James E. Earp

A 1951 graduate, James E. “Buddy” Earp was a four-year letterman in football at Emory & Henry College. In addition to receiving several athletics honors while he was in school, his achievements on the gridiron earned him induction into the Sports Hall of Fame in its charter year, 1972.

Earp was named to the All-Smoky Mountain Conference team as a center in 1949, his third season with the Wasps. His senior year, Earp was a co-captain of the football team. That season, he again made the All-Smoky Mountain Conference team as well as being named to the All-Virginia Little 6 and being a Little All-America honorable mention.

After graduating, Earp earned a master of science degree from the University of Tennessee in 1954 and went on to serve in Montgomery County and Roanoke County schools for a number of years as a teacher, coach, and administrator.