James M. Neblett, Jr.

James Neblett, Jr. was a member of the Emory & Henry football team during the Burley and Tangerine Bowls Era under head coach Conley Snidow. He was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 1978 in honor of his athletic achievements.

Neblett was a four-year letterman and three-time All-State Little Six and All-Smoky Mountain Conference tackle. He was an honorable mention for Little All-America. He was described by sportswriters as “one of the greatest two-way tackles in Wasp history.”

In addition to football, Neblett also lettered two years in basketball and was a member of Phi Gamma Phi social fraternity.

Neblett served in the navy for two years before earning a master’s of education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He began his teaching career in Saltville, but left for a time to work in pharmaceutical sales for Wyeth Laboratories. He returned to teaching in Pulaski County, where he later served as an elementary principal until his retirement in 1991.

For many years, Neblett was a member of the Pulaski Town Council and served on various boards and committees within his community. He was a lifetime member of the Virginia Conference of Parents and Teachers.

James Neblett, Jr. passed away on February 25, 2006 in Pulaski, Virginia.