A Billiards Pro's Comeback After a Stroke

A Life of Skill and Resilience

Judex James has long been recognized for his exceptional talent in the world of pool and billiards. For decades, he has been a standout figure in the central Illinois community, known for his steady and precise stroke that has earned him respect and admiration over the years. However, it was not his skill on the table that brought him to the brink of medical adversity, but rather an ischemic stroke on September 12, 2024.

At 83 years old, James has faced a challenging journey since last fall. Friends, family, teammates, and competitors from across the country are coming together this Saturday for a benefit event to support him during this difficult time. Nearly 100 players are expected to gather at Racks on the Rocks, located at 2800 W. Farmington Rd. in West Peoria, for a benefit tournament starting at 11 a.m.

“He has spent a lifetime in the game and just loves it, and the people in it love him,” said James' wife, Tammie Jamgochian, who is organizing the event. “It's so important, a blessing, for everyone to be there.”

Tammie recalls the moment when she realized something was wrong. “He was playing pool on Sept. 12 and started stumbling around the table. I used to work for AMT (Advanced Medical Transport) and I recognized what it was, grabbed him. He didn't know who I was. Then I saw his face droop and I KNEW.”

The stroke affected James’ right arm and leg, as well as his speech. A former Morgan Stanley broker, he has always had a strong affinity for numbers and is working hard to regain his mental processing abilities. “He's still in outpatient therapy, speech, physical and occupational therapy,” Tammie explained. “He's in a wheelchair, working on standing and taking steps. His memory is good now. He knows what he wants to say but it doesn't always come out right.”

Since the stroke, James has visited hospital emergency rooms six times between October and January due to unrelated medical issues, which have slowed his recovery. His medical bills continue to accumulate, making the support from the community even more crucial.

A Legacy in the Game

Judex James has been playing pool for nearly 80 years, establishing himself as a professional in the sport. He specializes in straight pool, 3-cushion billiards, and 9-ball. His journey began at age five, when he would stand on boxes around the table at a pool hall owned by his father.

Over the years, James has built a global reputation in the sport, once being ranked as high as 11th in the world among pro senior players. He has won the Greater Peoria Open nine times and has defeated numerous world champions in tournament play. Additionally, he is a respected instructor with CueSport International.

In 2014, he participated in an exhibition in Canton, attended by State Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria) and then-Fulton County Circuit Judge William Davis, both eager to witness his skills. In 2016, he led a Racks on the Rocks team to victory in the Billiard Congress of American Pool League National Championships in Las Vegas, where they triumphed over a field of 421 teams to win the Men’s Mixed Open 8-ball division title.

Supporting a Champion

On Saturday, Racks on the Rocks will host the benefit tournament to support Judex James. Two-person teams can participate for $60, with half of the fee going directly to James for his medical and living expenses, while the other half serves as prize money for the tournament participants. The format is High/Low, Blind Draw, Scotch Doubles 8-ball, with American Pool Players Association handicaps applied. It is a double-elimination tournament, with doors opening at 10 a.m. and the event starting at 11 a.m. As of Thursday night, 86 players had already registered.

Mark Wilson of U.S. Team Billiards will also be hosting a closed tournament on the 9-foot tables at the back of the venue. There will be a 50-50 raffle, and Tammie has been collecting donated items for a silent auction, including over 100 themed auction baskets.

“It's been just amazing,” she said. “Overwhelming, exhausting, but the generosity of the community is inspiring. We have a brand new DeWalt tool set, a $700 rug set, a Karaoke machine, and so much more. People have been bringing groceries to us, stopping by to visit and take pictures with Judex. A group of pool players came over and built a ramp for him. Another player paid for it anonymously. It's been a really hard time for Judex, but he's going to keep battling.”