Wall of Fame

DWCHSAA WALL OF FAME

2025 Wall Of Fame

Coach Freddie James was born and raised in Atlanta Texas near Texarkana and the Arkansas border. He credits his mother, Victoria Smith-James, for his guidance and devotion to God. He was raised with two sisters, Johnnie V. and Rosa Lee, and one step-brother John. Freddie James quickly became a popular local athlete he played on State Championship teams in football, basketball, baseball and track and graduated with honors from Booker T. Washington High School with a scholarship to Prairie View A&M University. While at Prairie View he played on the 1958 National Championship Football Team in the positions of both Running back and Defensive back.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and History, a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling and he also earned the love of his life, his college sweetheart, Ms. Eva June Jackson. They have one son, Frenanda, and three grandchildren Montrice, Little Freddie and Faith James.

Coach James began his coaching career in 1964 in Calvert Texas at Spigner High School where he won a district championship in football. In the late 1960’s Coach James accepted a position with the Dallas Independent School District at J.N. Ervin High School. While coaching at J.N. Ervin he won the Quarter- final Championship game in baseball for the Prairie View League, which later became the UIL, this was before integration. In the 1970’s integration caused changes for DISD and he was sent to D.W. Carter High School as assistant football coach.

In 1982 Coach James was given the Athletic Director position for D.W. Carter High School. In the 14 year period serving in that capacity he turned the school’s football teams losing record completely around to a winning record, in those years he won 133 games and lost 19 with 2 ties and several spots in State Semi-final playoffs. In 1988 D.W. Carter defeated Converse Judson H.S. for the State Championship by over 30 points, but later the UIL title was stripped because of one player’s grades.

By the leadership of Coach James, Carter High School has become a recruiting focal point for every nationally prominent college program. Coach James has been recognized on numerous occasions the 1988 Frederick Douglas Award, 1989 Table of Champions, UIL Hall of Honor, African American Hall of Fame at Fair Park in Dallas, the 2003 Prairie View Hall of Fame, in 2015 he was inducted into the 1958 Championship Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Texas Sports Hall of Fame 2019, DISD Hall of Fame 2017 he was also recognized as DISD Coach of the Year (8) times between the years of 1982 – 1996.

As a result of his efforts the movie “Friday Night Lights” was written which later became a TV mini-series. The “Carter High the Movie” hit the big screen, also the Carter story was featured on ESPN 30 for 30 show. Coach James is a member of Texas High School Coaching Association, North Texas Inter-Alumni Council of the UNCF, Inc., YMCA Mentoring Project. He is also the Co-Founder Coach Freddie James Community Reading Club, currently he is the active President and CEO of the Divine Fountain Ministries, Inc.(DFMI) 501© which since 2017 has been working closely with Connect Dallas and University at North Texas at Dallas to celebrate all of our State High School Champions in the Dallas area. In 2025 he has been highlighted in the Red Bird Mall history documentary as well as being an honoree in the Labor Day Classic football Gala and game between Prairie View and TSU.

2024 Wall Of Fame

Samuel Richardson Sr., son of Sadie Bias and Robert Richardson, entered this world in Lexington, Mississippi, and was raised in the city of Chicago, Illinois. His formative years saw him navigating the halls of Hendrick Elementary and later matriculating at Tilden Technical High School. Eager to expand his horizons, Samuel pursued higher education at Wiley College, a distinguished Historically Black College (HBCU) located in Marshall, TX, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Education.

During his tenure at Wiley College, Samuel’s spirited engagement on campus was marked by a record of accomplishments. He distinguished himself as a member of the Alpha Alpha Honor Society, contributed his talents to the esteemed fraternity of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and showcased his athletic abilities as a leading scorer in the All-Conference Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Embarking on his teaching journey, Samuel commenced his career at Lincoln High School in Dallas, TX. His passion for education led him through an esteemed tenure across various campuses within the Dallas Independent School District, including Pearl C. Anderson High School, W.W Samuell High School, and L.G. Pinkston High School. Throughout his educational pursuits, Samuel remained steadfast in his commitment to contribute to diverse organizations, clubs, and community groups.

While Samuel fostered deep connections across the schools he served, it was at David W. Carter High School where he found his professional peace and popularity. Joining the Carter community in 1978, he dedicated himself until his retirement in 2014, continuing to impart knowledge as a substitute teacher until 2023. Samuel's legacy and profound impact on generations of Carter students solidify his fervent desire to be a part of the David W. Carter High School Faculty.

Beyond his professional achievements, Samuel Richardson is a devoted husband to Samantha Richardson, with their union enduring for the past 27 years. He proudly cherishes eight beloved children: Bridgett Robinson, Samuel Richardson Jr., Rico Richardson, Gene Richardson, Samantha Webster, Riasi Richardson, Samuel Richardson III, and Sametria Richardson-McGee.

A man of eloquence and profound wisdom, Samuel Richardson’s life is guided by the Bible verse, Psalm 107:1, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth forever.” Samuel makes an effort to live a life worthy to God, using his gifts and talents to advance his community and make an impact in all the lives of those he comes in contact with. By his family, friends, and loved ones, Samuel Richardson is seen as an example of black excellence, a pillar of education in the Dallas ISD Community, but most importantly, a man of integrity and faith.

2023 Wall Of Fame

Jack Rumbley

Jack Rumbley began his teaching career in 1964 at Greiner Junior High. He started teaching at David W Carter high school in 1966. He was Carter's first Band Director. Jack wrote the David W Carter school song and it continues to be sung at every Carter event. Jack was the principal percussionist for the Fourth Symphony Orchestra as well as the Qasem Jana Symphony Orchestra for 40 years. He was beloved by all his students and went to his heavenly home in 2009.

Coach Kedric Couch

Kedric Couch, 1931-2018. Couch was born in Georgia and was a gifted athlete who competed in baseball, basketball and football. He started his coaching career at Dallas Sunset High School in 1955 then at Crozier Tech High School and lastly with David W. Carter High School. In total he coached for 14 years. During this time Couch garnered a 105-35 winning record and won several awards for his leadership. He was voted Coach of the Year in 1971 and in 1974 and National High School Coach of The Year in 1972-1973. He won the Service Key Award and was inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor in 1978 at Austin College. He was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 1998 and also the African-American Hall of Fame as the first Anglo to ever be selected. After retiring from his coaching career in 1975, Couch worked as Assistant Athletic Director for DISD and was promoted to Athletic Director in 1978.