James Armstrong, born on April 4, 1936, dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to teaching and coaching, profoundly impacting Tennessee's educational and sports landscape. Before moving to Tennessee, Armstrong began his illustrious career in Kentucky, where he spent five years as a football coach. His journey in sports and education then took him to Nashville’s Pearl High School, where he coached football and basketball for a decade. Armstrong was part of the coaching team for Pearl's 1966 basketball squad, which won the state championship without losing a single game, marking a significant achievement in his coaching career.

Beyond coaching, Armstrong contributed to the educational system as an assistant principal at both Bass Middle and East High Schools and later served as principal at Highland Heights and Maplewood High Schools, showcasing his leadership in various facets of secondary education. His commitment to sports and education extended to academia as well, where he taught college courses at Trevecca University and Tennessee State University, sharing his knowledge and experience with future generations.

Armstrong's service to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) was notable. He served on the TSSAA Board of Control from 1993 to 1996, playing a crucial role in the governance and direction of high school athletics in Tennessee. For his contributions, he received TSSAA Distinguished Service Recognition, underscoring his impact on high school sports within the state.

Throughout his career, Armstrong’s excellence was recognized through induction into the Metro Football Hall of Fame and the Region 6-AAA Metro Basketball Hall of Fame, highlighting his significant achievements in both sports. He retired in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to education and athletics. In 2012, Armstrong's lifelong service was celebrated with his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame, honoring his exceptional contributions as an administrator in Tennessee's athletic and educational communities.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2012
Category: Administrator