Hall of Famer James "Banks" McFadden, a three-year letter winner at Clemson in football, basketball, and track, died Saturday, June 4, 2005 at his daughter’s home in Ormond Beach, Florida. The 88 year-old McFadden suffered from cancer.
Considered by many as Clemson’s all-time greatest athlete, “Bonnie Banks” was selected as an All-American in both football and basketball in 1939 and named the nation’s most versatile athlete. The Glennville, South Carolina native also helped the basketball team win its only postseason title in school history the same year.
McFadden’s football and basketball jerseys are retired by the university.
On his first day of football practice, McFadden’s lanky 6-foot-3, 165 pound frame caused many of his teammates to question his athleticism. McFadden proved them wrong, and eventually led the Tigers to their first bowl game, a 6-3 victory over Boston College in the 1940 Cotton Bowl. In 1959, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and his single-season achievement of 22 punts of at least 50 yards still stands as a school record.
After his college career, he played professional football for one year with the Brooklyn Dodgers. As the fourth overall choice, he currently ranks as the highest NFL draft pick in Clemson history. His passion for the game continued afterward when he returned to his alma mater as an assistant under coaching legend, Frank Howard. When Howard retired, McFadden became Clemson’s intramural department director, holding that position for 15 years. From 1946-1949, he spent time overseas in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
When asked if he would want his child to participate in football, McFadden empathically responded to The National Football Foundation, “yes” that the sport teaches children to compete, compromise, and follow the rules. McFadden’s final comments further illustrated his personality. “I love to see any boy do the best he can with what the good lord gave him,” he replied.
McFadden was married to Agnes “Aggie” Rigby for 55 years before her death in 2001. He is survived by his four daughters, Lil, Patsy, Marcia, and Jan.
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