byJeff Benjamin
“BRIGHT PATH STRONG -The Resiliency Of Jim Thorpe”, whose life and legacy will soon be presented in an upcoming Hollywood film! Sixth In A Series – The Jim Thorpe Memorial – A Surreal Awestruck Visit -Photo Essay
This has been a lot of Olympic history as Jeff Benjamin gives the late Jim Thorpe and his fans a voice!
A Surreal & Awestruck Visit To The Haunted Legacy Of Jim Thorpe.
Jim Thorpe statue, photo by Jeff Benjamin
By Jeff Benjamin
About two miles away and uphill from the thousands of white water rapids tourists and visitors coming to the town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, the namesake Athletic Legend’s body lays in a small yet immaculate memorial park, replete with richly descriptive statues, markers, and praiseworthy tributes.
Jim Thorpe plaque, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Yet, despite the appreciation and awe, one cannot help but feel surreal over how Thorpe’s remains wound up here as the 1912 Olympic Champion never set foot here while alive.
Jim Thorpe statue, with discus, photo by Jeff Benjamin
In this epic controversy and subsequent court battles involving Thorpe’s family and the Town which culminated with the United States Supreme Court, both sides seem to be firmly entrenched with no hope for now of any just decision.
Jim Thorpe plaque 2, photo by Jeff Benjamin
A good summary of the case can be found here from 2013 –
Jim Thorpe history , photo by Jeff Benjamin
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P79UlGvCgzc
The US Supreme Court’s Decision To Not Hear The Appeal from 2015 –
Jim Thorpe history: The Carlisle Years, photo by Jeff Benjamin
So, for now, for better or for worse, Jim Thorpe rests here in the town of Jim Thorpe, PA, but perhaps not peacefully.
Jim Thorpe history: The 1912 Olympics, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Bell Lap –
-For more information on the film please go to
– A petition for the reinstatement of Jim Thorpe into the official IOC record books can be found here at
https://brightpathstrong.com/petition
– Robert Wheeler’s paramount Jim Thorpe biography is getting a reissue soon BUT if you wish to purchase a copy now check out
https://www.amazon.com/Jim-Thorpe-Worlds-Greatest-Athlete/dp/0806117451
