Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

GRANT

Former Jamaican athlete James 'Jimmy' Grant lost a two-year battle with cancer yesterday in Iowa, United States.

Grant, who represented Jamaica at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, was head coach of the University of Iowa's women's track and field team.

He died at age 60, leaving five children - Flor-Maria Grant-Cope, Suzette Grant-McTaggart, Aisha Grant-Daley, Kareem Grant and Jamie-Lee Grant.

Howard Aris, president of the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association, described Grant as a true gentleman who has done a lot for Jamaica's track and field.

Aris, said since Grant left Jamaica "he continued to help our athletes over in the U.S. by getting scholarships for some. He will be sadly missed and condolences to his family and his younger brother Charley."

Before leaving for the U.S., Grant coached at the high school level in Jamaica for 11 years, including stints at Kingston College, St. Jago and G. C. Foster College.

Grant, who also coached Bert Cameron in the early years of his development at St. Jago High, will also be missed by the Iowa family.

"The University of Iowa family has lost a valued member today," University of Iowa director of athletics, Gary Barta, was quoted as saying yesterday on the institution's website, hawkeyesports.com.

It added: "The news of Jim's passing is terribly sad for all of us who knew and worked with him. The example he set as a coach and important member of our staff was truly something special. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."