| School: Benson | Graduation Year: 1954 |
Year Inducted: 2014
Sports Played: Football, Track and Field
High School Honors: Football, lettered 3-years, unanimous All-PIL as senior, leading PIL scorer leading to first Benson City title in 25 years, second in State championship, 1953. Played in 1954 Shrine All-Star game.
Post High School Career: Active in Portland community affairs and politics; welcomed presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy to the City. Served in the US Air Force. Active in fund raising for the American Diabetes Assoc. Jimmy succumbed to leukemia in 1989.
Commentary:
(provided by Rev. LaVerne C. Hall, Sister)
What a wonderful son, big brother, dad, and uncle. The question is always asked, “how did he get the name Precious?” Here’s the story: As the first grandson when he was born, his grand aunt Annie Mae (Big Mama) Vance, took one look and said, “He is so Precious.” From that forward, the name is the same — Precious.
Precious, he was to everyone who knew him. The best big brother to his three younger sisters and his two daughters, Karen and Tasha, and his nephews, George and LaWayne. Indeed, Precious, on the football field giving his all for Benson High School and his teammates.
Precious is missed very much. We all celebrate his birthday every year, by eating his favorite food . . . BBQ and sharing “Precious” stories.