"The town of Jim Thorpe, PA is facing a legal battle with the legendary athlete's son, who is demanding his remains be exumed and transported back to Oklahoma-where he's from. His son resents having his father's remains exploited as a tourist attraction and is suing to have them returned.

Outside of the state of Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe is an obscure town to many. For those of us in PA and even South Jersey, it's a great place to visit and is reminisicient of New Hope and the likes.

The town of Jim Thorpe got it namesake when they stepped up and offered to bury Jim Thorpe when his hometown in Oklahoma refused to bury him. They purchased the remains from his third wife and erected a monument in his honor. Thus, the town of Mach Chunk became Jim Thorpe.

Even if Jim Thorpe's son wins the case it's unlikely to destroy the town as the writer from sportsgrid.com states. This writer states, "All in all, burying Jim Thorpe’s remains near where The Office takes place seems weird to me, and I’d be surprised if they didn’t end up back in Oklahoma. This, of course, is bad news for the town who’s entire economy is based on a single athlete, but we’ve seen recently how that’s not exactly the greatest plan to begin with." And, this couldn't be further from the truth.

His son, Jack Thorpe is likely to win the case as there is a Federal Law known as the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act, which states Native American remains shall be returned to their tribe.

Jim Thorpe is one of the treasures of Pennsylvania. While Jim Thorpe may lose the resting place of the man who they are named after, this town will still survive. "

Get the Story:
Dennnis Bakay: Jim Thorpe PA Will Not Be Decimated If Son Wins Case Forcing Remains To Be Returned

Related Stories:
Jim Thorpe's son sues to have remains returned to Oklahoma (6/25)
Commentary: A good case for returning Thorpe to Oklahoma (5/24)