Jim Tunney, Ed.D

Nominee for Pro Football Hall of Fame 15 times.

Jim Tunney had an exemplary career in sports. A former high school coach, teacher, principal and district superintendent, he had a 40-year career in officiating football and basketball.

Thirty-one of those years he was an NFL Referee working a record twenty-nine post-season games including four Super Bowls, ten NFC/AFC Championship games, six Pro Bowls and twenty-five Monday Night Games.

He officiated some of the most memorable games in NFL history. His book Impartial Judgment: “The Dean of NFL Referees” Calls Pro Football As He Sees It, chronicles his NFL career.

Jim Tunney NFL Referee #32

NFL Referee Jim Tunney (#32) makes a call during an NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams, Oct. 7, 1990. The Bengals defeated the Rams 34-31 in overtime at Anaheim Stadium.

Dr. Jim Tunney CSP®, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame®

Jim Tunney Cavett AwardAs a Professional Speaker, he is Past President of The National Speakers Association and a Charter Member of its most prestigious group – The CPAE Speakers Hall of Fame. Jim holds every professional designation of the NSA, including the Oscar of Professional Speaking – The Cavett. NSA named him Philanthropist of the Year in 2007.

Dr. Tunney (a doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California) continues to serve his community as Trustee Emeritus of both Monterey Peninsula College and York School; where he once served as Headmaster. In 1993, he founded The Jim Tunney Youth Foundation to support local community programs that develop leadership, work skills, wellness, and self-esteem in youth. He and his wife Linda live in Pebble Beach, California. They have six children and sixteen grandchildren.

As an author he has written and/or co-authored thirteen books: Impartial Judgment, Chicken Soup for the Sports Fan’s Soul, Speaking Secrets of the Masters, You Can Do It!, Super Bowl Sunday, Insights into Excellence, Lessons in Leadership, Build a Better You and It’s the Will, Not the Skill.

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