Rick Patrick
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Former Jefferson County High School Tiger star running back James Massey passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile crash on Friday, June 24, in Fayetteville, Ga. Massey was a member of the class of 1983 at Jefferson County High School where he was a star running back for the Tigers. He later went on to play tailback for the University of Florida Gators.
While playing for the Tigers, Massey established himself as one of the nation's top running backs. During his years as a Tiger, he rushed for 6,198 yards and helped lead the Tigers to a Florida Class 2A Co-championship. He became the first player in state history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season twice. His record of 658 career points scored is a Florida record that still stands. Massey also played basketball and ran track for the Tigers.
After high school, Massey went on to play football for the University of Florida, under head coaches Charley Pell and Galen Hall. During his four-year career with the Gators, he had 499 rushing yards with a 3.8 yards per carry average. He was named the Special Teams Player of the Year for the team in 1984. One of the highlights of his playing career in Gainesville came on Oct. 20, 1984, when the Gators hosted the Bearcats of the University of Cincinatti. During that 48-17 Gator victory, Massey was one of three Gator running backs, along with John L. Williams and Neal Anderson, to rush for over 100 yards.
After leaving the University of Florida, Massey moved to the Atlanta area and became an over-the-road truck driver. He remained in the Atlanta area for the remainder of his life.
Survivors include his children: Brandon Barrington, Trinkina Benjamin and Delvin Mays; mother, Janie Massey; fiancee, Naria Woods; siblings: Alfred (Christine) Reed, Gloria (Todd) McGee, William (Sheila) Massey, Wendy (Hubert) Dessalines and Christopher (Stasha) Massey; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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