Hall of Fame-Lifetime Achievement
Jim Thompson
6/29/37
Jim, 84, is the final member of our current active octogenarian group. Jim grew up in the Johnstown area and played basketball at Johnstown High. He attended Michigan State before transferring to SUNY Albany where he played 1 year for legendary coach Doc Sauers. He spent 4 years in the Air Force as a captain before going to the University of Utah and obtaining an MBA. He spent his career working in Hospital Administration. He has a 3 generation basketball family. His son Jamie now plays in our Colonie division and his grandson James was a member of recent NY Class A high school basketball champions with Albany Academy and now plays at Moravian University in PA. Jim was one of the original founders of the league in 1989. He was an original member of the Board and has served the league continuously as a player and Board member with stints as Commissioner, Treasurer, and team captain. As seen below in 1993 stats, Jim was an 18 ppg scorer. Most of the score sheets from the early years have not been found but certainly Jim is an “undocumented” league leader in games played and 3 point baskets made. We are all indebted to Jim. Around 5,000-6,000 men have participated in and enjoyed the CSBL over the 31 years. He has been the rock and foundation, the guiding light with foresight and innovation, and the glue that held everything together during tough times. Congratulations and thank you Jim.
