Jimmy Rave Passes Away Aged 39

Published: Dec 13, 2021 by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: Dec 13, 2021 by Sanchez Taylor

Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.

We are saddened to report that James Michael Guffey, better known to wrestling fans as Jimmy Rave, has passed away at the age of 39.

Bill Behrens announced James’ passing on Twitter, noting that James’ daughter, Kailah, helped him write the following:

James was best known as Professional Wrestler, Jimmy Rave. His career, which started in 1999, continued for over 2 decades. He was a two-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion. He appeared in Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling, where he teamed with Lance (Hoyt) Rock as the “Rock and Rave Infection.” In Ring of Honor, he feuded with AJ Styles and was the “Crown Jewel” of the faction, The Embassy, and last appeared in 2013 as a Member of S.C.U.M. He toured Japan with both Dragon Gate Wrestling, and New Japan Pro Wrestling where in 2008 he competed in the “Best of The Super Junior” Tournament. In 2005 he appeared on World Wrestling Entertainment’s Sunday Night Heat. Rave appeared in numerous Independent promotions including Rampage Pro Wrestling, Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment, and Combat Zone Wrestling, among many others. He also served as a booker for several years in Rampage Pro Wrestling and led a faction known as “Jimmy Rave Approved.”

Outside of wrestling he held the position of Director of the Bartow County, Georgia Peer Support, Wellness and Respite Center for several years.

James had been struggling with drug addiction for many years. His struggles resulted in the amputation of his arm and, later, both of his legs.

James is survived by his ex-wife Felicia, daughter Kailah, son James II, and parents Jim & Toni Guffey. At the time of his death, he was living in the Philadelphia, PA area with Gabby Gilbert.

RIP, James Michael Guffey, 12/8/82 – 12/12/21

Memorial services will be held in Georgia. Details will be released at a later time.

Ok this sucks
Kailah helped write it pic.twitter.com/WfY7v8uQ6g

— Bill Behrens (@WilliamBehrens) December 13, 2021

James’ left arm was amputated in November 2020. Both of his legs were amputated less than a year later, in October. These amputations were due to viruses contracted as a result of James’ struggles with drug addiction.

He is best known for his time in TNA and ROH, as well as his run on the independent circuit. James notably won the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship twice in 2002. James last wrestled in December 2019 at CZW Cage Of Death XXI

From everyone here at WrestleTalk, we extend our deepest condolences to the friends, family, and fans of James Michael Guffey.

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