Jim Stowe, a revered name in the Tennessee athletic community, was deservedly inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2002, marking the pinnacle of a storied career dedicated to high school sports. Born on December 28, 1937, Stowe's foray into coaching and teaching spanned an impressive 35 years from 1965 to 2000, primarily at Lexington High School. His tenure there was marked by an undeniable passion for nurturing talent and fostering sportsmanship among his students.

In football, Stowe's coaching prowess was unmistakable. Under his guidance, Lexington High School’s football team not only compiled an enviable record of 241 wins, 123 losses, and 2 ties but also clinched Conference/District Champion titles twelve times. His strategic acumen led the team to 16 TSSAA State playoff appearances and 8 Bowl Berths, testaments to his dedication and skill in shaping formidable teams. Additionally, Stowe's contributions extended to basketball, further showcasing his versatility and commitment to student-athletes' all-around development.

Stowe's excellence did not go unnoticed; he garnered Volunteer Conference or District Coach of the Year honors on ten occasions. In 1988, he was recognized as the Prep Football Coach of the Year in Tennessee by the Lawrenceburg Quarterback Club, a clear acknowledgment of his significant contributions to high school football in the state.

Perhaps the most heartwarming testament to Stowe's enduring impact was the decision to name the Lexington High School football stadium in his honor, forever immortalizing his legacy at a place where he had invested much of his life. Stowe was not just a coach but also a mentor and a figure of inspiration, as echoed by a student who, despite never playing for him or being in his office due to trouble, felt profoundly affected by Stowe's presence and ethos.

Jim Stowe's induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2002 was a fitting tribute to his long, distinguished service to high school athletics, celebrating a career that transcended wins and losses to encapsulate the true spirit of sportsmanship and mentorship.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2002
Category: Coach