James Cairns Obituary
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Paul Ramseth
March 20, 2021
Those who watched Gopher football in the early 1960's undoubtedly rank Jimmy among the best running backs to ever wear maroon and gold, but most of his fans knew little about his inauspicious rookie season and few, if any, ever ponder the greatness Jim would have achieved if current eligibility rules were in effect during his tenure.
Jimmy enrolled at the U of M thinking that his athletic future was limited to baseball. After all, he only weighed 135 lbs. After setting the all-time speed record around the bases but realizing that his first love was football, Jim dropped baseball and "walked on" as a freshman FB player during the fall of his sophomore year. He bulked up to 165 lbs. but he was the smallest of the 35 running backs on the freshman team, and many of his competitors were on full scholarship. He was buried under a host of aspiring ball carriers on the freshman depth chart, and only rarely did he get an opportunity to show his skill set, which was two-fold -- the ability to change speeds instinctively and suddenly and the ability to zig and zag.
During his junior year of eligibility (his second year of FB), Jim worked his way up the depth chart and ended the season on the second team. He excelled at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day, and in my mind was runner up to Sandy Stephens as MVP that day. HIs senior year, his second year of eligibility, was marked by impressive personal and team achievements. He played both ways (offense and defense) and returned punts and kickoffs, and the team finished 10th nationally in both polls. Jim was our biggest offensive threat, and he was considered among the most outstanding defensive backs in the Big Ten.
Just imagine what Jimmy would have achieved if today's eligibility rules would have been in effect in the 60's. He would have been "red-shirted" his freshman year, allowing him to play four full years of varsity football (remember, freshmen were not eligible for varsity competition years ago), rather than the two years that were his reality.
Dean Schilling
November 4, 2019
Growing up in the Twin Cities in the early '60s, I was enthralled with the great Gopher football teams. I recall Jim Cairns as the most spectacular player of that fabulous era. His 1962 (?) punt return against Michigan could be featured on any all-time highlights reel. I'm so sorry to learn of Jimmy's death, but gladdened to know he's well remembered by teammates like Robin Tellor and Paul Ramseth - both of whom I also remember well from Saturday afternoon game radio broadcasts, and the Sunday Tribune Sports "Peach" section. I also happily remember Truman MN, through which we passed every autumn to go pheasant hunting with dear family friends in Fairmont MN. It was a time when Minnesota's best went to the "U" and proudly represented us there. And Jim Cairns was among the finest of those fine representatives. May he rest in eternal, joyful peace.
Ben Stoterau
May 3, 2011
Please check out my story on Jim... "Redwood and the Rose Bowl" at redwoodfallsgazette.com
April 10, 2011
Paul Ramseth said it best.--Jim was greatteam mate and a great athlete.--God bless jim.---Robin Tellor
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April 2, 2011
He will always be Jimmy to me. Doc Cairns had season tickets to Gopher football for the whole family. When I was in 8th grade, Jimmy called and invited me to see the Gophers with his famiy. It was among the biggest thrills of my young life. Eight years later Jimmy and I were lined up near the end zone to receive the opening kickoff of the l962 Gopher season. We gave each other a look that said, "Can you believe this?" Jimmy was truly one of a kind -- so quick, such balance, a master of the zig and the zag. Sandy Stephens was MVP following the Rose Bowl victory over UCLA that season, but Jimmy was a close runner-up. He shined in Pasadena and was Minnesota's biggest threat throughout his senior year(l963). I'll never forget his punt return for a touchdown at Michigan State when he raced down the sideline and suddenly stopped, sending All-America George Saimes flying by and into the cheerleaders. Jimmy could have set yardage records, but Murray wanted his best athletes to play defense exclusively after establishing a lead in the first half. Jimmy was a sensational player and a dear friend. Bless his memory -- Paul Ramseth (his teammate and his biggest fan at Redwood Falls and at Minnesota)
Kathie Neumann Blenkush
March 30, 2011
I was so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a neighbor of mine but also a sports idol for sure and......he took the time to organize football games and other games in the vacant lot next to the Cairns's home for all of us in the neighborhood.
That has always been a good childhood memory of mine, Norma was a very good friend.
David Buller
March 28, 2011
My sympathies to the family. One of the greatest thrills of my childhood was traveling to the Cities to see cousin Jim play for the Gophers. I must have been about 5 years old. Two vivid memories: Why did we let go of the balloons at the start of the game?? I saved mine! Then I got his autograph at dinner afterwards. What a thrill that was!
March 25, 2011
MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY. WE FONDLY REMEMBER JIM. BETTY HAD JIM IN 4TH GRADE AND WE HAD GOOD TIMES AT GREEN LAKE. MAY GOD SHARE YOUR SADDNESS.
CHUCK BURMEISTER
mary jane mcconnell
March 25, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the family of such an amazing man. Remember well growing up in close proximity to the Cairns family. My Dad spoke of Jim often during his school days. (Dad was a teacher and loved athletics) Do remember his family so well. Mary Jane Laughlin McConnell-.
March 25, 2011
I am very sorry for your loss. My dad used too time him running around our house , Jim was around 8 or 9 at the time. Dad was amazed at how fast he was and dad would know as he had been a catcher in semi pro baseball. Fond memory.
Les Beernink
Ken Cordes
March 25, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Cairns family. I played football against Jim in high school. I played defensive end for New Ulm, and on one occasion, I attempted to tackle him two, maybe three times as he weaved his way to the end zone. The end zone was a familiar place for Jimmy. I only knew him from that one game, but I had great respect for him ever since.
Sincerely,
Ken Cordes
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