James M. Counce, Jr., a seasoned football coach deeply rooted in West Tennessee's athletic community, was celebrated for his contributions with his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2017. Counce's illustrious coaching career began long before this acknowledgment, marking a significant impact on high school football within the region.

His tenure as a head coach is notably marked by his time at Henry Co. High School, where he served from 1984 to 1993 and later from 2010 to 2014. Counce's leadership at Henry Co. High School was punctuated by significant achievements, including two undefeated seasons that solidified the school's dominance in the sport under his guidance. His tactical acumen and coaching prowess led the team to clinch two TSSAA State Football Championships in 2011 and 2013, milestones that celebrated the zenith of high school football competitiveness in Tennessee.

Beyond his commendable stints at Henry Co., Counce also left his mark at Camden High School in 1994 and then at Dyersburg High School, where he served from 1995 to 2006 and again from 2008 to 2010. Adding to his decorated career, he was an assistant coach at Montgomery Bell Academy in 2007, a year that saw the team winning the Division II State Championship, underscoring his ability to contribute significantly irrespective of the role he held.

Retiring at the conclusion of the 2014 season, Counce passed on the coaching mantle to his son, James, who took over as head coach at Henry Co. High School. This transition kept the legacy within the family, celebrating not just a career but a lifetime dedicated to football, coaching excellence, and service to TSSAA. James Counce, Jr.'s induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2017 is a testament to his enduring legacy and significant contributions to high school football in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2017
Category: Coach