By: Tom Williams | June 25, 2025
CLARKSDALE, MS – In a weekend filled with reflection, celebration, and legacy, the life and impact of the late James Washington Sr. were honored during an inaugural celebration recognizing his recent induction into the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) Hall of Fame.
Held Thursday at Hinds Community College in Rankin, the ceremony recognized Washington’s extraordinary contributions as a longtime basketball coach and former mayor of Friars Point, Mississippi. Coahoma Community College proudly celebrated the occasion, highlighting Washington’s decades of dedication to student-athletes and his community.
Washington coached at both Coahoma Agricultural High School and Coahoma Junior/Community College for 32 years, amassing over 600 wins. He led his teams to multiple championships, including a 31–1 season and state title at Aggie in 1983–84, and a 27-win state title run at Coahoma in 1986–87. His excellence was further acknowledged when he was named MACJC Coach of the Year in 1987.
To honor his legacy, Saturday, June 21, was officially proclaimed “James Washington Day” in Friars Point. The celebration included a moving tribute from Congressman Bennie Thompson, a longtime friend of Washington, who praised him for his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the Mississippi Delta.
Adding to the day’s honors, Jamie Done Veals received the inaugural Trailblazer Award, recognizing her own commitment to community advancement and service.
Washington, a member of the Coahoma County Sports Hall of Fame, continues to inspire future generations through the players and coaches he mentored, including current CCC head coach Michael Stringer.
The celebration was not only a tribute to an accomplished coach and public servant but also a testament to the lasting impact of James Washington Sr.’s life on education, sports, and civic leadership across Coahoma County and beyond.
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