1995 Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: MULITIPLE SPORTS
Wife: Mary C. Blakley
Daughter: Pamela
Sons: James Jr., John Patrick, Ronald
James Blakley came to Flint in 1948. Shortly after, James began to concentrate on sports at St. John Center. Under the coaching of Cliff Fielder he started to play football and baseball. At Northern he played football. But it was while playing baseball in the Flint City League in 1955, that James started to make a name for himself. Although not attaining the qualified number of at bats for the title, he hit .521 on 24 for 46. In 1956 James had a .344 batting average. He led the league and team with 31 runs batted in, and 10 stolen bases. James won the batting title in 1957 with the highest average in the league since 1950, a .443 average. He set the league record in hits with 43 and was unanimous choice on the league All Star Team. He also won the home run championship with 5 and was the leagues most valuable player.
While James was in college in 1951 at Arkansas A.M., he played football and was the baseball teams leading home run hitter.
James was a senior All Star Bowler three straight years, 1990, 1991, 1992. Bowling at Northwest lanes in 1991 he captured a 300 game, for a 739 series. In 1990 bowled a 298 game, for a 698 series, Town and Country highest game.
James was a Flint Police Officer from 1959-1964. Now retired from G.M.C. Truck and Bus Plant Security, on November 1, 1987.
