THE BIG 'O' STORY
James Curtis Owens was born July 9, 1951 in Fairfield, AL, the third of eight children to the late Reverend Neal and Eloise Owens.
Growing up, James was an active member and leader at the Antioch Baptist Church. James integrated Fairfield High School football, basketball and track and lettered from 1967-1969 in all three. In 1968, he was an All-State Basketball Player and was named All-Metro Football Player in Jefferson County in 1968 and 1969. He was Most Valuable Running Back for Fairfield and the most sought after black player in the State of Alabama in 1969. He was the only player to ever be named to the Birmingham Post Herald's All Metro teams at two different positions; split end and half back.
Many of his friends and students at Fairfield would say, "He was my (our) protector." He endured the pain from many pitfalls of being a pioneer. The name "BIG O" was inly fiting for the tall, couragous leader he was.
His senior year, James was recruited by more than 50 colleges and universities. Notables like Alabama (where he enjoyed the limousine ride back to Birmingham with Coach Bear Bryant), Tennessee, Georgia and other SEC schools. He chose Auburn, because of the coaches, especially Coach Jim Hilyer. The short distance from his home so his family could attend games was also a factor in his decision.
James had no idea what awaited him being the first black scholarship player in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. In 1969, under the leadership of legendary Coach Shug Jordan, James represented Auburn at college stadiums in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina, repeatedly breaking down long-established barriers, and demonstrating consistent courage as the sole African-American player on the field. He lettered from 1970-1972 and helped Auburn to a 28-5 record. His leadership played a key role in the 1972 "Amazins" team, who finished the season with a 10-1 record and a top five national ranking. James loved football, and he bonded with his teammates on the field, but off the field he was alone.
James sustained the hardship of football and college life and in 1973, he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Due to a knee injury his senior year and surgery just before the draft, he was cut after the preseason practices, which ended his football career. James found himself back at home; talented athlete without a degree, not the plan he wanted for himself, nor any other athlete who came after him.
In 1982, he returned to Auburn University at the request of Coach Pat Dye to serve as Assistant Football Coach. After his time at Auburn, he continued to mentor and inspire students as the Head Football Coach at Miles College.
In 1995, he accepted his call to the Ministry and served as Youth Minister at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Opelika, Alabama until 2001 when he became Pastor of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Dadeville, Alabama. In March 2013, he retired as Pastor of Pleasant Ridge due to his health. Pleasant Ridge in gratitude of his faithful pastoral service bestowed upon him the honor of Pastor Emeritus.
In 2012, Auburn established the “James Owens Courage Award” which will be presented annually to a current or former Auburn football player who has displayed courage in the face of adversity, distinguishing himself while contributing to the betterment of Auburn. The inaugural recipient was James Owens. That same year, James was selected by Auburn as their SEC Legend and was honored at the SEC Championship Football Game in Atlanta. He also received the Bachelor of Humane Letters, Honoris Casusa degree from Auburn University, December 2012.
James passed away at his home on March 26, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama from a heart condition known as Amyloidosis. Just days before his death he kept saying, "God still have work for me to do." This foundation exists because of his quiet courage and passion to help others. His work continues through this foundation, which envisions a community working together to improve the quality of life.
