) Raiders. Crowley Post-Signal 602 N. Parkerson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526 Phone: 337-783-3450 Fax: 337-788-0949. 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. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The Jets confirmed Rademacher's death on Tuesday. [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 coached tight ends on Terry Bowdens staff in 1996-97. Advanced Search. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. 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. He was a very devoted father and husband who always put his family first. BOIS, James Lionel - age 40 of North Salem, passed away tragically in Shubenacadie on April 1, 2022. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Lionel James, an Albany native, died after an extended illness. Less. Text size. James spent his entire five-year NFL career with the Chargers from 1984-to 1988. 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. A Hall of Famer known for playing larger than life, Lionel "Little Train" James died Friday, Auburn University shared. James was born in the year 1962. Always put the team first. POLL: If the Junk Fee Prevention Act passes, where will you save the most money? 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 led by example and made everyone around him a better football player.. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Share Obituary Facebook Twitter reddit WhatsApp Email Print. Write your message of sympathy today. He doesnt back down to linebackers or lineman who are twice his size.. 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.. Lived: 21826 days = 59 years. Winds light and variable. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. 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. Lionel James, Speedy Back Who Covered a Lot of Turf, Dies at 59, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/04/sports/football/lionel-james-dead.html. After college, he went pro and played for the San Diego Chargers from 1984-88. James memorial will be Monday, March 7 at noon at Mt. Who could ever forget the tears in his eyes after the Tennessee game in Knoxville in 1981? Housel recalled. High near 80F. He is not dating anyone. Learn how your comment data is processed. Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation, said former Auburn sports information director and director of athletics David Housel. Born in Haida Gwaii, BC, he was a son of Lionel Bois and Kathleen Pearl. Undersized at 5feet 6inches (1.68m) and 171 pounds (78kg),[2][3] he spent his entire five-year NFL career with the Chargers from 1984 to 1988. Lionel B. James, 54, passed away May 3, 2014. Agee called James pound for pound one of the greatest all-purpose players to play the game of football.. 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. Below are statements from former teammates Tommie Agee and Randy Campbell, as well as former Auburn director of athletics David Housel. Thoughtful, kind, caring and the ultimate team player. Thoughtful, kind, caring, and the ultimate team player. Little Train played in the greatest group of running backs in Auburn history with Bo, Tommie Agee and Brent Fullwood. James was a football player at Auburn in the early 80s. Rev. 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. We will remember him forever. He ran for over 700 yards in consecutive seasons as a junior and senior. He was 5 feet 6 and had a relentless running style. He wasnt big in stature, but he was big in heart, and he symbolized Auburn football for a generation or more.. Those tears showed that winning mattered and it was worth fighting for. The Albany, Georgia, native led Auburn in rushing and all-purpose yard in Pat Dye's first season as head coach in 1981. Auburn announced the death of James, a 5-foot-6 player nicknamed Little Train," but provided no additional details. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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 . We won't share it with anyone else. He is survived by : his wife Loretta Ortego Veillon; his children, Randall Veillon (Cathy), Mark Veillon (Michelle), Jackie Veillon Coder (Robert), Karen Veillon Richard (Gordon) and Kevin Veillon (Angie); and his siblings, Farrel Veillon, Robley Veillon, Freddie Montaldo and Patrick Veillon. Copyright 2022 WALB. Monique Samuels Divorce Rumors From Chris After 10 Years! Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. He was waived during preseason in 1989, when the Chargers opted for a quicker running back, rookie Dana Brinson. Auburn announced the death of James, a 5-foot-6 player nicknamed Little Train, but provided no additional details. 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. Celebrate the life of Lionel Ames, Jr., leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information. James captained the Tigers in 1983, teaming up with backfield mates and future NFL peers Tommie Agee and Bo Jackson. Lionel B. James, 54, passed away May 3, 2014. He finished his college career ranked No. Lionel James the Little Engine That Could. Green and Mae Nell Green. Pound for pound one of the greatest all-purpose players to play the game of football, Agee said. Auburn says James, a 5-foot-6 player nicknamed Little Train, died Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. Lionel was a special person, said Randy Campbell, who quarterbacked Auburns 1983 SEC championship team. Lionel Barrow Sr. Obituary. 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 led by example and made everyone around him a better football player. (85 years old). Lionel Jamess cause of death has been reported as a lengthy illness. 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). Success! That backfield included 1985 Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson and another future NFL player, Tommie Agee. Did Ex Vikings CB Jeff Gladneys Cause of Death Clarify? Always put the team first. Tell their story, and publish it online for free. Read more. LIONEL JAMES OBITUARY. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. LIONEL WASHINGTON OBITUARY. 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. 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. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. He was born July 5, 1934, in Camden, NC to the late . Invalid password or account does not exist. James played five seasons with the NFLs Chargers, who have since moved to Los Angeles, after being drafted in the fifth round in 1984. 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. Get the the most recent coronavirus news delivered to your inbox daily. The ball probably shouldnt have been pitched, Jack Crowe, Auburns offensive coordinator, said afterward, because their guy was right in his face. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. He died peacefully surrounded by family and friends. James, who made a name for . Obituaries; Search for a story, obituary or memorial; Advanced Search. He was part of the 1983 Southeast Conference champion team and Sugar Bowl championship team. [5] He was voted as the kick returner on the Chargers 40th Anniversary Team. 3 by the Associated Press. We've received your submission. After his NFL career, James returned to Auburn and graduated in 1989, then coached tight ends on Terry Bowdens staff in 1996-97. draft. Rapper Snootie Wild Shot to Death; Is He Still Alive? What did Disney actually lose from its Florida battle with DeSantis? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. as a running back, receiver and kick and punt returner. There are no events at this time. View The Obituary For Lionel James Sirois. He was one of the reasons why I came to Auburn. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Auburn announced the death of James, a 5-foot-6 player nicknamed Little Train, but provided no additional details. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. You can also leave a condolence message below the comment box to honor him. Skip to content. The 5-foot-6, 170-pound running back died Friday after a lengthy illness, Auburn University said in a news release. After his coaching career ended, he returned to teaching high school math in Birmingham. Share Your Memories and Sympathies and Join the Bereaved! He finished his college career ranked No. His family has not released the exact cause of death. Standing 5-foot-6 and weighing only 150 pounds as a freshman, James became one of the most popular players in Auburn football history. He was my favorite because he was the underdog. Keep up with local events in southwest Georgia. Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation, David Housel, a former Auburn sports information director and athletic director, said in a press release. He was my favorite because he was the underdog. After his NFL career, Lionel returned to Auburn and graduated in 1989. He became a team captain in 1983 and helped lead the Tigers to their first SEC Championship in 26 years. [3] He played college football for the Tigers, sharing the backfield with Bo Jackson. Church, Gautier - Burial: Crestlawn Cem., OS, www.UNITYFH.net He was 59. James returned to Auburn after his NFL career and graduated in 1989. Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation, David Housel, a former Auburn sports information director and athletic director, said in a news release. The Albany native led Auburn in all-purpose yards in 1981 and 1982. [4] James was Auburn's leading rusher with 561 yards in 1981, head coach Pat Dye's first year with the team. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Dougherty County grad, former Auburn, NFL RB Lionel James dies at 59. Funeral THURSDAY, SEPT. 9 . Get the most popular posts on AlbanyHerald.com from the previous week emailed to you every Monday morning. . He was my favorite because he was the underdog. James played five seasons with the NFLs Chargers, who have since moved to Los Angeles, after being drafted in the fifth round in 1984. Thanks for contacting us. We love Lionel and will miss him very much.. Former Auburn and NFL running back Lionel James has sadly passed away Friday from a lengthy illness at 59. Lionel James Height, Weight & Measurements At 60 years old, Lionel James height is 5 6 and Weight 171 lbs. [6] He was a captain in 1983,[1] when the Tigers won the Southeast Conference championship and the 1984 Sugar Bowl. Always put the team first. He was 75. 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. He showed me what the Auburn family, the Auburn team, was all about on my official visit." Error! 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. Over the next few years, James was an assistant coach at Appalachian State University in North Carolina; the tight ends coach at Auburn under Coach Terry Bowden; and the running backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs under Marty Schottenheimer during the 1998 season, his only year with the team. A native of Rosedale and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA. View Patrick Lionel James's obituary, send flowers and find service dates or sign the guestbook. He could turn a bad play into a great play like the 87-yard touchdown vs. Georgia in 1982. In early 1999, he was hospitalized for two months for pancreatitis. Are you a fan or a friend? 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. Lionel was a special person, Randy Campbell said. Get our expert short-term forecast, summary of the weather details and news of any severe weather in the Albany, Georgia area. He should have been tackled at the line of scrimmage but made the guy miss and took it all the way. Lionel James, former Auburn football player, passes away, Missing Tift Co. man found dead in wooded area, APD: Man shot after attempting to meet girl at Albany hotel, Mitchell Co. High basketball coach arrested on sex charges, Sports Talk: High school basketball final four, Rosepine rolls to state championship game with huge win over Union Parish. View Obituaries Klein Memorial Park - Spring-Klein Lionel James Sirois. Whats Legendary Jazz Saxophonist Wayne Shorters Death Cause? 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 . ", "Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation. 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. Get the Local News headlines from the Albany Herald delivered daily to your email inbox. 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. US day Newsis working to provide more information and collect the latest updates surrounding Lionel James death, so stay up with us. 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. Lionel James, Speedy Back Who Covered a Lot of Turf, Dies at 59 A diminutive player, he set a single-season record in 1985 for yardage gained in the N.F.L. He could turn a bad play into a great play like the 87-yard touchdown vs. Georgia in 1982. 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. Search the massive Canada Marriages Database - Huge Canadian Obituary Collection. "DAVID HOUSEL"Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation. 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. He was 88. Tue Feb 28 2023 - 07:42. [14] However, San Diego limited his opportunities after the ankle injury, playing him at wide receiver and less in the backfield, while also limiting him to punt returns and not kickoffs. Do you have any more details due to the heartfelt News? He is a member of famous with the age 60 years old group. 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. His mother, Cherrine (Wright) James, was a high school physical education teacher. He received his high school diploma at Colonel White Hight School in 1979. Obituary. RANDY CAMPBELL "Lionel was a special person. He scored 16 career touchdowns, including two on punt returns. Pound for pound one of the greatest all-purpose players to play the game of football. All of the things you want to think Auburn football is about, Lionel James summarized. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. During his first training camp, he quickly showed that he was not intimidated. After high school, James worked for the Miller Valentine Group as a Maintenance and Grounds Worker for many years. Order Flowers for the Family. He was 59. [16][17], James ended his career with 1,061 yards rushing and 2,278 receiving yards. 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. [7] Auburn finished 111 and ranked No. He loved to travel and went coast to coast a number of times. Our staff of dedicated professionals are always available to assist you in making funeral service arrangements. Thoughtful, kind, caring and the ultimate team player. Former Auburn and San Diego Chargers running back James has died after a lengthy illness. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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 was born 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. To read all the details surrounding Lionel Jamess cause of death, stay up with us. OBITUARY Lionel Eugene Ames, Jr. February 2, 1925 - January 19, 2023. Send Flowers. 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. He was 59. James set the record for receiving yards by a running back with 1,027 yards while leading the AFC in receptions with 86. They held a funeral. 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. Agee called James pound for pound one of the greatest all-purpose players to play the game of football.. [5] In 1985, he set the NFL record for all-purpose yards in a season with 2,535 yards. February 16, 2023 DONALDSON Lionel James. Always put the team first. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Clear skies. He was 59. 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. [21] He returned to Auburn to coach tight ends under head coach Terry Bowden from 1996 to 1997.