Jim Temp, former Packers player and executive committee member, dies at 79
Posted by on November 26, 2012 – 5:13 pmJames A. Temp, a former Green Bay Packers football player and member of the organization’s board of directors and executive committee, died on Sunday at the age of 79.
A native of La Crosse, Wis., Temp played college football at the University of Wisconsin and was drafted in the second round by the Packers in 1955. A defensive end, Temp played in 43 games for the Packers over four seasons (1957-60).
He was elected to the Packers’ board of directors in 1987 and then to the executive committee in 1993 before reaching emeritus status in 2004. Former Packers President/CEO Bob Harlan told packers.com that Temp replaced Hall of Famer Tony Canadeo on the executive committee.
“I always tried to keep somebody on the executive committee who could give us some football input in the decisions we were trying to make,” Harlan said. “I thought Jim would be a great guy to replace Tony, and he was that.”
Temp’s time on the executive committee spanned some major developments in Packers history. The team left Milwaukee and moved all its home games to Green Bay in 1994 and got a referendum passed to renovate Lambeau Field at the turn of the century.
“He was a valuable guy who helped us through a lot of major decisions,” Harlan said. “He was with us through some very important times.”
A baseball and football player before his professional days, Temp was inducted into the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. In 1993, he was named the Milwaukee Journal’s first-team defensive end on its all-time all-state high school football team, spanning 100 years of prep football in Wisconsin.
Among many charitable endeavors, Temp served as the UW-Green Bay Founders Association president in the early 1980s, heading a key philanthropic arm of the university.
“I admired him as a friend, and he was a great community leader, a very charitable person,” Harlan said. “He always wanted to contribute and give back to the community. I admired him as a man as much as I admired him for his help on the executive committee. He was that kind of person.”
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By JoAnn M Muir on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
I almost died Sun nite, too watching that NYG game.
By Monica on Nov 26, 2012 | Reply
I nominate Larry McCarren to fill James’ spot on the executive committee. Shareholders-any seconds or alternative votes?
By Melissa on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Not sure this is the best place to comment on the trivial aspects of a football game or who should fill an executive committee seat. Show some compassion. Be the Green Bay fans I am proud to be associated with, and leave your condolences or lock it up.
By Tom on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Kudos to Melissa for her sincere and excellent comments about leaving this blog for the bigger picture. Jim Temp has forgotten more incredible things he’s done for the community than most of us will ever accomplish.
By Rick on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
Great bio on this guy. Born in La Crosse, played for the Badgers, drafted by Green Bay in 1955 but didn’t join the team till 1957 after serving two years in the Army. Played two seasons with Lombardi when a shoulder injury ended his playing career. Joined the board of directors and played a part in the Pack’s re-emergence; saw them through eight division titles, three conference championships, and two Super Bowl wins (one of but five NFL teams to win multiple championships during that time). Impressive.
By Rick on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
And make it a 17th round pick at that, like Starr in 1956. Worked his way on up.
By Brian on Nov 27, 2012 | Reply
R.I.P. Mr. Temp. Go Pack Go!
By Sarah on Nov 28, 2012 | Reply
Shame on you JoAnn and Monica. Please consider the feelings of his family and friends before you make such trivial remarks upon the passing of a truly honorable man. Jim Temp was a WONDERFUL man. I had the privilege of knowing him my entire life. I count Jim and his wife among the most lovely people I have had the honor of knowing. I count myself among those who will miss him and Green Bay has lost a true legend; not just for his past as a football player, but also for the leader, husband and father that he was. Godspeed, “Mr. Temp”.
By Chuck Derenne on Dec 1, 2012 | Reply
Green Bay and the entire State of Wisconsin lost one of the finest men to ever wear the Green and Gold of the Packers and the red and white of the Badgers. Jim and his wife, Carol Jean, raised a beautiful family and gave so much back to the community in such class and humility. His contributions to UWGB, the YMCA, and many other organizations will be forever appreciated. What a beautiful memorial service today in Green Bay. RIP in Taco.