James William (Jim) Long

2005 Effingham County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Born in Richmond, Virginia

Graduated from Randolph Macon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia.  He averaged 27 points per game – a school record. Named to Washington, D.C. all Metropolitan Team also named to Virginia All State Team.

He was awarded a scholarship to University of Richmond and later transferred to Georgia Teachers College (Now Georgia Southern University.  He led team in offensive rebounds and recorded 22 rebounds against Mercer University in one half.  He played 2 years at GSU.  He led the team in total rebound and best shooting percentage.  He played semi-pro basketball for Kennedy Drugs of Savannah.  He led the Savannah Municipal League in scoring and name League Tournament MVP and to all tournament team.  He was named to Hunter Field all tournament team, Fort Stewart all tournament team and Macon all tournament team.

He played recreation basketball and softball for Effingham County Recreation and Parks for number of years.

He was original member of Springfield Athletic Association. 

He taught and coached in Savannah Middle school for 4 years and coached 1 undefeated team and played for the city championship twice.

Head coach at Effingham County High School in Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Track, Baseball and assistant football coach.  His basketball tams won many Christmas, Sub Region and Region tournaments.

He was named 1986 Region Coach of the Year.  He won over 400 basketball games and presented scholastic coach magazine superlative plaque.  He was present the Franklin Life Insurance Gold Plaque for winning over 300 games.

His teams made 3 appearances in State Basketball tournaments.  He was named educator of the Year by Georgia Southern Letterman Club. He retired after 31 years of teaching and coaching.

He was inducted into the 2000 Effingham County Hall of Fame.

He married Mary Will Marchman and has 2 sons (Brad and Bruce) who also participated in both high school and recreation sports.  He has 4 grandchildren (Brandon, Tiffany, Mallory and Colton.