James William (Jimmy) Armstrong - 1991

Jimmy Armstrong grew up in Birmingham and graduated fro E.B. Erwin High School in 1974.  His parents, John and Joanne, have been educators in the Birmingham area throughout their careers.  John has had a distinguished coaching career, including a successful period as head Football Coach at Samford University. 

Jimmy was an outstanding high school basketball player.  He led his high school to two fine seasons under the coaching of James Hobbs and Jimmy Devenny.  He was selected Most Valuable Player of Jefferson County at the conclusion of his senior season.  Jimmy signed a basketball scholarship with Jefferson State Junior College in the spring of 1974.

During the next two years he led the Pioneers of the Coach Bill Lankford to an outstanding season.  He remains Jefferson State’s number four all-time career scorer with 964 points.  Following his sophomore season he was chosen Most Valuable Player of the Year, All-Conference and All-Region XVII (Ala. – Ga.). 

In the spring of 1976 Jimmy signed a basketball scholarship with the University of North

Alabama.  He was a starter both years on outstanding teams for Coach Bill Jones.  As a junior his team finished third in the NCAA Division II National Tournament in Springville, Massachusetts.  Jimmy was chosen as the Most Valuable Player of the South Central Region of NCAA Division II.  He had another fine season as a senior, serving as the team captain. 

Jimmy graduated from U.N.A., in May of 1980.  He became the Head basketball Coach at Gardendale High School for the 1980-81 season and remained in that position for seven years.  During these years his teams compiled a record of 133 wins and 56 losses for a winning percentage of .703.  His teams won three regional championships and finished second three times.  Four of these teams participated in the state tournament. 

In 1987 Jimmy entered graduate school at the University of Alabama – Birmingham and started serving as a graduate assistant in the basketball program.  He is now working as a part-time assistant coach on Gene Bartow’s UAB staff and continues as a teacher at Gardendale High School. 

Jimmy’s career as a player and coach has been marked with success.  His love for basketball and his enthusiastic approach to coaching promises more success in the future. 

Jimmy lives with his wife Lisa.  He has a son, Bill, age 13, and a daughter, Jami Lyn, age 10.