West Texas cowboy from Wisconsin who got to Austin as fast as he could. Great RB Great person Thanks for the memories
Rest in Peace #35 - one of the all time greats. Between him and Jake I expect a burnt orange sunset this evening. Hook'Em
NO!!! He died much too young at 71 !!! Story goes one of his relatives wrote DKR about this terrific RB at Hudson HS (Wisconsin) and DKR checked him out and gave him scholarship. What a gem he turned out to be and played for the Rams in the NFL. RIP Jim 2 out of that 1969 Wishbone backfield are gone.... Street and now Bertelsen . Plus Pete Lammons and Jake Elhinger this week...
He was a fantastic RB. He was my favorite at that time! Accounted for chunks of yardage every time he touched the football. RIP Mr. Bertelsen.
Did a search on the Internet to see if a cause of death was listed. Only saw Kirk Bohl's reported it but no cause stated.
From what I have read over the years... Jim was a warrior on the field, quiet off the field. Reserved as a player on a team getting massive attention. He was very talented and went out and executed. Exceptional vision and ability. Gained a lot of yards from late option pitches from Street and Phillips. A Longhorn Legend! Still cannot believe he is gone...
Wonder what former teammates Worster, Koy, Peschel, Achilles, McKay, Campbell, Atessis, Henderson & Halsell would say about Jim?
He was the proof of the Wishbone concept. His group ran it as freshmen, before the varsity implemented it. In first scrimmage, it took about 10 plays to show boys could compete with men. He’d hit you like a diesel truck or just run around you. Fast as a cat and tough as a boot. But, didn’t say too much. A damn fine man.
I still jump out of my chair watching the '69 Texas-Arkansas game when Bertlesen scores the winning TD.
The block he throws on Koys run the play before is pretty damn good also..............helluva player!
Him and Street were first football heroes of mine....As a 7-8 year old going to the games in Ft Worth and Dallas they were bigger than life...
This photo is one of my favs. Look at the size of the hole Bertelsen ran through! This is 1970 vs. Ark in Austin. I went to the game with my Dad - still have the game program. Bertelsen and Horns ran wild on the Hogs that day... 42-7 was the final.
Ever since they were played, the ‘69 Great Shootout and the ‘70 Cotton Bowl are my top 2 favorite games to watch. RIP Jim, and thank you for the great memories.
Looking for when & where he passed away for his record at Pro FB HOF in Canton. Presume it was May 6 but where. Do you know funeral home handling services? Thanks Rich Bozzone
RB, If the HOF has Bill Bradley's contact information, Bill went out to Jim's ranch and visited with him a while back. You might also contact the T Association through the Longhorn Foundation (512-471-4439) OR contact Billy Dale at Texas Legacy Support Network Texas Legacy Support Network Texas Legacy Support Network If all that fails, send me a PM with your contact info and and I'll have Billy call you. Hook em