Coach James Landrum was known as the “guiding light of Gulfport High athletic programs” for his outstanding coaching career at Gulfport High. A native of Clinton, Coach Landrum arrived at Gulfport High in 1942 and coached every sport at the school until 1950. Coach Landrum led the Gulfport High football program to 29 wins, 30 losses, and 7 ties from 1943 to 1949. He served as athletic director of the Admiral athletics department from 1950 to 1954. In 1954 and 1955, James was principal of West Junior High and he returned as principal of Gulfport from 1956 to 1958. Coach Landrum was named assistant superintendent of Gulfport Schools in 1959 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1979. On February 27, 1973, he received the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Amateur Football Award and on August 23, 1979, he was celebrated with a “James Landrum Day” in the City of Gulfport. Coach Landrum passed away on June 24, 2000.