By
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
JAMES NAISMITH
1861 - 1939
Born:
November 6th, 1861
Passed Away:
November 28th, 1939
Obituary
Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/753/james-naismith
Dr. James Naismith invented the game of basketball in 1891. Born in rural Ontario, Canada, both his parents died while he was still in grade school & his grandparents & then an uncle were left to care for & raise him. Becoming an ordained minister & a medical doctor, he took a job teaching physical education at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, MA. There, he created the game of basketball, intending to introduce a game that allowed exercise indoors, by using two peach basket hoops, a soccer ball & 13 simple rules. He later came to the University of KS at Lawrence in 1898, filling the dual post of Athletics director & chapel director. He initiated the first collegiate Jayhawks basketball game at the University. During World War I (WWI), he served as a chaplain in the KS Army National Guard & as a volunteer chaplain in France. In 1936, basketball became an official Olympic medal event sport with the tournament lasting from August 7-14 in Berlin, Germany. Throughout his lifetime, he never received any fame or fortune from the sport he created & only after his passing in 1939 was enormous recognition heaped upon him. For his historic invention, Naismith's name adorns the Basketball Hall of Fame (Springfield, MA). Streets & buildings in Springfield & Lawrence are named in tribute. The sport he invented has evolved into a game that more than 300 million people play worldwide, with professional leagues on every Continent.
Dr. James Naismith invented the game of basketball in 1891. Born in rural Ontario, Canada, both his parents died while he was still in grade school & his grandparents & then an uncle were left to care for & raise him. Becoming an ordained minister & a medical doctor, he took a job teaching physical education at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, MA. There, he created the game of basketball, intending to introduce a game that allowed exercise indoors, by using two peach basket hoops, a soccer ball & 13 simple rules. He later came to the University of KS at Lawrence in 1898, filling the dual post of Athletics director & chapel director. He initiated the first collegiate Jayhawks basketball game at the University. During World War I (WWI), he served as a chaplain in the KS Army National Guard & as a volunteer chaplain in France. In 1936, basketball became an official Olympic medal event sport with the tournament lasting from August 7-14 in Berlin, Germany. Throughout his lifetime, he never received any fame or fortune from the sport he created & only after his passing in 1939 was enormous recognition heaped upon him. For his historic invention, Naismith's name adorns the Basketball Hall of Fame (Springfield, MA). Streets & buildings in Springfield & Lawrence are named in tribute. The sport he invented has evolved into a game that more than 300 million people play worldwide, with professional leagues on every Continent.
Cemetery and Burial Information
Administrative Office in South Park
Cemeteries: Oak Hill, Memorial Park, and Maple Grove
1141 Massachusetts St.
Lawrence, KS 66044
(785) 832-3451
[email protected]
Office is open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday-Friday
