JAMES DESKIN  (Deceased)

Inducted: 1984 - Superior Performance

Jim was born on October 16, 1909, in Terra Haute, Indiana.  He started bowling as a youngster and became one of the Junior Stars in the Detroit area.   In 1946, Jim came to Southern Nevada and, after serving as a member of the board in various capacities, became President of the old Las Vegas Men's Association.   Jim did not limit his athletic endeavors to bowling.  He was at one time the manager of the Las Vegas Wranglers, a minor-league baseball team in the Sunset League.  He also held the offices of President of the World Boxing Association and Vice-President of the World Boxing Council, and was the Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.   Further credits to his name include being named as Man of the Year in boxing and the AAU Man of the Year for his distinguished service to Amateur Athletics.  In the years that he bowled, Jim was one of the top bowlers in the state.  Some of his more memorable accomplishments included four 700 series, two 300 games, and two 299 games.  In 1962, Jim won the SNBA Doubles Championship with Herb Christie.  His team placed second in the ABC Nationals in Detroit in 1961.   Jim also won a title for scratch all-events in an SNBA tournament, and in the early 1950's, he became the first Nevadan to join the PBA.