Mississippians have a reputation for being die-hard collegiate sports fans. Whether your team is Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss, Delta State, or Mississippi College, chances are you love your college’s sports team and bleed their colors. In fact, Mississippi collegiate sports have experienced unparalleled success over the past few years. Between football, basketball, and baseball, Mississippi has proved itself as one of most dominant states among the U.S.

Much of this collegiate success is due to homegrown talent. Mississippi is full of kids who excel in athletics and dream about playing for their favorite Mississippi team. Though many dream about playing at a college level, James Merritt lived this particular dream out in an extraordinary way.  Merritt, a native of Jackson, MS attended Mississippi College (MC) in 1946 and joined a small group of elite individuals who mastered three collegiate sports. While a student at Mississippi College, he excelled in college football, basketball, and baseball, earning him an induction into the Mississippi College Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.

Though he is well known to the MC community for his sports accomplishments, his legacy goes far beyond this. Many who knew him personally, better remember him as a loving husband and father, committed friend, and a devoted coach and principal. He met the love of his life and wife of 64 years, Mrs. Jewel Claire Pittman, during his time at Mississippi College, and married her shortly after graduation on August 7, 1949. Together, they moved to Merigold, MS where he taught English and coached football, baseball, and basketball at Merigold High School.

During his time in Merigold, he gladly invested in the people of the small community, building many relationships that lasted his lifetime. Relationships with individuals like Larry Speakes, commonly known as President Ronald Reagans Press Secretary were formed during this time, and maintained over the remainder of his life.

Following a few years of coaching, the Merritt’s moved back to Jackson where they would spend the remainder of their life investing in and loving on people in the Jackson-metro community. Merritt’s first job in Jackson was Assistant Football Coach at Central High School. As the city of Jackson grew, Murrah High School was built, and Merritt transitioned into the school’s first Head Football Coach, later becoming the Principal at MHS. Over his time working at Murrah High School, the students and faculty began to know him by names created just for him such as Coach, Dobber Jim, and Chief. It was also during his days at Murrah High School where he and his wife Jewell had two little boys, Jim Jr. and Greg. He retired in 1989, having spent 40 years in public education.

While Merritt loved his family and his job within the school system, his greatest love was for his Heavenly Father. Merritt placed a strong priority on he and his family being invested within a church body.  For many years, the Merritt’s held their membership at Woodland Hills Baptist Church. In 1972, the Merritt’s joined First Baptist Jackson. As a life deacon, Merritt and his wife Jewell were heavily involved within the singles and music ministries at the church.

Mr. Merritt spent his final days on earth at Hospice Ministries, passing away on May 20, 2019.  Though his last days were difficult for his family, they recall their experience at Hospice Ministries as being very peaceful. “The hospice staff was very loving, caring, and supportive.  We received a note that had all of the staff’s signatures that helped us after dad passed away. It was unexpected and very kind.”, said Jim Jr.

James Merritt’s legacy is one that will last for years to come. His strong work ethic, competitive nature, and loving demeanor are a strong testament to the way in which he lived his life. A common prayer that he voiced was for the Lord to enable his life so that others could see Jesus through him. Accordingly, “Let others See Jesus in You” was one of the hymns sung at his funeral. In each season of his life, Mr. Merritt lived in a way that the Lord was seen through his actions. His legacy will be remembered by many.