James Wilson, a legendary football player and a distinguished inductee into the Clark-Atlanta University and Colquitt County sports halls of fame, passed away on March 28 in Miami at the age of 72.
He is survived by his daughters Meka Wilson and Jameka Wilson and grandkids Niah and Bre Bre.
After his career, Wilson dedicated many years to coaching high school football and basketball in Miami.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 777 Northwest 85th Street, Miami, Florida.
A burial service will be held at noon on Saturday, April 12, at Strong Memorial Gardens on Sixth Avenue Northwest in Moultrie.
James Wilson’s Journey From High School Champion To Hall Of Fame Coach And Player
Originally from Moultrie, Georgia, James Wilson was a standout offensive tackle who played under Coach Ralph Taylor.
He helped lead the Bryant High Rams to a regional championship in 1969.
Wilson often credited Coach Taylor for much of his success in football.
He once said in an interview that Taylor was a great motivator. Gerard Burke, who played quarterback for the Rams, described Wilson as a powerful player, calling him a “big, strong one” who was excellent at blocking both in the run and pass games.
A memorable photo of Wilson from his Rams days shows him wearing No. 65 with “blood” written on his arm pad.
The nickname stuck, and he’s even listed as James “Blood” Wilson in the Clark-Atlanta Athletics Hall of Fame.
While his on-field persona was tough, those who knew him off the field spoke highly of his kindness and respect.
Burke remembered him as “mean on the field but a good guy off it. He was all football.”
After high school, Wilson went to Clark College (now Clark-Atlanta University) in 1970, where he earned recognition as a two-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference guard under Coach Curtis Crockett.
He was selected for the Black College All-America team and later inducted into the Clark-Atlanta University Hall of Fame in 1998.
Wilson was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1975 but was released before the season started.
He also tried out with the Detroit Lions in 1976 and played in the Canadian Football League for a while before a knee injury ended his professional playing career.
He then settled in Miami and spent many years coaching girls’ basketball at Norland High School in Dade County, where he also served as the offensive line coach for the football team.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In 2003, he missed the Colquitt County Sports Hall of Fame induction because he was busy coaching at a Norland High Homecoming football game.
- He was the 1st Grade Teacher at Little River Elementry.
- He also coached Norland’s girls softball team.
