Hall of Fame
James Dunn, a Burgin, Kentucky native, was recruited by Coach Melville Whedbee to play football for Kentucky State College in 1966. He started out as a two-sport athlete by also playing baseball in his first year. Due to the riots in 1967 and the burning of the field house, he was advised to concentrate on his scholarship sport of football.
James was a sure tackler and anchored the right side of the defense, along side KSU Hall-of-Famer, Roger Laird. During each of his four years, he led the team in interceptions. In his senior year, he led the team with six (6) interceptions which included having three interceptions in his final game against Morehead State University.
While earning four athletic letters in football and one athletic letter as a freshman in baseball, James showed that he was an outstanding multi-sport athlete. In 1969, The great O.J. Simpson was the guest speaker at the KSC Annual Fall Sports Banquet. Mr. Simpson awarded James the KSC “Golden Helmet Award”, representing The Most Valuable Player to James. He also was awarded, the “Most Valuable Defensive Player”. Not having a conference to compete in stopped him from earning National Honors.
In 1970, James signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys. He also played professional softball for several years with the Lexington Stallions.
James currently resides in Danville, Kentucky. He is retired from the State of Kentucky, after 29 years of outstanding service. He is currently the President of the KSUNAA Danville (KY) Alumni Chapter. He’s a longtime member of the KSU K-Club and supporter to the KSU Athletic Department. While at KSC, he became a member of the “Omega Psi Phi” Fraternity (Psi Psi Chapter). James is married to Linda Dunn (KSU graduate) and has a daughter, Dr. Tyra Dunn-Thomas.
