About Inductee

Jim Oaks is a native of Tishomingo, Mississippi. He went to luka High School where he was an outstanding student and athlete. He was the captain of the football team, playing as an end and quarterback. Coach Oaks showed early signs of academic ability by winning the State 4-H public speaking contest. He attended Millisaps College in Jackson, MS one year before being appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1957. Upon graduation from West Point Jim began an outstanding military career. He served in both Korea and Vietnam and resigned from the Army with the rank of Captain in 1969. Jim began coaching and teaching at Huntsville High after his outstanding military career. The highlights of his coaching career included State Championships in both tennis and track. In 1977 his girls tennis team won the AHSAA state championship. The tennis championship was to be followed by the 1983,84,85 Boys State Cross Country Championship and the 1987 and 1989 Girls Cross Country Championship. Jim Oaks is not only an accomplished athlete in his own right but his leadership at HHS for over 25 years positively influenced the lives of thousands of students.