Friends of Basketball

James Stephenson

Year Inducted: 1985

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations: Lockport High School

Biography: Jim Stephenson followed Lockport High School basketball for 70+ years.  At age 6, he started watching the Porters.  At age 16, he was a Lockport player.  At age 38, he coached Lockport varsity basketball.  Jim has remained a Porter fan for his entire life.  Following a baseball career at Purdue University, Jim was the first basketball coach hired in the Lockport School District (1930).  Jim’s team won the state grade school title in 1933.  He coached the Porters from 1943-45 in the old South Suburban League.  Professionally, Jim was involved in photography and took the Porter team pictures for 40+ years.  Jim Stephenson, Sr. died on September 24, 2000 at the age of 92.