The Jackson State University family mourns the passing of longtime football coach James"Big Daddy" Carson. Carson, who stepped downed as the Tigers' head football coach in Mayof this year because of health reasons, passed away at12:12 a.m., Thursday, October 7. He was 59.
Carson, who underwent surgery last April, served as the Tigers' head football coach from 1992through. the 1998 season. He compiled a 54-25-1 record while winning two SouthwesternAthletic Conference championships (1995 and 1996) and his teams made, three trips to theNCAA Division I-AA Playoffs. His best season was 1996 when the Tigers finished the yearwith a 10-2 record.
"We offer our condolences to his family and share in their grief," said Dr. Bettye WardFletcher, interim president of Jackson State University. "It is always a sad occasion when welose one of our own. Coach Carson will certainly be remembered not only for his outstandingperformance on the gridiron, but as a spiritual leader and a stellar example to our young men."
A native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Carson is a 1963 graduate of Jackson State. He letteredfour years as an offensive guard and nose tackle for the Tigers, receiving honorable mentionNAIA All America in 1962. He was inducted into the JSU Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.
"Big Daddy, as he was affectionately known, meant so much to the University family," said Robert Braddy, interim athletic director at JSU "Our thoughts andprayers go out to his wife Zelma and son Ricardo. We are better off because of the thingsCoach Carson stood for. When I saw him last, a few days ago, he was at peace withhimself, That made me stronger."
"He was an inspiration in my life," said JSU interim head football coach, Robert Hughes. Ihave known him for 36 years and I will really miss him, We are going to try to uphold thelegacy of James Carson at Jackson State. We have dedicated this season to him. Oursympathy an prayers go out to his family.".
Carson is survived by his wife Zelma and one son, Ricardo, who played linebacker on theJSU football team from 1991-94.
