November 9, 2006

JIMMIE ARMSTEAD OBITUARY

ARMSTEAD, JAMES JR.Armstead, Jimmie, 87, a native of Louisville, passed away Thursday, November 9, 2006. He was a Central High School 1936 graduate, who afterwards attended the Louisville Municipal College from 1936 until 1938.

In 1938 through 1951, he played for such classic Negro League teams as the St. Louis Stars, Baltimore Elite Giants, the Philadelphia Stars and even a brief stint with the Louisville Buckeyes.

Jimmie was part of a generation that paved ways with his dedication and sacrifices with the Negro Baseball League, wove the threads of strength and richness yet personified the sport as our national past time. January 16, 1942 Jimmie joined the United States Army Air Force, and during World War II he trained to be a pilot at the famous Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama. During his military service he was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal, with the rank of Sergeant in the United States Army.

After his service he returned to play in the Negro Baseball League. Jimmie retired from baseball in 1951 and closed out his career as an outfielder with the Philadelphia Stars and moved to Rochester, New York. Jimmie began his career as a Mason brick layer in New York City and worked on several famous projects, including the Madison Square Garden.

He retired in the mid-1990's. Jimmie moved back to his hometown of Louisville. He was a member of Westwood Presbyterian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ada Armstead Sr., along with his wife, Edna Earl (Reeden ) Armstead; his sisters, Leslie Daisey Hinkie Kimes and Althelea Charlena Graves. Jimmy leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Jessie G. Armstead Lewis of Louisville, and many cousins; nephews; and nieces of four generations. Funeral: 11 a.m. Thursday at A. D. Porter & Sons Funeral Home, 1300 W. Chestnut St. with burial in Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation 6-9 p.m. Wednesday