Wearing a T-shirt that read "Keep Jim Thorpe in Jim Thorpe," the great Native American Indian athlete's grandson – John Thorpe of Lake Tahoe, CA – is adamant in his desire to keep his grandfather's body in the twenty-thousand pound, red granite mausoleum where he was laid to rest on Memorial Day of 1957.

"My brother, Michael Koehler, and I – as well as our entire side of the family – are behind the town in their legal battle to keep my grandfather where he belongs – right here in the town that bears his name," said Thorpe."I'd like to thank everybody for coming out this weekend to support the town and to honor my grandfather," he continued. "It means a lot."The town of Jim Thorpe celebrates the life and legacy of its namesake this weekend. Festivities for the 19th annual Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration kicked off Saturday with a Native American Indian tribute featuring Don "Wild Eagle" Wuebber at the Jim Thorpe Mausoleum."We are all one – a family coming together in this beautiful town of Jim Thorpe," remarked Wuebber.Following this ceremony, the Jim Thorpe High School Olympians cross country and track teams carried a lighted torch from the mausoleum to Jim Thorpe High School Stadium. After lighting the torch for the Carbon County Special Olympics track and field competition there, the runners then proceeded through town to Josiah White Park at the train station where they lit the Olympic torch.Special medals were awarded to the cross country, track, and cheerleading teams – as well as to their coaches. Qualifying for their first-ever trip to the PIAA state meet as a team, members of the 2013 Jim Thorpe High School boys' cross country team were recognized for their efforts.State Representative Doyle Heffley of the 122nd Legislative District read a proclamation by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives declaring Saturday, May 17, 2014 "James Francis Thorpe Day" throughout the Commonwealth. A large birthday cake was then presented, cut, and made available throughout the weekend.Also taking part in the festivities were retired Sports Director Chuck Gentile and his wife, Wanda, from the United States Army War College in Carlisle; Carbon County Commissioner Tom Gerhard and Jim Thorpe Mayor Michael Sofranko.According to Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration Event Coordinator Anne Marie Fitzpatrick, "We are very pleased at the number of people who visited town this weekend to help us honor our namesake."In addition to the guests who drove to town, a train with approximately 500 passengers onboard Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway arrived in Jim Thorpe for a four-hour layover. Proceeds from this train ride benefit the White Haven Ambulance Association."I know that my grandfather is at peace here," said Thorpe. "I've discussed the matter with Sitting Bull's great-grandson, Ernie LaPointe, and he also believes that my grandfather is at peace here – as do the Lakota people.""Keep Jim Thorpe in Jim Thorpe," he concluded.Sponsored by Amazing Jim Thorpe – formerly known as Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency – the birthday celebration continues Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free musical performances; Native American Indian folklore, dancing, and drumming; craft and food vendors; Buster the Clown; a large Chinese Auction; and more.