- Date Of Birth: May 5, 1944
- Date Of Death: March 1, 2016
- State: North Carolina
James Young Causey, Jr. served his final game a decorated and courageous champion, gracefully coming off the court of life to join his loving heavenly Father on March 1, 2016. His story is one of triumph and tragedy, but nevertheless, a story authored by an indomitable spirit worthy of its own record book.
Born in Greencastle, Indiana, Jim experienced tennis stardom at an early age. He racked up championships on the national circuit with his dedicated father and namesake, Dr. James Causey, faithfully standing courtside. The gifted left-hander would later capture back-to-back state men’s singles championships in 1961 and 1962 at North Mecklenburg High School–a rare feat in high school athletics. In 1963, the University of Georgia called his name and solicited his amazing talents on the court. Jim took on SEC tennis with great gusto, playing both singles (alternating between the 3 and 4 positions) and doubles for the storied Bulldogs. The world at his fingertips, life hurled an unforeseen ball to the college junior in May 1965. Jim was involved in a near fatal, single car accident, leaving him paralyzed.
The former sports headlines of tennis glory now told a new story—one of a former champion who would miraculously survive a 14-month coma, multiple surgeries, and painstakingly relearn how to speak, all with the support of his loving mother and father, two sisters, and devoted Davidsonians.
