In Memoriam: Remembering the Original Hawk, James “Jim” Brennan ’58

Tribute To James "Jim" Brennan '58

The creative mind behind the The Hawk mascot, Brennan originally suggested a live hawk as the University's mascot before shifting his focus to a hawk suit. Working with St. Joe's student government and athletics department, Brennan raised enough money for the creation of The Hawk, and made his debut on December 3, 1955, as Saint Joseph's beat Rhode Island, 84-72, at the Palestra. 

"When I was in costume, I didn't want to be just a fan watching the game," the former Marine and SJU cheerleader remarked in 2005. "So I started flapping."

And the flapping continued as Brennan remained The Hawk through his junior and senior years at St. Joe's, serving as the catalyst for the more than 60 students to represent the greatest mascot in college athletics, and ultimately establishing The Hawk Will Never Die as a university-wide creed.

"Jim Brennan was not only the original Hawk, but a true visionary when it comes to institutional spirit and branding," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Jill Bodensteiner. "Jim's legacy is truly special — he was the first in the line of many who have represented the greatest mascot in college sports."

In 2014, Brennan published the book "HawkTales: Tales of America's Most Honored Sports Mascot and Its Continuing Legacy at Saint Joseph's University," documenting more than 50 years of Hawk mascots, games, coaches and players. The next year, he received men's basketball's Michael J. Conway Memorial Award for his support of the program.

"Tradition begins with originality. That's exactly how Jim always introduced himself … as The Original. What is amazing is how his originality transformed a nickname and costume into a spirit that truly is Saint Joseph's University," said Dan Gallagher, BS '94, MS '99, former Hawk and trustee of Saint Joseph's University. "On behalf of the more than 60 students that have served as successors to The Original, we honor and thank Jim, and we pray for his family."

Calling hours will be held Friday July 19 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, followed by a funeral home service and military honors. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, Jim Brennan's family invite all to share their appreciation of his life and in honor of his passion for cheering people on as Saint Joseph's University's original Hawk by contributing to the Jim Brennan Original Hawk Memorial. Donations will support SJU's Hawk Mascot program.