Athlete (1966-69) Barton, Alvin James "Jim"

[Turbine]

Jim Barton was truly one of Louisiana's all time great tailbacks.

As a Ragin' Cajun, Jim Barton lined up against the likes of Roger Staubach, and Terry Bradshaw, defeating the latter. He finished his career as a Cajun having experienced 25 wins in 4 years.

He was inducted into Louisiana's S-Club "Hall of Fame" in 1985. He was named to the ALL-Gulf States Conference team both his junior and senior years.

Jim's best year as a Cajun was probably 1968, as Louisiana went 8-2, came in first in the Gulf States Conference, defeated two bowl bound teams in LA-Tech and Arkansas State University. On a personal level Jim won the GSC scoring crown and placed 3rd in the rushing title.

Jim Barton's senior year was special in many ways: The 1969 season commemorated and celebrated the 100-year anniversary of American football. His final campaign was also McNaspy Fields second to last season, which never had a losing season while Jim Barton was on the field. (McNaspy all-time record 90-51-6)

For his senior campaign #43 set two University of Louisiana records: most rushes attempted (155) and most yards gained (775).

By the end of his senior year Barton also set 4 other career marks: most rushes attempted (408), most yards gained (1771), average yards per rush attempt (4.3), and t.d.'s by rushing (20).

[Turbine]

[NewsCopy]

SULPHUR - Alvin James "Jim" Barton, Jr., one of UL's all-time leading rushers as a three-year football letterman, died Thursday in Houston, Texas.

A native of Oakdale, Barton was an All-Gulf States Conference and Little All-American selection for then-USL and was inducted into the school's "S" Club Hall of Fame in 1985.

Barton led the Ragin' Cajuns in rushing three straight years from 1967-69, with his best season coming as a senior in 1969 when he carried for 775 yards and a 5.0 average along with eight touchdowns. His yardage total at the time was the second-highest in school history.

He carried for 600 yards and 10 touchdowns, at the time tying the school mark, as a junior, and scored a total of 13 touchdowns that season to rank sixth on the school's all-time single-scoring list. He finished his career with 1,771 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, with his rushing total still ranking as the seventh-best career total in school history.

He still holds a share of the school record for touchdowns and points scored in one game, scoring five touchdowns against Delta State in 1968 in a 32-27 win.

Barton, a resident of Kingwood, Texas, for the last six years, was a member of the 1965 Sulphur High state championship team before going to USL, from where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1970.

Burial service is scheduled today at 11 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Carlyss with interment immediately after. Honorary pallbearers include USL football teammates from 1966-70.

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[CajunCall]

It is sad really, he will miss the return to excellence that existed while he played.

[GetTheFacts1st]

Jim, was a gentleman's gentleman. Very courteous and accomodating.