Friends of Basketball

Jim Byron

Year Inducted: 1989

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations:
Williamsville High School
Springfield Area High Schools

Biography: Due to a spinal injury, Jimmy Byron couldn’t follow in the footsteps of his five brothers who were involved in high school football, so he became a manager instead. Basketball, football, baseball and athletes from 55 high schools have been blessed because Jimmy Byron did pass up football. After high school, Byron enrolled at Wheaton College where his magic fingers helped an injured player make a remarkable recovery by administering physical therapy to him every day. The athlete later became the Crusaders’ most valuable player. From 1970 to 1976 Byron served as the trainer at Springfield High School. Beginning in 1977 he served as trainer at Williamsville High School, or more correctly to Central Illinois. Friends helped Byron build the Sports Therapy Center in Sherman near his home. Byron’s therapy center is open to all athletes at least five nights a week and also on Saturday mornings. If he isn’t there, you can bet he’s at a Williamsville or some other school’s sporting event. Jim’s center is open to all young people so they can enjoy the thrill of sports participation, no matter if it is varsity, intramural or recreational. Jim’s induction into the IBCA Hall of Fame is just a token of what people in Illinois owe to Jim and his wife, Ila, for the enormous commitment they have made to central Illinois athletes.