James Podoley

PODOLEY, James (Jim), age 76, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at home after a brief battle with melanoma cancer. Jim, son of Mary and Michael Podoley was born September 16, 1933 in Mount Morris, Michigan. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia, his son, Jimmy Podoley and wife, Jacki, of Davidsonville, MD; daughter Deanna Poore and husband, Jack, of Palmyra, Va., daughter Lisa Steinkamp and husband, Mark, of Hampstead, NC., son Dan Podoley and wife, Christine, of Edgewater, MD and 9 grandchildren. Jim was a 1957 graduate of Central Michigan University. He was a two-sport standout who led the football team to a 32-4-1 record and scored 51 touchdowns (a CMU Record), including 6 in one game, during his college career. In track he averaged 21.4 points per meet in his four year career. He was named track MVP all four years and held five different CMU track records at one time including briefly a world record in the 220 low hurdles. He was elected to the CMU hall of fame in 1984. Jim was chosen in the fourth round of the NFL 1957 draft by the Washington Redskins. In his rookie year he became the centerpiece of the "Lollypop" backfield and led the NFL in reception average at 20.5 yards. A Pro-Bowl selection in 1957 and 1959 he played professionally for five years with the Skins and Giants. Jim worked for the State Farm Insurance Company for 48 years. He was actively involved in the New Carrollton Boys and Girls club for many years and was an assistant football coach at Gallaudet College. In his spare time, he had a passion for golf, loved to travel and spend time at the beach. Family will receive friends at the family owned BEALL FUNERAL HOME, 6512 NW Crain Hwy. (Rte. 3 South), Bowie, MD on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 from 6:00-8:00pm, where a Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 11:00am. Interment, Fort Lincoln Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Hwy., Annapolis, MD 21401 or to American Cancer Society, 1041 Rte. 3 North, Bldg. A., Gambrills, MD 21054.