Jim Bertelsen obit

James Bertelsen

San Marcos, Texas February 26, 1950 - May 7, 2021

 

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On Friday, May 7, 2021, James “Jim” Allen Bertelsen, loving father of two children, passed away at the age of 71.

Jim was born on February 26, 1950 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Arved and Lillian (Luko) Bertelsen and was raised in Hudson, Wisconsin. He received his Bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 1976, after starring as member of two national championship football teams at the university. In 1974 he married Laura Lacy. They raised a son, Andy, and a daughter, Katie.

He played college football for the Texas Longhorns and was a highly regarded high school football player in Wisconsin out of Hudson.

As a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin in 1969, he helped lead the Longhorns to a national championship in the Wishbone option offense, alongside James Street, Steve Worster, and Ted Koy. As a senior in 1971, Bertlesen was the team's lead ground gainer. In his career at Texas (1969–1971), he rushed for 2,510 yards, averaging 6.1 yards a carry and 33 touchdowns, and also had nine 100-yard rushing games.

After storied athletic high school and collegiate careers, Jim was drafted 30th overall in the 1972 NFL draft. He played five and a half years for the Los Angeles Rams, including being named to the 1972 Pro Bowl, before his career was cut short by injury. After his football career Jim returned to Austin, Texas where he immersed himself in a variety of ventures, including owning and training racehorses as well as owning and operating a bar. Eventually, Jim settled into sales positions in the construction field before taking a position with Arnold Oil Company where he worked up until his retirement in 2013.

Jim spent his final twenty-plus years living on a secluded 10-acre plot in the Texas hill country, enjoying its peace and quiet, coupled with frequent visits to and from friendly neighbors, loving family and ex-teammates.

Jim was preceded in death by his father Arved and his mother Lillian. He is survived by his two children Andy and Katie, his two brothers Gary and Chris, as well as his granddaughter Ella-Kate.