The story of what is to be done with the body of Jim Thorpe has attracted national attention all summer.

A decision made by the Jim Thorpe Borough Council at its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday evening, to fight attempts to have the body removed, ensures that the story won't be ending anytime soon.On June 25, the council received a letter, in the form of a legal complaint, from the Olympic athlete's son Jack Thorpe. The letter threatened a lawsuit and required a response from the borough within 60 days. The terms of the lawsuit seek compensation and punitive damages, in an amount to be decided in trial, as well as the payment of legal fees.Borough solicitor James Nanovic recommended to council that it respond by saying that the borough will defend itself against the lawsuit. The defense will be carried by Nanovic and attorney William Schwab, who has offered to represent the borough pro bono.Nanovic declined to describe in more detail why he felt it necessary to fight the motion. Council Vice-President John McGuire said that it was necessary to defend against the lawsuit. He also said that the story is more complicated than people realize."Even if damages weren't being sought, there is still the issue of the contract that we have with the Thorpe family. Returning the body to one portion of the family would actually be breaking the contract that we have with the rest of the family. At this point we haven't been in contact with them and don't know how they feel," he said.Interested persons can read the lawsuit in its entirety at the Jim Thorpe borough office.