Troy University - Palladium Yearbook (Troy, AL)

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FOB JAMES Fob James, Jr. was born in 1934 and raised in Lanett, Alabama until 1951. In 1952, Fob attended Auburn Univer- sity majoring in Civil Engineering. While at Auburn University, he was selected as an Ail-American Halfback and the Most Valuable Player in the Southeastern Conference in 1955. After completion of college, he went to Montreal Canada and played one season of Professional football with the Montreal Alouettes. In 1957, Fob James was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U.S. Corps of Engineers where he was chosen the Outstanding Soldier-Athlete in the U.S. Armed Forces. From 1962-1978 he served as President and Board Chairman of Diversified Products Corporation, a manufacturer of consumer and industrial products. The main plant and headquarters is located in Opelika Alabama, with other plants in Los Angeles and Toronto. He founded the company in 1962 with 2 employees, and is now providing jobs for over 1500 people of which 1200 are employed in Opelika. Fob James married Bobbie Mooney of Decatur, Alabama in 1955. They have three sons: Fob James III, 21; Tim, 16; and Pat, 9. He and his family are members of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Opelika, Alabama. Fob James has been active with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Alabama Safety Coun- cil, Junior Achievement, Opelika Chamber of Commerce, and the Future Farmers of America Foundation. From 1972-1974 he served as president of Alabama Citizens for Transportation (ACT) a statewide committee that spent more than 6,000 man-hours developing a 20 year highway program that was subsequently passed by the Alabama Legislature. A NEW BEGINNING