Jimmy Jackson (wrestler)

James Earl "Jimmy" Jackson (July 28, 1956 – June 17, 2008) was an American freestyle wrestler, who competed at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Born in Windsor, Ontario, Jackson grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he was a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School.[1] At the 1979 Pan American Games he finished first in the freestyle unlimited category. At Oklahoma State, he was a three-time All-American and NCAA champion at heavyweight.[2] Jackson was briefly a professional wrestler in Mid-South Wrestling.[3]

Jimmy Jackson
Personal information
Full nameJames Earl Jackson
Born(1956-07-28)July 28, 1956
Winsdor, Ontario, Canada
DiedJune 17, 2008(2008-06-17) (aged 51)
East Lansing, Michigan, U.S.
Home townGrand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Height6 ft 6 in (198 cm)
Weight350 lb (159 kg)
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing the  United States
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 1979 San Juan +100 kg
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Oklahoma State Cowboys
NCAA Division I Championships
Gold medal – first place 1976 Tucson Heavyweight
Gold medal – first place 1977 Norman Heavyweight
Gold medal – first place 1978 College Park Heavyweight

In 2023, Jackson was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member.[4]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Jimmy Jackson". lifestory.net. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
  2. ^ "NCAA Champion and 1976 Olympian Jimmy Jackson passes away". themat.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2018. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  3. ^ "Gorzo feeds the gopher". thoughtsofrs.blogspot.com. June 19, 2008. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
  4. ^ Jimmy Jackson. nwhof.com. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
edit