- Jan 2 Jean Vuarnet, French alpine skier (Olympic gold downhill 1960; World C'ship gold 1960), dies after a stroke at 83
- Jan 4 Milt Schmidt, Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame center (Stanley Cup 1939, 41; Boston Bruins) and coach/GM (Stanley Cup 1970, 72; Boston Bruins), dies from a stroke at 98
- Jan 11 François Van der Elst, Belgian soccer winger (44 caps; Anderlecht, West Ham Utd), dies from cardiac arrest at 62
- Jan 18 Rachel Heyhoe Flint, English cricket batter (22 Tests, 23 ODOs; captain 1966-78; inaugural Women's World Cup 1973), businesswoman and philanthropist, dies at 77
- Jan 18 Roberta Peters [Peterman], American operatic soprano (NY Metropolitan Opera, 1950-85), dies of Parkinson's disease at 86
- Jan 22 Yordano Ventura, Dominican MLB pitcher (Kansas City Royals), dies in a car crash at 25
Baseball Players
Basketball Stars
Boxers
Footballers
NFL Stars
Tennis Champions