James "Jimmy" Glenn

James Lee Glenn, Sr. was born on August 18, 1930 in Monticello, Fairfield County, South Carolina to Susie Glenn and Willie Williams, Sr. Susie came from a family of sharecroppers, but she dreamed of a different life for her son. In the late 1930’s, Susie left James with her father, and traveled north to Washington D.C. in search of a better life for her family. There, Susie along with her husband, Bishop Jonah Robertson, established a home for young JamieLee, as he was affectionately called by his mother, and he joined them in the nation’s capital in 1937. In 1939, they resettled in Harlem, NYC on East 127th Street. Susie labored as a domestic worker while Bishop Robertson served both as the pastor of the Highway Christian Church of God in Christ and a custodian for Revlon Cosmetics. For the next 30 years, East 127th Street would serve as the nexus for James’ life, as his home, the place where he would nurture his love affair with boxing and the place where he would start his family. Harlem generally, and East 127th Street in particular, were where Jimmy developed the life skills, character and the passion that would guide him throughout the rest of his life.

At age 14, James’ uncles were drafted overseas to fight in WWII, so he returned to South Carolina to help his beloved grandfather on the family farm. After the war, James made his way back to NYC. James always loved to recount the fact that as his grandfather saw him off, he placed a fifty-cent piece in young James’ hand, saying “go make a million.” It was a deep point of pride that during his life he made his grandfather proud and did just that.

Upon returning to Harlem, James attended Cooper Junior High School, but left early to join the work force to help support his mother. He worked several jobs, including as a painter, truck driver, cab driver and salesman at Len Wolf Textiles.

One day, while exploring the streets of Harlem, James came across a gym on 116th Street where the legendary boxer Sugar Ray Robinson trained. There he would watch Sugar Ray practicing the “sweet science”, admiring his speed, dexterity and strength. It was there, that boxing became James’ passion, as he dreamed to one day emulate Sugar Ray in the ring.

James understood that if he wanted something he had to work hard for it, and he joined the neighborhood Flanagan’s Center Police Athletic League Boxing Program (“PAL”), on East 127th Street, where he trained to develop the skills he would need to be successful in the ring. His amateur career spanned the 1940-1950s, with a record of 14-2, culminating in a loss to the young Floyd Patterson, which changed the focus of his relationship with boxing. Though those who were in attendance for that fight say he handled himself well against the future Olympic Gold Medalist and Heavyweight Champion, James decided that just being a good boxer was not good enough for him. Instead, he wanted to train and teach boxing.

James became involved with the PAL, Golden Gloves and ultimately the Third Moravian Church on East 127th Street where he trained young men to box. As teacher, he taught more than just how to throw a jab, or an upper cut, but how to avoid the harsh realities that awaited his pupils outside the doors of the gym. During this time, James also founded a Little League baseball team known as, “The Hornets.”

In 1978, James opened his own gym, on West 42nd Street, the acclaimed “Times Square Boxing Gym,” which endured until 1993 when New York City began the redevelopment of Times Square.

Jimmy had a legendary career, working as a famed gym owner, cutman, trainer, manager and promoter. Jimmy worked with many world class boxers including Floyd Patterson, Bobby Cassidy, Jameel McCline, Terrence Alli, Shane Mosley, Howard Davis, Jr., and many others. His skill as a trainer and cutman allowed him to travel the world. Jimmy was easily recognizable by the long q-tips hanging from his mouth and his shirt tail sticking out from the back of his pants. Jimmy was a gentle giant, known for his kind heart, warm smile and sage words of advice. And, even though boxing is a tough business, with many pitfalls, Jimmy always exuded an inner strength and a certain sort of fearlessness that allowed him to overcome any obstacles placed in his path. Despite his and his fighters’ many successes, Jimmy’s proudest achievements were never focused on what his fighters did in the ring but on the good men that they became outside of it.

Over the years, Jimmy Glenn was also an astute businessman, owning several successful businesses throughout his lifetime. In 1971, he opened Les Nanettes, a supper club on West 43rd Street. In 1973, he opened Jimmy’s Corner on West 44th Street, a quintessential dive bar and beloved New York institution, that has withstood the test of time, surviving in the same location for 47 years.

Jimmy’s Corner remains a shrine to Jimmy’s journey in boxing, adorned with photos and memorabilia, of him and his many friends. Most nights, Jimmy could be found sitting in his bar, his warm, welcoming smile made all, big and small, feel comfortable in his presence. All were welcomed at Jimmy’s Corner—famous celebrities, businesspersons, tourists and NYC locals, alike. At Jimmy’s Corner, all were equal, all were respected and all were happy for the chance to meet New York City icon, Jimmy Glenn.

In his extraordinary life, filled with amazing achievements, exciting adventures and incredible friends, nothing made Jimmy prouder than his family. He was fortunate to have the love and companionship of two incredible women, his first wife, Wynola Glenn, and his second wife, Swietlana “Swannie” Garbarska. Wynola and James had six children, five daughters and one son. Swannie and Jimmy had one son. Jimmy’s crowning joy was his children, knowing that he had provided them with the opportunities and support to pursue their dreams.

In his final years, James would often sit back, after a long night at the bar and reflect, saying, “I’ve had a good life, I gave my kids a good life and they’re all doing well. I love my bar and I helped keep a lot of kids off the street. I’ve come a long way.”

Jimmy leaves to cherish his memory seven children: Denise, Cheryl, Delana, Anita (Carlos), James Jr., Tanya and Adam; nine grandchildren, Kameelah, Karriem, Calum, Vanessa, Malcolm, Lisa, Donta, Ariel and Tyra; four great grandchildren Jamari, Arden, Preston and Carter; five siblings, Leola Alexander, Addie Mae Suber, Cleon Young, Willie Williams, Jr. and Robert Lee Robertson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and treasured friends. Jimmy was pre-deceased by his wives, Wynola Glenn and Swietlana Garbarska.