Our 2008 outstanding American could make the Hall of Fame in several categories. However, this amazing individual most certainly must be recognized as just that, outstanding! James Kamman is a highly successful IRS attorney with a distinguished military service. In addition, he has been a strong contributor to wrestling and was one of Minnesota's most accomplished wrestlers. A 1963 graduate of Grand Rapids High School he was a l963 Region 7 champion and placed 4th in state in the then "one class" state tournament at 133 pounds. Kamman is a member of the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, Grand Rapids Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Dave Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was also later inducted into the Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Kamman went on to wrestle at the University of Michigan, following in the path of his legendary high school coach, Novard "Skip" Nalan, a two time NCAA National Champion for Michigan. Kamman accumulated a 45-7 career record and captured an NCAA National championship at 152 pounds in l967. He was a three-time All-American, placing third in l965 and l966. At the l966 NCA tournament he pinned the #1 and #2 seeds! He may well have been a four-time All-American had freshmen been eligible to compete in that era. Along with his l967 national title, Kamman won two Big Ten championships at 147 pounds in l965 and 160 pounds in l967. He was the first Minnesota High School wrestler to win an NCAA title since Dick Mueller did it for the University of Minnesota back in l953. After serving as an assistant coach to Bucky Maughan at North Dakota State University in l967-l968, Kamman enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He got the opportunity to wrestle there as well. He was the All Marine/All Navy Champion in l969 and l970. He was also Inter Service Greco Roman Wrestling Champion in l970 at 163 pounds. He was Interservice Freestyle qualifying tournaments in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota in l968. His win-loss record during this time was 20-0. He also coached at the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point in l969-70. As a Marine, Kamman served from l968 to l972. He achieved the rank of Captain. Serving in l970 - l971 in Da Nang, Republic of Viet Nam, he flew more than 200 combat missions, including 100 night missions over Laos. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, received 15 Strike/Flight Air Medals and the Naval Achievement Medal with combat V. He served as a Bombardier/ Navigator. After his military experience Law School and received a J.D., Cum Laude, in June, l976, from Pepperdine University School of Law, graduating number two in his class, and serving as managing editor of the Law Review. Kamman then attended school at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco and received an LLM (Tax) in May, l980. He has been an active guest speaker and teacher on various tax topics. This most distinguished gentleman has lived an amazing and accomplished life. A national wrestling champion, patriot, war hero, scholar, attorney and contributor. Minnesota is honored to still claim him as one of their own. This Grand Rapids native makes Minnesota proud!