West Virginia State University Athletics

James (Jim) Russell Nash was a multi talented athlete who overcame many hardships in his life. He was born the second child of fourteen children, in Monongalia County, West Virginia. He excelled as a star athlete in high school and was rewarded with a scholarship to attend “State”, where he was the college’s first four sport letterman. Jim played basketball as a guard, in football he played quarterback, center field in baseball and participated in track & field. In his senior year he was honored as a member of the 1931 Negro All-American football team.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1932, Jim obtained a teaching position in Bluefield, West Virginia. In the mid thirties, his family encouraged him to relocate to Akron, Ohio to help his mother and thirteen siblings through hard times. He found that teaching positions were hard to come by and that his fire for competition was stronger than ever. While working hard in low paying jobs, Jim played and coached his way to championships in Negro baseball and basketball leagues, enjoying the privilege of playing beside his brother Robert.

Jim was dedicated to helping troubled young men and made it a mission to give them support and guidance. He was fortunate to have received a job with B.F. Goodrich, so he used his influence to start up many organizations such as, the Young Men’s Business & Professional Club. In recognition of his commitment to community service, he was awarded the Youth Service Award by the Akron Touchdown Club. During the riots of 1968 in Akron, he was called upon by civic leaders to help soothe tensions that agitated the city. Jim was determined to find even more ways to serve his community. He was a Special Deputy with the Summit County Sheriff’s Department and ran for the Akron City Council, all while working full time for B.F. Goodrich/Goodyear Tire & Rubber, where he retired after 33 years of service.

James Russell Nash died on New Year’s Eve in 1973, leaving behind a loving wife, four daughters and eight grandchildren. All his family confirm, that for as brilliant an athlete Jim was, he was an even greater man.