James Harold Strong, Jr., of Spring, Texas, was born on December 12, 1946 in San Antonio, Texas to parents James H Strong Sr. and Ethel May Cobb.  He attended Sam Houston High School in San Antonio, Texas and played football with the University of Houston.

On December 31, 1969 Jim (#28) ran for 184 yards and two touchdowns to lead the University of Houston to a 36-7 victory over Auburn and named bowl MVP in the 11th annual Astro Bluebonnet Bowl game.  Jim rushed for 1,293 yards that season as the nations' #4 rusher in the NCAA and the fourth best season in U of H history.  U of H finished the season with a 9-2 record and ranked 12th, Jim Strong was named second team All American. Strong is tenth in career rushing yards at U of H with 1,936 and tied for eighth in career rushing touchdowns with 19.

Jim was drafted in the seventh round of the 1970 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He played one season in San Francisco and two years for the New Orleans Saints.  He also played partial seasons with Oakland Raiders and the Houston Oilers.  Jim also played 2 years as running back in the World Football League playing with the San Antonio Wings and Florida Blazers.

He married Eileen January Strong in August of 1967.  They raised two sons, Corbin and Chad who both reside in the Houston area.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Eileen J. Strong; his sons, Corbin Strong, and Chad Strong; and his siblings, Susan Strong Myers, Jeff Strong, Cathy Strong Bradley, and Joel Timothy Strong.

Jim's family will receive friends and loved ones for a celebration of his life at 10 am on Monday, June 10, 2019 at the Conroe Country Club.