Lloyd "Jim" Burnell

Year Inducted: 2019

Whether it was on the football field, basketball court, track or softball diamond, Lloyd “Jim” Burnell made quite an impact on sports in Port Huron.

Burnell excelled a student/athlete, coach and administrator during his career.

The 1968 Port Huron Northern graduate excelled in football, basketball and track during his prep career.

The Huskies’ starting quarterback for three years was selected to the Eastern Michigan League team in 1967. He was named the Tomlinson Spark Plug award winner and set team passing records for passing percentage and completions.

In track, he set school records in the 100- and 220-yard dashes and long jump.

Following his prep career, Burnell played guard for two seasons on the St. Clair County Community College basketball team. The Skippers won MCCAA state championships both seasons. He went on to play basketball for two more seasons at Adrian College.

During the summer months after college, Burnell was an outstanding fast-pitch softball player in Port Huron. He also played for teams in Flint and Detroit.

The fleet centerfielder earned Class A All-American honors in 1976 and played for a Detroit-based team in the fast-pitch Open Division nationals in 1977.

Burnell taught and coached varsity basketball at L’Anse Creuse North High School for three years. The Crusaders went 42-23 during the stretch after the varsity program had won only 36 games in the prior seven seasons.

Following his L’Anse Creuse North teaching and coaching career, Burnell returned to Port Huron Northern as assistant principal and athletic director in 1985. The Huskies won numerous league and postseason titles during Burnell’s nine years in charge of the athletic program. He helped provide the best possible coaches, facilities, equipment and learning environment for PHN students and athletes.

Burnell and his wife, Pat, live in Fort Myers, Fla. He is enjoying his grandchildren and the challenge of playing golf and has four hole-in-ones to his credit. His daughter, Andrea, and son, Tommy, have two and three children, respectively.