- Jan 1 Bruce Norris, American Hockey Hall of Fame executive (owner Detroit Red Wings 1952-82), dies at 61
- Jan 1 Marty Friedman, American Basketball Hall of Fame guard and coach (tied World C'ship series, New York Whirlwinds 1921), dies at 96
Bill Veeck (1914-1986)
Jan 2 American Baseball HOF executive (owner Chicago WS, Cleveland Indians [World Series 1948], St. Louis Browns), dies of lung cancer at 71
- Jan 5 Ilmari Salminen, Finnish athlete (Olympic gold 10,000m 1936), dies at 83
- Jan 15 James H "Jim" Crowley, US football player (Notre Dame), dies at 83
- Jan 20 Franz Kemser, German 4 man bobsled (Olympic gold 1952), dies at 75
- Jan 25 Dennis Smith, New Zealand cricket fast bowler (1 Test; lone wicket off first ball; Otago, Canterbury), dies at 73
Baseball Players
Basketball Stars
Boxers
Footballers
NFL Stars
Tennis Champions