Former Edmonton Eskimos running back Jim Thomas dies at 76
EDMONTON — Former CFL All Star and Edmonton Eskimos running back Jim Thomas has died. He was 76.
The Eskimos announced Thomas’ death — which occurred on Oct. 4 — on Thursday.
Thomas, from Columbus, Miss, spent nine years with Edmonton from 1963 to 1971. Nicknamed “Long Gone,” he ran for 6,161 career yards — third most on the Eskimos all-time list — on 1,111 carries with 37 touchdowns. He also recorded 221 receptions for 2,642 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Thomas holds the record for the three longest rushing touchdowns in Eskimos history — a 104-yard TD run on Oct. 9, 1965 against the B.C. Lions, a 100-yard run on Aug. 2, 1966 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and a 97-yard run on Sept. 4, 1964 against the Ottawa Rough Riders.
Thomas was a West Division all in each of his nine seasons with Edmonton and was named a CFL all-star twice (1966, 1967).
The Canadian Press
EDMONTON — Former CFL All Star and Edmonton Eskimos running back Jim Thomas has died. He was 76.
The Eskimos announced Thomas’ death — which occurred on Oct. 4 — on Thursday.
Thomas, from Columbus, Miss, spent nine years with Edmonton from 1963 to 1971. Nicknamed “Long Gone,” he ran for 6,161 career yards — third most on the Eskimos all-time list — on 1,111 carries with 37 touchdowns. He also recorded 221 receptions for 2,642 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Thomas holds the record for the three longest rushing touchdowns in Eskimos history — a 104-yard TD run on Oct. 9, 1965 against the B.C. Lions, a 100-yard run on Aug. 2, 1966 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and a 97-yard run on Sept. 4, 1964 against the Ottawa Rough Riders.
Thomas was a West Division all in each of his nine seasons with Edmonton and was named a CFL all-star twice (1966, 1967).
The Canadian Press
Stay connected with local news
Make us your
home page
Authors
Related Articles
Snowfall, ‘rapidly changing’ weather conditions expected Monday, says Environment Canada
Heavy snowfall is expected in Northern B.C. due to a frontal system coming in to start the week, according to a weather alert from Environment Canada.
City to host celebration of walking track sponsorship renewal
The City of Fort St. John is hosting an event to celebrate a renewed 15-year sponsorship licence for the walking track inside the Pomeroy Sport Centre.
Energeticcity.ca Weekly Review: Community Events Calendar
In this edition of the Weekly Review, get ready for our new Community Events Calendar. Plus, the most-read stories of the week.
