A dedication ceremony for the Dr. Jimmie James, Jr. Recital Hall is set for 10 a.m. Friday at the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium.
James, the longtime voice of the Sonic Boom of the South, retired as chair of the Department of Music and professor of music in June of 2009. He served the institution for 43 years.
He received a bachelor of music education degree from JSU where he was the first tuba major, graduating cum laude. He received his master of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi.
James was the first African American to receive a doctorate from USM.
At JSU, James served as director of musical activities, coordinator of the graduate music Program, director of the Concert Band, assistant band director, and director of the brass ensemble.