RIP: James “Jimmy” Blears
Hawaiian Lifeguard And Former World Champion
By: SURFER/ Posted on February 10, 2011
Jimmy Blears at Sunset. Photo: Divine
Longtime North Shore Lifeguard and former World Champion James “Jimmy” Blears passed away this week in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the age of 62. A 20-year veteran guard at Sunset, Blears was also a standout competitor in his younger days. He was the Hawaiian Surfing Association ratings leader in 1969 and 1970, as well as a regular invitee and finalist at events such as the Duke Kahanamoku Classic and the Smirnoff. His most notable competitive highlight came during the 1972 World Surfing Championships in Ocean Beach, which he won. A member of a deep and richly talented surf family (Blears’ father, brother, and sister were all anchored in the competitive and pro scenes between the 1950s and 1990s), Blears was widely known, and liked, in the islands and beyond. Our condolences go out to his friends and family.
Comments
October 14, 2011 8:53 am
only heard this week that my distant cousin had passed away.To all my distant
distant cousins out there in Hawii I send my best wishes.My grandfather was Lord James Blears`s cousin(his name was WILLIAM RYDER).My mother(ELIZABETH RYDER away kept a picture of Lord Blears. ALOHA Nei.
February 10, 2011 7:46 pm
a treasure hunter extra-ordinaire. I learned so much from him.