Jimmy Lee Thorpe, born on February 1, 1949, in Roxboro, North Carolina, is an American professional golfer known for his achievements on the Champions Tour. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 205 pounds, Thorpe’s journey in golf is rooted in humble beginnings, growing up as the ninth of twelve children in a home situated off the second fairway of the Roxboro Golf Club. His father, Elbert Thorpe, Sr., worked on the course, and it was there that Jim Thorpe began to develop his golf skills, practicing under the dim glow of the back porch light during the nighttime.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Thorpe acknowledges the influence of his hardworking father. He once shared, “My daddy would probably tell me to get back out there and work harder and practice.” In 2015, speaking to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, he noted about his dad, “Elbert Thorpe didn’t know anything but hard work.”
Initially a high school running back, Thorpe earned a football scholarship to Morgan State but redirected his focus to golf after two years. Following in the footsteps of his brother Chuck, who played on the PGA Tour in the early 1970s, Jim Thorpe joined the professional golfing ranks in 1975. Although he faced challenges, losing his playing privileges, Thorpe made a triumphant return to the PGA Tour in 1978, sharing medalist honors with John Fought at the qualifying tournament.
Thorpe’s professional career boasts an impressive list of achievements. He turned professional in 1972, winning three times on the PGA Tour during the mid-1980s. Transitioning to the Champions Tour, he secured over ten victories, including a senior major championship, the 2002 Tradition. Thorpe’s success, however, faced a setback when he faced charges for failing to pay $1.6 million in taxes between 2002 and 2004. Initially intending to plead innocent, Thorpe ultimately pleaded guilty in September 2009, leading to a one-year prison sentence starting on January 22, 2010.
Despite the legal challenges, Thorpe returned to the golf scene after his release from prison on January 17, 2011. His suspension by the PGA Tour lasted until March 31, and he resumed his career on the Champions Tour. Reflecting on this chapter of his life, he expressed gratitude, stating, “The Champions Tour has been the greatest mulligan God ever gave me.”
In addition to his golfing prowess, Thorpe made a notable appearance in the documentary film “Uneven Fairways,” which delves into the history of African American golfers. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the film premiered on the Golf Channel on February 11, 2009.
A proud alumnus of Morgan State University, Thorpe’s enduring appeal extends beyond the golf course. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend, he has has used his time and influence to raise money for and assist organizations like First Tee, Boys and Girls Club, Birdies 4Braves, UNCF, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, Golf4Youth, Special Olympics, Teen Challenge, The Urban League, David Maus Foundation, Cigar Aficionado Honduran Hurricane Relief Fund, Inner City Youth Golf Program and the Native American Golf Classic, to name a few.
Thorpe’s down-to-earth common touch has made him one of the more popular, accessible, and sought-after figures in the world of golf. Beyond his magnetic personality, Thorpe is known for his unfailing sense of kindness and passion for educating inner-city youth. In his multifaceted journey, Jimmy Lee Thorpe exemplifies resilience, determination, and a commitment to both his sport and the betterment of others. Jim, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” from all of your friends here at the African American Golfer’s Digest. And, may you celebrate many, many more!
