IN REMEMBRANCE OF COACH EARNEST JAMES
Earnest R. James was the eleventh and final child born to Lola Mae and Aaron James on July 11, 1938, in Daingerfield, TX. As a child, he attended St. James United Methodist Church, built and organized by his late grandfather, Jesse James. Earnest moved to Dallas, TX, with his family at the age of nine. In 1956, at the age of sixteen (16), he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. Earnest went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Education from Wiley College in 1960 and his Master in Education from North Texas State University (now University of North Texas) in 1963. He later met and married Jovern Kelley and together they had one daughter, Kelly Michelle.
While an undergraduate at Wiley, Earnest began what would become his life’s work and legacy. He became the school’s football athletic trainer thus developing his love of coaching and mentorship. Immediately following his graduation in 1960, Earnest remained at Wiley to become the physical education instructor, assistant football coach, head track coach and assistant Dean of Men.
In 1962, Coach James brought his talent to the Dallas Independent School District as the physical education teacher and athletic coach at his alma mater, Booker T. Washington High School. However, it is his career at Roosevelt High School for which Earnest James is most noted. He is often quoted as saying “find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life”. This is true of his career at Roosevelt High School as a social studies teacher, assistant football coach, head track and field/cross country coach and finally the school’s athletic director.
Earnest was a part of the inaugural team of faculty to open Roosevelt High School in 1963. He was instrumental in selecting the school’s colors: Columbia blue, red and white as well as the mascot: the Mighty Mustangs! Coach James was a true Mustang through and through!
During his 46 year career as an educator and coach, Earnest touched the lives of thousands of young people in Dallas and surrounding areas as well as built lasting friendships with scores of coaches throughout the United States. His coaching prowess is extraordinary and his records remarkable. Among his most notable victories and championships are 200 plus victories in track and field invitational meets,
18 district track championships, 3 regional track championships, 4 state championships, and 30 plus state championships for individual and relays. His coaching record also includes 3 national track records by runners and one World Junior Track record by a runner. Earnest was extremely proud to have coached two U.S. Olympic track team members: Roy Martin in 1984 and 1988 and McClinton Neal in 1992.
Earnest wore many other hats. He was a consultant for USA Track and Field, a clinic speaker for the Texas High School Coaches Association, and a knowledgeable lecturer for African American History programs throughout the country. Some of Coach James’ achievement awards include TCC/TFCA Coach of the Year in 1984 and 1985; 1985 Texas Sports Writers Track Coach of the Year; Coca Cola Bottling Company Achievement Award in 1992, Honorary Life Membership in the Texas P.T.A.; 2004 DISD Athletic Director of the Year; GNAT 2006 Class of Shining Stars; and the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2012. One of his most cherished awards was the Lifetime Achievement Award he received in 2014 for being the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) from the alumni from Roosevelt High School.
Coach James never worked a day in his life! He spent every moment doing what he loved. He looked forward to each day spent with his students and athletes as he treated them all as his own. Coach James was the ultimate motivator, father-figure and mentor.
Earnest was a member of several organizations including Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity, Inc., Classroom Teachers of Dallas, the Texas State Teachers Association, The Links, Inc.
– Connecting .Link. He was also- extremely honored to be inducted into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame.
Following his retirement in 2006, Earnest spent time attending monthly ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) breakfasts with many of his lifelong friends, including Ocell Miller, his best friend, college roommate and neighbor. He also enjoyed talking to and Face-timing his daughter Kelly and his three grandchildren, working in the yard and reminiscing on his active coaching days.
Coach Earnest R. James passed from this life into the heavenly realm at his home on December 23, 2019. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Jovern; one daughter, Kelly Johnson; one son in law Mark Johnson; three grandchildren Karly (12), Kameryn (10), and Mark, Jr. (4). A host of special nieces, nephews, devoted friends and others will dearly miss this legendary coach.
