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BORN

1933

DIED

2017

J.C. Caroline Obituary

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - J.C. Caroline, a star Illinois running back in the 1950s who played for the Chicago Bears for a decade, has died. He was 84.

The Walker Funeral Home in Champaign says he died Friday at Carle Hospital.

Caroline, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, led the nation in rushing for Illinois in 1953 with 1,256 yards in nine games.

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He signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League in 1955 before joining the Bears a year later, where he mainly played defensive back. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie and finished with 24 career interceptions.

Caroline worked as an assistant coach at Illinois before becoming a physical education teacher and coach in Urbana.

University of Illinois spokesman Kent Brown called Caroline "one of the all-time great football players in Illinois history."

Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


Copyright © 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Nov. 18, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for J.C. Caroline

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24 Entries

Jimmy Hill

December 6, 2017

Mr. Caroline played high school football in my hometown, Columbia, SC. He returned a kickoff 101 yards with a broken ankle. He lettered in 3 sports. During the summer he returned to Columbia visiting friends. He was always gracious and friendly.

Carlotta

November 29, 2017

May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Caroline family and friends at this difficult time

Daryl Brown

November 25, 2017

So sorry to here one of the (greatest) football players of all time in Illinois history passed away! I met him at former Grandy's reaturant and I loved the conversation in the twenty minutes we talked! May God bless his soul!!!

Williams Family

November 25, 2017

Our condolences to the family. May the God of peace comfort you during this period of loss.

Donnelle Sumbler

November 25, 2017

Donnelle Sumbler and family like to send our thoughts and prayers to the family . Mr j.c was a great man and a close friend to our family may God bless you all.

November 21, 2017

My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the Caroline family. May God grant solace to the family and acquaintances during this most challenging time. With Love & Prayers

Ann R

November 20, 2017

You will see J.C. again

G. Freeman

November 20, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Betty Armour

November 20, 2017

My prayers and sincere condolences to the family of J. C. Caroline. Death is never easy regardless of ones age but Psalms 90:10 shows how he lived a long life of special mightiness from God. Keep your many memories of him close in your hearts and minds and cherish them forever. May the comfort of God be with you all during this time of grief.

November 20, 2017

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Kim Batte

November 20, 2017

Hope God brings you the comfort you need in the days to come.

November 20, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

November 20, 2017

My condolences to the Caroline Family for your loss of J.C. May you continue to be blessed with his memory and legacy and may the hope that God's word gives us for those we lost in death be comforting, faith building and encouraging to you (John 6:40) ~ Linda, Queens, NY

Marg

November 19, 2017

May God Bless you in your time of sorrow.

Dell Laboriel

November 19, 2017

J.C. played for my high school rival, Booker Washington. Sincere condolences to the Caroline Family.

Robert Weisner

November 19, 2017

I remember his role in "Brian's Song," played by the late Bernie Casey. I believe he made the NFL Pro Bowl in 1957. My condolences go out to J.C's family.

November 19, 2017

With heartfelt sympathy. Please accept my deepest condolences. May you continue to cherish his precious memories together. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort to offer you comfort and to give you the strength to endure during these difficult times ahead.

November 19, 2017

With heartfelt sympathy. Please accept my deepest condolences. May you continue to cherish his precious memories together. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort to offer you comfort and to give you the strength to endure during these difficult times ahead.

November 19, 2017

My sincere condolences for J.C's family. May you be comforted at this difficult time by family and friends. PS 37:29: Rv 21:3,4

Bobby Wilcox

November 19, 2017

Wow, what a player. He should have been played on offense in the pro's. J C would have been a superstar there but he also was a darn good defensive back. With his talent he could have made it big in any generation. Prayers go out to all of his family and for his memory.

Harry Simpson

November 19, 2017

Godspeed J.C., and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

November 19, 2017

Ttyutu

L W

November 19, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words at Psalms 145:18,19, where the God of all comfort says He is near to all who call on Him in truth. Please ask Him for needed comfort and strength.

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