Ford, James O. "Bubber"

Mr. Ford was one of the more versatile athletes ever to come through North Alabama. While at Burrell-Slater, he was a three-year starter in football and basketball, and a major contributor to the success of the track program for the same number of years. He lettered in all three sports. He was elected captain of all three teams for his senior year. During the summer months, he worked as a Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructor for the Florence Recreation Department.
Ford attended Talladega College as an NAACP Scholar. He was a four-year starter on the basketball team, and captain of the team for two years. He was an adjunct swimming instructor while at Talladega. He joined the US Army upon leaving Talladega, where he was a two-year starter for both basketball and fast pitch softball teams at Walter Reed Medical Center.
Mr. Ford was recognized with the following honors. First, in the 1957 NAHSAA Conference Track Meet: he won the 100 yard dash and 220 yard dash; placed 2nd in the broad jump; placed 3rd in the broad jump; placed 3rd in the shot put; plus, ran legs in the 440 & 880 relays where the team finished 3rd in both races.
Mr. Ford was voted “Outstanding Male Athlete Class of 1957.” He is also in the Burrell-Slater HOF.