James T. Northrup

James T. Northrup was born on November 24, 1939 to Gerald and Pauline Northrup in Breckenridge, Michigan. As a child, Jim grew up on a farm in Breckenridge and later moved with his family to St. Louis, Michigan where he attended St. Louis High School. After graduation he attended Alma College where he played baseball, football, basketball, golf and track while earning 15 letters during his collegiate career. As a quarterback he was named a small college All American and later turned down offers to play professional football for the Chicago Bears and New York Titans before signing with the Detroit Tigers. In 1964 he was named the International League Rookie of the Year while playing for Syracuse before being called up to the Tigers. Jim played eleven seasons with Detroit and was integral part of the 1968 World Championship team when he led the team in hits and RBI’s. He earned the title of Mr. Grand Slam after hitting four in the regular season and one in the World Series. He set a major league record when he hit two grand slams in consecutive at bats, and three in one week. As a player, he is best known for his game winning triple off Bob Gibson in Game 7 of the 1968 World Series. Jim later played for the Montreal Expos and Baltimore Orioles. After retiring from baseball he was a successful manufacturer’s representative and from 1985-1994 he was a color analyst for the Tigers on the PASS Sports cable television network. For years Jim was involved with a number of charities throughout Michigan.

Jim is survived by his wife Patricia of 23 years, his children Kamil and Azaria Northrup, both at home, James (Sheri) Northrup, Paige Stanton and Kate Boehtinger; seven grandchildren and his brother Jerry Northrup.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on June 15, 2011 at the Highland Chapel of the Elton Black and Son Funeral Home, 3295 E. Highland Rd., Highland, Michigan 48356. The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can me made to Camp Quality Michigan (a camp for children with cancer) P.O. Box 345 Boyne City, MI 49712, Alma College 614 West Superior St. Alma, MI 48801 or Trails Edge Camp, (a camp for children with respirators) C/O Rick Glazier, 5011 Girard, Pickney, MI 48169

Please visit www.eltonblackandsonhighland.com