James E. "Jim" May, born on January 21, 1940, and passing on October 11, 1997, was a venerated coach and teacher whose career spanned over nearly three decades, from 1969 to 1997. His professional journey began at Petersburg High School in 1969, moved to Cornersville High School in 1970, and then to Crossville High School in Alabama from 1973 until 1980. He most notably served at Oneida High School from 1981 until his passing in 1997. During his tenure, May's leadership and coaching skills led to significant achievements in football, girls' basketball, and baseball. In football, he secured a commendable record of 218-101, clinching 12 District/Region Championships and leading his team to victory in the 1992 TSSAA State Championship. His foray into girls' basketball was equally successful, amassing a record of 127-50, grabbing three district titles, three region titles, making three appearances in the TSSAA Sub-State Tournaments, and three state tournament appearances from 1981 to 1987. Furthermore, May had a brief stint coaching baseball in 1984.

Jim May was an active participant in sports beyond coaching. He served as the President of the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association (TACA) from 1992 to 1993 and received numerous accolades, including the East Tennessee Coach of the Year in 1992. His contributions were consistently recognized with multiple District Coach of the Year honors. Notably, he led the Oneida High School girls' basketball team to its first-ever state tournament in 1982 and secured the football team's first-ever state championship in 1992.

In acknowledgment of his outstanding dedication and contribution to high school sports and his remarkable service to TSSAA, May was posthumously inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2006. His induction was a fitting tribute to a man who not only shaped the lives of his players but also significantly contributed to the legacy and integrity of high school sports in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2006
Category: Coach