Lloyd "Jim" Burnell
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- Induction Year:
- 2025
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- Sport:
- Basketball
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- Year(s):
- 1968-70
A 3-sport athlete in high school and 1968 graduate of Port Huron Northern, Lloyd “Jim” Burnell decided to stay home and play two years of basketball for the legendary coach Sam Kromer.
During those two seasons, Jim helped the Skippers to unprecedented success, winning 30+ games in both seasons. SC4 was also crowned Michigan Community Junior College Athletic Conference (MCJAC) state champions during Burnell’s freshman season thanks to a perfect 16-0 division record that year.
Jim is thankful to coach Kromer for giving a local kid an opportunity to compete at the next level with his hometown team. Following his time in the blue and gold, Jim transferred to Adrian College where he completed his playing career and earned his degree.
Post college, Burnell began teaching at L’Anse Creuse high school in 1974 and took over as the varsity boys basketball coach in 1981. He then returned to Port Huron where he held the position of assistant principal and athletic director at his alma mater. He also served as the assistant principal at Holland Woods Middle School before retiring as the Executive Director of Human Resources for the Port Huron Area School District.
“I want to say a special thank you to my wife Pat, who has always been extremely supportive of me,” said Burnell. He continued, stating “I’m also thankful for SC4 which gave me an exceptional experience that I will always appreciate. Playing, coaching, and watching my son and grandchildren play basketball is and has been an influential and special part of my life.”
