James Dale "Ox" Smith

Year Inducted: 1977 (p)
Nominated By: Brian Macartney
Sports Competed In: N/A
Athlete, Coach or Contributor: Coach, Contributor

James D. Smith

High School:
Attended Pueblo Centennial H.S., graduating in 1940.

Achievements:
High School:  
● Played four seasons football and basketball for the Bulldogs (1936-40).
● Played in the trenches (line) in football and earned All-Conference and Second Team All-State.
● Starter on "Big 6" of the Bulldogs basketball team that won the 1940 State Championship.

College:
Went to Colorado University where he played football for the Buffaloes and graduated in 1946...Worked in his post-graduate studies at Colorado College, earning a M.A. degree in 1965.

Achievements:
Professional Football: 
● Member of the Los Angeles Don's professional football team.

Coaching Career:
● Head football coach at Pueblo Centennial H.S. for five years, amassing a 21-25-1 record (1951-55).
● Spent two seasons as the Bulldogs head basketball coach (1956-57).

Contributions:
● Basketball and wrestling official.
● Chairman Social Studies Department - Pueblo East H.S.
● Activities Director - Pueblo South H.S. (1973-77).

Occupation:
● Teacher, coach and administrator.
● Began teaching and coaching at Pueblo Centennial H.S.

Personal:
Lived in Pueblo with his wife Ruth...They had two children, Dan and Peggy... Passed away in August, 1977 at age 54.