R.I.P. Fats Domino (1928-2017)

Legendary rock and roll artist Antoine "Fats" Domino passed away today from natural causes in his beloved hometown of New Orleans, LA, at the age of 89.  He was a pioneer in bringing New Orleans-style rhythm-and-blues stride piano to rock and roll's early days. Domino is well known for hits such as "I'm Walking," "I Want To Walk You Home," "Ain't That A Shame," "My Blue Heaven," and "Blueberry Hill." 

In his later years, Domino received national attention when he needed to be rescued from his complex in the Ninth Ward due the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005.

With his passing, James gets his first action in Tomb Bowl XIV and now trails John 2 - 1. Since he died well after Mardi Gras weekend, James does not receive double points.

For a local New Orleans obituary on the life and legend of Fats Domino, click the link here.

May he rest in peace.

R.I.P. Jerry Lewis (1926-2017)

After a nearly six-month lull in Tomb Bowl XIV, movement on the scoreboard took place yesterday as Jerry Lewis, legendary comedian, actor, singer, director, entertainer, and philanthropist, died at the age of 91.

Mr. Lewis was a Labor Day staple in our household as his Labor Day Telethon to raise awareness and funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and his rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" to close out the program was an annual event not to be missed for our parents and us.

Jerry Lewis was a "charter member" of the Tomb Bowl, having been on James' list since its inception in 2004. James "released" him from his list two years ago, after 12 Tomb Bowls, and John promptly scooped him up for his roster.  John was two weekends away from receiving a double point bonus had Jerry passed Labor Day weekend.  With Mr. Lewis' passing, John now holds a 2 - 0 advantage over James close to two-thirds of the way through the year.

You can read more about Jerry Lewis' life in this obituary posted in today's New York Times.


We pray that his soul rests in peace.

R.I.P. David Rockefeller (1915 - 2017)

After 2016's 'carousel of celebrity passings,' the 'first quarter' of 2017 was relatively quiet.  There was a brief period of time at the beginning of the year when James almost had Tomb Bowl XIV locked up with George H.W. & Barbara Bush hospitalized at the same time.  However,  they looked quite healthy on the field for the Super Bowl LI coin toss in his home town of Houston, TX.

Today, however, Tomb Bowl XIV had its first action on the board as banker, philanthropist, and Rockefeller empire heir David Rockefeller died at the roubst age of 101.

John now takes a 1 - 0 lead.

To read more on the life and legacy of David Rockefeller, read his obituary in the New York Times.

May he rest in peace.