Golf in mourning, Jim Colbert has died

The golf world is mourning the death of Jim Colbert, who passed away at 85. Turning professional in 1965, Colbert joined the PGA Tour the following year and his first victory came at the 1969 Monsanto Open. In his 14 seasons on the circuit he won eight titles. After retiring from professional golf in 1987, he decided to pursue a career as a television commentator.

Jim Colbert had been a member of the Kansas State University Athletic Hall of Fame since 1991, and the university’s athletic director, Gene Taylor, decided to remember him this way, “He left an indelible mark on the golf world, both as a player and as the architect of our Colbert Hills, but it was mostly his extraordinary passion for K-State that made him special. I had the privilege of knowing him personally and seeing how much he loved this university. He will be sorely missed.”

Before becoming a professional golfer, Colbert played football for several years but numerous injuries convinced him to take up the bat. “Jim Colbert’s passing leaves a huge void in so many people and projects across the country,” said former football coach Bill Snyder.

“Jim had a positive impact on so many people’s lives. He was always ready to help his community and anyone in need. He and his wonderful wife Marcia were special friends to so many people. Colbert Hills meant so much to Manhattan and all of Kansas, but even more than that, their sincere friendship mattered to Sharon, to me and to our family. It would not take all the pages of a newspaper to tell what they have meant to us, to this community, and to the golf world.”