Jim "Yamma Yamma" Fleming
UM Hurricane Sports Enthusiast Extraordinaire
Will Be Sorely Missed
The University of Miami sports world was rocked Monday as fans learned of the passing of Jim Fleming, 61, after suffering a heart attack early that morning. Jim, who was more widely known as Yamma Yamma, was a student and a cheerleader at the University of Miami during the mid 1960's. Through the turbulent 60's, the lackluster 70's, the rocketing 80's and all the way through the 2005 season, Yamma brought his unique combination of energy, enthusiasm and profound love for his Hurricanes to all UM sports (although he admitted to a special bond with the football team). He was the one constant on the sideline through 9 coaches and hundreds of players.
Jim was born and raised in Rochester, New York, before moving to Miami for university life. He completed his sales & marketing degree at the University of Miami in 1968 and moved to Fort Myers in 1972. While he maintained his Hurricane Enthusiast persona on the weekends, during the week he was a successful businessman and became a highly-respected civic leader in Southwest Florida. In fact, on Friday, February 18th, 2006, Fleming formally announced his candidacy for the Florida House of Representatives, District 73.
Jim had a unique ability to make everyone laugh, and a creative energy that was unsurpassed. The origination of his "Yamma Yamma" nickname was from a cheer he created that has been a fan favorite for decades ("Gonna shake orange, green and white, yamma, yamma...Skit, skat & how 'bout that"!). He often used his creativity to write parody songs to rally the fans against rival teams or to spur on a favorite player. As fans from all over are posting on the Hurricane message board...the U lost it's #1 fan this week, and he will be so sorely missed.
Jim is survived by his wife, Charlotte whom he had loved for over 25 years; children James Winthrow, Sharye McDonald, Abby Dillon and Janet Withrow; grandchildren Heather Withrow, Riley Best, Josie Altamirano and Jesse Altimirano; siblings Therese Fleming, Gerry Fleming, Peggy Fleming and Patty Fleming; and his extended UM family...the "Fun Bunch".
The viewing will be held on Friday at Farley Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass Saturday at 2:00 pm at St. Rafael Catholic Church, both in Lehigh Acres, SW Florida.
In lieu of flowers Jim's family requests that donations be made to the UM Band of the Hour: University of Miami, Phillip & Patricia Frost School of Music, San Amaro Drive, Fillmore Hall 201, Coral Gables, FL 33146. Checks should be made payable to UM Band of the Hour. 
