MEet James Terry Jr. | Coach, Artist, & Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Terry Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I used to be terrified of taking big risks. I wouldn’t bet on things I knew weren’t a sure thing and I tried to keep most situations as close to the vest as possible. As I began last year I decided to let go and let God and it’s amazing how he showed up in my life. The utterance of the phrase is an easy and “empowering” thing to say but it is terrifying in practice. I chose to bet on myself and allow God to let my passions lead me where to go. As a result of that in 2023 I went on my first tour, traveled from coast to coast (literally) playing shows in over 21 cities and 15 states, went out of the country twice and played professional football in Germany, and collaborated with and created music with amazing musicians in-between it all. This year I said yes to a lot of things which led me to begin chipping away at my dream of building a career as a musician/artist/producer. I decided that although It can be uncomfortable and very tumultuous at times it is worth it to pursue your passion and lay everything on the line because being docile with your gift insults the one who gave it to you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love my role as a football and track coach at Ezell Harding Christian School in addition to my music career. Football and track were fundamental pieces of my life and had a great influence on my growth as a man. I truly love to compete in sports and was fortunate enough to do both at the D1 level in college and eventually play professional football in Germany this past spring. I never thought I would be able to have an opportunity to play professional football after college due to limited playing time and injuries, but I was able to stay in shape over 5 years and gain an opportunity to play for the Weinheim Longhorns in the second division of the GFL. I was able to make an immediate impact for my team earning a starting position and racking up 14 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 14 QB pressures, and 2 forced fumbles in three games while playing on a torn labrum. Although my time was cut short, I loved my time in Germany and because of that experience I believe I am a better coach. Many of the transferable skills such as discipline, tenacity, work ethic, preparedness, patience, and being a team player are due to this time I had to hone and foster them. I wanted to have the same impact on the next generation as the one before me had on myself, so coaching has been an amazing fit for me. Although at times it has been tough balancing the demands of both my jobs I have a supporting team on both sides that allows me to make it work seamlessly. I take pride in what I’ve accomplished in my second year at Ezell reaching the playoffs and coaching two young men who reached All-Region defensive lineman honors and one who was the co-defensive lineman of the year in our region as well as earning All Mid-State 3rd team honors. I had such a great group of guys to work with and I strive to put them in a better position than I was coming out of high school. I would love the world to know that it is possible to pursue all your passions in whatever form that takes. The challenge of having both of these options on my plate was daunting because I plagued myself for years trying to pick one and let go of the other when in actuality if I can push myself and maximize my time and effectiveness I can make both dreams work. I hate being put in a box and being told what I can do, I would rather rewrite the rules and make a path for something that has never been done.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question. I have actually made a list of over 100 resturants in the city that I have ranked on a 30 point scale. I have 3 different distinctions from 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, and my criteria for the raiting it get is as follows: taste, service, presentation, ambaince & vibe, type of food. I would say depending on your guest you start off the day with a great run on the bridge over the water, then follow that up with brunch at Monels. From there go to the NMAAM and hop around for drinks then go to Slim and Huskys for a late lunch. I think you would want to go check out some shops in East, find a live music show or if the Preds are playing go to a game. Grab a food at Mother’s Ruin and go to Inglewood Lounge or Flamingo Coctail Club to cap off the night.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so many in my life that are deserving of shoutout but I would love to shoutout the Burque House and all the amazing and creative people involved in every event and shows we have done. From Doug Graves, Paul Mifsud, Bridee, Corven Sena, Peter Taylor, Miriam Kass, Paulina, Sarah Biscotto and so many more that have put their imprint on this city and created an amazin gcommunity out in east Nashville.

Website: https://simplyamazingmusic.weebly.com/

Instagram: @jterrymusic @jtj_24

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jterrymba

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvn4xFl_HplxNQg4iZ1Hh6w

Image Credits
Vitalii Garbulinskii, Chandler Elliott, Bridee Caramagno