James H. Harkins
Bantamweight
1913 - 1919

Jimmy Harkins, born June 1, 1897, on Buffalo's East Side, was a fighter all his eighty-seven years. He started boxing in the amateurs in 1913 at the age of sixteen, as a Bantamweight. Fight results and records were not always available prior to 1920 but researching family newspaper clippings and memorabilia revealed that Jimmy fought fifty bouts, (several in the Old Broadway Auditorium) which included - 40 wins, 5 KO's, 5 Draws, and only 5 Losses. When reminiscing about his boxing career, he would proudly mention that "no one ever counted ten over him".

In 1918, Jimmy served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. He was a gunners mate on a transport ship that crossed the Atlantic Ocean four times. Before Jimmy's first ship assignment, he won the Navy's Bantamweight Championship at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Jimmy boxed several times while in the Navy. He fought twice against Johnny Perry, a U.S. National Bantamweight Champion. He lost the first fight, which was held in France, but won the rematch bout while stationed in England.

After World War I, Jimmy decided to retire from boxing in 1919. He went into the 'political field in 1923. Jimmy became a Committeeman in the old 17th Ward in Buffalo's University District, a position he held for forty-three consecutive years. In 1937, he was elevated to the Ward Chairmanship. He also worked as an engine dispatcher for the New York Central Railroad for forty-five years.

When Jimmy retired in 1960, he became a judge's aide in Erie County Hall, and later. served seven years in the administration of the late Mayor, Frank A. Sedita.

Jimmy's contributions to the sport of boxing go beyond the ring. He frequently attended local amateur and professional boxing cards. In 1962, Jimmy started the local chapter of "The National Veteran Boxer's Association, Ring #44", along with fellow boxing friend, Freddie Mueller. Jimmy served as President for many years, held many Dinner Dances and Banquets and attended many conventions with it's members and their wives, to promote the general welfare of active and retired boxers. In 1962, Ring #44 raised money to purchase a headstone for the late. Jimmy Slattery at his gravesite. Many of the Great old- time fighters contributed and were on hand for the ceremony.

Jimmy Harkins died on June 30, 1984. The present day Ring #44 owes much gratitude for the commitment and the contributions that Jimmy gave to the sport of Boxing, and the National Veteran Boxers Association, Ring #44, for without them, we would not he here today carrying on the tradition that they so loved. It is our honor to induct Jimmy Harkins into Ring #44's Boxing Hall of Fame tonight. God Bless Jimmy Harkins!