Dr. James Perdue – Professor of Perseverance

In this episode of “The Journey of My Mother’s Son” podcast, I sit down to talk with Dr. James Perdue. At age sixteen, James Perdue had to grow up fast after his father died. Concerned about his mother and brothers, he hoped his athletic talent would lead to a financially successful professional baseball career. He attended Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee on a baseball scholarship. With the attitude of being invincible, he was in college for two weeks and played one college game in the fall. Then unexpected tragedy came a-calling. On September 11, 1983, James became a quadriplegic, dislocating three vertebrae in his neck, from playing a casual football game. The doctor said, "James, I'm sorry. You'll never walk again and you might be paralyzed from your neck down." Later, the doctor advised his family to place him in a nursing home; he would be too much of a burden for them to care for. Thankfully, God placed James in a family that did not accept such advice. After years of hard work, fortitude, and perseverance, he was able to return to college. After completing his bachelor’s degree, it took him three years to land a teaching contract. Prospective employers saw the wheelchair, not the applicant. Dr. James Perdue, Professor of Perseverance, worked hard to achieve success as an award-winning educator and coaching a state championship basketball team. As a motivational/inspirational speaker, best-selling author, and life coach, James helps people get out of their past, step into their future, and persevere to their destiny. To find out more about James, check out his website at www.professorofperseverance.com.