Born near Prague, Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. Attended Carlisle Indian School.

Winner of pentathalon and decathalon in Stockholm Olympic Games of 1912. His awards were revoked in 1913 for lack of amateur standing. Played major league baseball 1913 to 1919. Played professional football 1915 to 1929. He was named the first president of the National Football League.

Married Iva Miller in 1913. They had three daughters and one son. Married Freeda Kirkpatrick in 1916. They had four sons. Married Patricia Gladys Askew June 2, 1945.

A movie about his life, Jim Thorpe - All American was released in 1951. He died in Lomita, California. In 1973 the AAU restored his amateur status and reinstated his records.

Congress honored Thorpe with a medal by resolution October 19, 1973. Design was by V. Thompson, D. Luke, and H. Brown. It was sculpted by Joniece Frank. Sale of the commemorative medals (Turner 40) was to benefit the Oklahoma Athletic Hall of Fame Commission. Authorized mintage was 100,000 pieces. It was issued in 1.5 inch and 3 inch diameter.

bio: DAB; WAB; WWWA-4

obit: NYT 3/29/53