James W. "Jim" Barr, born on February 3, 1948, has had an illustrious career spanning 49 years as an official, coach, and administrator in Metro Nashville, leading to his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2019. Throughout his career, Barr showcased his versatility by officiating in multiple sports, including basketball, baseball, softball, and track and field. His commitment to sports was further exemplified by his founding and directing of the Doug Hall Relays in Nashville.

Barr's service to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) has been significant. Since 1981, he has served as an official at the TSSAA State Track and Field Championships, dedicating nearly four decades to the sport at the high school level. His coaching experience is just as extensive, having coached football, boys’ track, basketball, cross country, and bowling. In administrative roles, he served as Athletic Director at Hillwood High School and M. L. K. Academic Magnet High School, impacting many students' lives.

His achievements and dedication have not gone unnoticed. In 2000, Barr received the TIAAA Athletic Director of the Year Award. Further recognition came in 2016-17 when he received the TSSAA Distinguished Service Award as an official and was inducted into the Metro Nashville Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame as an Administrator in 2017.

Though he retired in 2010, Barr continues to contribute to athletics as an administrator at M. L. K. Magnet. He also assists with the M. L. K. Magnet middle school boys’ basketball team, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent. This post-retirement service emphasizes Barr's unwavering dedication to the development and support of student-athletes in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2019
Category: Administrator