TORONTO – The world of professional wrestling and country music lost a towering figure with the passing of Elkin James, better known as Sweet Daddy Siki, on December 31, 2024. He died at the age of 91 in Toronto’s Humber River Hospital after a long battle with dementia. A trailblazer in the ring, a crooner on the stage, and a beloved local icon, Siki’s legacy spans decades and continents, leaving an indelible mark on Canadian entertainment history.
Born on June 16, 1933, in Grimes, Texas, Siki’s journey began far from the bright lights of Toronto. Growing up as the son of a sharecropper, he faced hardship early on, but his passion for performance led him to the squared circle. He started wrestling in 1955 in Artesia, New Mexico, honing his craft and building a physique that would eventually carry him to 230 pounds of athletic prowess. By the late 1950s, he was making waves in the United States, appearing on the national Dumont network and wrestling in iconic venues like Madison Square Garden. However, it was his move to Toronto in 1961 that truly defined his career.
Siki arrived in Canada seeking a fresh start after facing racial prejudice in the U.S. wrestling scene, exacerbated by his marriage to Anne, a Caucasian Canadian woman he met in Toronto and wed in Buffalo in 1964. The couple settled in Toronto, raising two sons, Reg and Justin, and Siki quickly became a fixture in the city’s wrestling community. With his flamboyant blond hair, sequined robes, and oversized sunglasses, he transformed into “Sweet Daddy” Siki—a larger-than-life persona that captivated audiences across North America.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Siki was a top draw for Canadian wrestling promotions like Maple Leaf Wrestling, Grand Prix Wrestling, and Stampede Wrestling. His matches at Maple Leaf Gardens, where he wrestled from 1962 to 1980, were legendary, earning him up to $3,000 per bout at his peak—a significant sum for the era. Known for signature moves like the Airplane Spin, Coco-butt, and Neck Breaker, Siki blended athleticism with showmanship, calling himself “the ladies’ pet and the men’s regret.” His charisma broke racial barriers in a sport that was predominantly white at the time, paving the way for future Black wrestling superstars.
Beyond the ring, Siki’s talents extended to music. A gifted singer, he pursued country and western tunes, releasing his debut album Squares Off With Country Music in 1972, followed by three more albums in the 1970s. Leading his band, The Irresistibles, he toured small towns and big cities alike, often performing in the same venues where he’d wrestled years earlier. His theme song, “I Am So Proud Of What I See,” became a personal anthem, reflecting his pride in overcoming adversity. Later, he traded the road for a karaoke machine, hosting popular Saturday afternoon sessions at The Duke Tavern in Toronto’s Leslieville neighborhood until the COVID-19 pandemic halted his performances.
Siki’s influence reached far beyond entertainment. At Sully’s Gym in Toronto, he trained a new generation of wrestlers, including future world champions Adam Copeland (Edge) and Christian Cage. His mentorship also touched Rocky Johnson, father of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, cementing his role as a pioneer who helped integrate professional wrestling. Despite his public persona, Siki remained a private man, often seen driving his signature purple hearse around Toronto or strumming a guitar on his Parkdale porch.
In his later years, Siki’s health declined due to dementia and diabetes, but his legacy endured. A 2017 documentary highlighted his groundbreaking career, struggles with racism, and vibrant personality, bringing his story to new audiences. Tributes poured in after his passing, with fans and peers recalling his infectious charm and contributions to wrestling and music. Local bands like The Henrys and Porkbelly Futures even immortalized him in songs titled “Sweet Daddy Siki” and “Sweet Daddy.”
Sweet Daddy Siki’s death marks the end of an era, but his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched. From Texas to Toronto, he wrestled, sang, and strutted his way into history, a true legend whose sweetness will never fade. A memorial celebration is planned for June 2025 near his birthday at The Duke Tavern, honoring a life well-lived.