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College Football Timekeeper, 83, Back After Transplant

Jim Ely, 83, became the oldest kidney transplant patient at St. Paul University Hospital in December — and was in charge of the play clock at the first College Football Playoff National Championship just weeks later.

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The Carrol A. "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center, which includes a football and soccer stadium and a natatorium, was built as part of a $388.6 bond package.
Credit: Callie Richmond

Jim Ely, 83, became the oldest, and last, kidney transplant patient at St. Paul University Hospital in December — and was in charge of the play clock at the first College Football Playoff National Championship just weeks later. He’d been on the kidney transplant waiting list for several years. Although he was older than most transplant recipients, his robust health and drive convinced physicians that he was a strong candidate. (The Dallas Morning News)

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