News Summary
James “Cubby” Harris, a celebrated Mississippi football figure, reflects on over 50 years of impact on the community. His journey from high school challenges to a Hall of Fame career, followed by a successful business in painting, exemplifies resilience and dedication. Harris remains an inspirational role model, emphasizing hard work and perseverance while contributing significantly to Starkville and its youth.
Starkville, Mississippi – A Football Legend’s Legacy of Resilience
James “Cubby” Harris, a celebrated figure in Mississippi football history, is marking over 50 years of profound community impact as he reflects on his remarkable career. Harris, a Hall of Fame defensive back, has also spent 35 years successfully operating the James Cubby Harris Painting Company in Starkville, demonstrating his commitment to both sports and business.
Early Challenges and Determination
Harris faced significant obstacles on his path to football success. After graduating from Starkville High School, he encountered a lack of recruitment opportunities, which limited his ability to pursue the sport at a higher level. However, after a stint at Kentucky State University, he returned to Starkville, where he received encouragement from his high school coach, Ray Self, and his family to continue his football aspirations.
Determined to prove himself, Harris contacted East Mississippi Community College’s head coach, Randall Bradberry, to request a tryout. This pivotal decision set the stage for his future accomplishments. During the tryout, Harris was paired against star wide receiver Carter “Dikki” Dyson, where he showcased remarkable skill and determination, successfully earning a scholarship by outplaying Dyson in practice.
Rapid Ascension in College Football
After securing a place on the East Mississippi team, Harris quickly emerged as a significant player. His dedication and talent saw him rise from a tryout participant to team captain and defensive leader within just one season. He achieved multiple accolades during his time at East Mississippi, including being named Honorable Mention All-American, Mississippi All-Star, and All-State. Additionally, he earned the title of Lions Most Valuable Player in 1977, recording an impressive 11 interceptions in that season alone.
Harris continued his football journey by transferring to Arkansas State University, where he contributed to the Red Wolves’ Southland Conference championship win in 1978. Although he caught the attention of scouts from the NFL, Canada, and the USFL, a hip injury ultimately hindered his chances of pursuing a professional football career.
A Successful Business Career
Despite the setback in sports, Harris found success as an entrepreneur. In 1990, he established the James Cubby Harris Painting Company in Starkville, where he has continued to build a reputable business for over three decades. His oldest son, Jacoby, joined the family business in 2007 after a brief experience in junior college football, indicating a legacy of both sports and business within the Harris family. Harris hopes to pass on the company to his children and grandchildren, ensuring the continuation of his legacy.
Acknowledgments and Community Impact
Harris’s contributions to sports have not gone unnoticed. In 2009, he was inducted into the East Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame alongside Dyson, recognizing his outstanding achievements on the field. Recently, in 2023, he was honored at the Mississippi JUCO Hall of Fame, reflecting the lasting impact he has made in the athletic community.
Lessons of Resilience
Throughout his journey, Harris has emphasized the significance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. He frequently advises the youth in his community to remain motivated, especially during challenging times. His reflective outlook on his life showcases a sense of pride, both in his business successes and in his contributions to the Starkville community.
James “Cubby” Harris stands as an inspirational figure, embodying resilience and a commitment to excellence in both sports and business. His story serves as a testament to the power of determination and the potential for impactful community-building through personal success.
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Additional Resources
- Columbus Dispatch: Mississippi Football Legend’s Legacy
- NBC News: Ole Miss Football Player Killed
- Newser: Ole Miss Freshman Player Shot Dead
- The Sun: Corey Adams Death Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi Football
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
