- Jan 9 Stan Spence, American baseball center fielder (MLB All-Star 1942, 44, 46, 47; Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, St. Louis Browns), dies from emphysema at 67
- Jan 17 Bill Bonthron, American athlete (world 1,500m record 3:48.8 1934), dies at 70
- Jan 20 Garrincha, Brazilian footballer, dies at 49
- Jan 23 Fred Bakewell, English cricket batsman (6 Tests, top score 107; Northamptonshire), dies at 74
Paul "Bear" Bryant (1913-1983)
Jan 26 American college football coach (Alabama), dies at 69
Baseball Players
Basketball Stars
Boxers
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NFL Stars
Tennis Champions