“Big Jim” was born in Chicago, Ill. on Sept. 16, 1907. Recruited by Hall of Fame coach Lou Little to the Hilltop, where he captained the Georgetown University football team, he was named an All-America lineman and punter. During the 1930 East-West Shrine Game, he captained the East team to at 19-7 victory.

After graduating with a BA in psychology, Jim joined the still young National Football League, where he played from 1930 until 1935 for the Bears and Cardinals as an All-Pro lineman, kicker and punter. Following his departure from the NFL, he coached for Columbia University, as well as the New York Yankees of the “American Professional Football League”.

Big Jim’s father had spent his entire career in the Chicago police force, and retired as the chief of detectives. In 1937, in order to please his father, Jim Mooney became a Chicago police officer, continuing the family tradition. After six years on the Chicago police force, he joined the Army on November 20, 1943.

On Aug. 12, 1944, while serving as a Corporal in the 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, Jim Mooney was killed near Sourdeval, France. He left behind a young widow and two young sons, 10-year old James III, and two-year old Philip.