James Wesley “Jim” Grubb of Harrogate was recognized with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU)’s Nancy Rogers Leach Volunteer of the Year Award during the University’s annual Homecoming celebration in October.
The Nancy Rogers Leach Volunteer of the Year Award is bestowed annually to an individual who emphasizes generosity to their community in giving of resources, talents and time to improve the quality of life and contribute to the people of their community. Vice President for University Advancement Cindy Whitt presented the award to Grubb during the Donor Appreciation Reception on Friday evening.
Grubb graduated from LMU in 1956. He joined the Army upon graduation and served for eight years. In 1964, Grubb began working for JC Bradford as a stockbroker. He remained with the company for 34 years and retired in 1998.
After his retirement, Grubb pursued his true love of basketball. He started playing competitive 3-on-3 tournaments in 2005. He also played on senior teams including the Smoky Mountain Poppa’s and the Rocky Top Ramblers. He is a great free throw shooter and developed a technique that guaranteed free throw success. Grubb makes approximately 95 percent of his free throws.
Grubb was recognized for his service to the LMU Women’s Basketball team for whom he serves as a volunteer assistant coach. He works with the team on free throws. Under his tutelage, the team has increased its overall free throw shooting percentage from the 2013-14 season to the 2014-15 season.
“Coach Grubb has taught me to truly appreciate my time with my players. Sometimes coaches get caught up in the win/loss columns and we lose sight of this rare opportunity,” Head Coach Krystal Evans said. “He gets up every day and is grateful that he gets to spend time with my team and that time means the world to him. It’s hard for that excitement to not be contagious and I am extremely fortunate to learn this early in my career. He has taught me to embrace every moment like he does.”
In addition to his work with the Lady Railsplitter Basketball team, Grubb also volunteers with the LMU Alumni Board and is involved with the Middlesboro Lions Club. He has endowed a scholarship in memory of his wife Betty Mason Grubb.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is located in Harrogate. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or e-mail at admissions@lmunet.edu.
