The Webster Progress-Times from Eupora, Mississippi • C9

www.websterprogresstimes.com 9C Wednesday, March 30, 2022 By Joe Fox Wofford Jr. For The WPT I suppose that I should start at the very beginning of the Wofford Field and the Wofford Trophy as seen through the eyes of his grandson, Little Joe. Daddy Jim was my wonder- ful grandfather the owner of the motion picture theaters in Eupora, Calhoun City and Union, and the JoMac Drive- In, which was under construc- tion here in Eupora at the time of his death. During the summer, he would pick me up on his trac- tor and place me in his seat as we drove to his farm south of Walthall, where he spent many hours teaching me the love of nature and the love of a grandfather. Each year at the conclusion of the football season a ban- quet was held to honor the players and present the Wofford Trophy to the out- standing player of the year.

Daddy Jim presented the tro- phy for many years and then passed the honor to his son, Joe Fox Wofford and then to me, Joe Fox Wofford Jr. (Little Joe). I am invited to the banquet annually to present the trophy and continue in this honored position. Wofford Field In 1940, with the near com- pletion of the high school, Jim Wofford (Daddy Jim), a sports booster and owner of two local theaters, led the campaign to acquire lighting for the foot- ball field. An article from The Webster Progress states, Sept.

1940, Mr. J.F. Wofford was praised for his work getting the field ready for the game tonight. The lighted field drew much praise for Wofford as this was the first night game played in Eupora. Eupora beat Cumberland 45-0! Go Thus the football field was fittingly named The same article also states, forget the dedi- cation ceremony on Saturday, Sept.

29 for our new $100,000 The Wofford Trophy In 1948 Mr. Wofford then established the Wofford Trophy to be given each year to the most valuable football player. This award is still given at the annual Athletic Banquet by his grandson, Joe Fox Wofford Jr. (Little Joe). The Wofford Tragedy Tuesday, Nov.

1, 1955, Daddy Jim was driving his Ford tractor to the JoMac Drive-In under construction on Highway 82 East to grade parking ramps. My dad and a worker heard the crash. They both rushed to the accident and found the tractor in two pieces, one of which was rest- ing on Daddy Jim. Daddy and the helper picked up the trac- tor and pulled Daddy Jim to safety. During those days we did not have an ambulance or hos- pital in Eupora.

Welty Oliver of Oliver Funeral Home came to the scene and carried Daddy Jim to the Curry Clinic in Eupora. He was given what first aid possible and then immediately transported him to the Baptist Hospital in Memphis. He was in critical condition with a concussion, broken neck and broken back with numerous internal injuries. Four days later he passed away at age 74 with his family by his side. Our loss was gain.

Eupora would never be the same without The report from The Webster Progress gave the details: Mr. Wofford was in a collision near the drive-in with a car driven by a teenage girl. She and two passengers were treated for minor injuries. Everyone in Eupora was at the funeral and most citizens said it was the largest funeral in the history of our town. These funeral details are from a write-up in The Webster Progress on Nov.

10, 1955: Services for Mr. Wofford were held at First Baptist Church with internment in Eupora Cemetery. The entire football squad of Eupora High School attended and players made up the active pallbear- ers. The obituary notes that he was a former mayor of Eupora, had been recently appointed a colonel on the staff of J.P. Coleman and was a member of the board of directors of the Eupora Industrial Council.

At the time of his death, he had been the Eupora distributor for The Commercial Appeal for 35 years. The Wofford Field, Wofford Trophy of Today The presentation of the Wofford Trophy to the out- standing football player began with my grandfather, Jim Fox Wofford (Daddy Jim) and then the tradition was passed to his son, Joe Fox Wofford Jr. Daddy Jim began the presen- tation in 1948. Along with the trophy, the name would be engraved on a plaque to be kept in the High School trophy case. That plaque is in the trophy case and updated annually.

The trophy was not present- ed for several years. This was of great concern to me because I wanted the trophy, the tradi- tion and Daddy memory for the presentation continued now and for future generations. I then presented the Wofford Trophy Trust Fund Agreement to the Board of Education of Webster County on Aug. 15, 1989, for accept- ance. On Sept.

6, 1989, the agreement was unanimously accepted by the Board of Education and recorded in Minute Book 12, Pages 402- 403. An amount of principal in the trust agreement can never be spent and the interest from this amount shall be used to purchase the trophy. I am invited to the annual Athletic Banquet each year to present the trophy. I trust that I will continue in this tra- dition and someday pass It on to my son, Joe Fox Wofford III. My deepest thanks and appreciation to the Webster County School Board, super- intendent of Webster County Schools, principal, coaches, teachers, students past, pres- ent and future, but most of all the outstanding athletes who have received the Wofford Trophy.

Most importantly, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to The Webster Progress-Times for bringing this story to life for all to remember the wonderful memories of Jim Fox Wofford May I humbly say that my grandfather thanks you, my father thanks you and I thank you. May God richly bless you all for continuing with this honor. Note: The Rev. Joe Fox Wofford Jr. is now a resi- dent of Hernando and may be contacted at This Webster Progress article dated Aug 19, 1948 tells past and present play- ers of how Eupora High Wofford Field came to be.

It pays tribute to Jim Wofford and his underlying love for his community and young athletes. Wofford Field, Trophy namesake of 100,000 Watts of Great Gospel Music Life Changing Programs GOOD NEWS RADIO For over 35 years, WFCA has faithfully reached out to central and northern Missis- sippi with the Good News of love. Join us in our mission to share with the people in our communities, towns, cities, and state. Support the ministries of WFCA and French Camp Academy and help make a in our world. Streaming 24 hours a day! www.wfcafm108.com ce: 662-547-6414 Request Line: 662-547-6417 Life Insurance, is the best way to prepare for tomorrow.

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