Jim Tobin arrived at Missouri Valley College in 1965. At MVC, Jim was a two-year varsity letterman and starter (as both linebacker and blocking back) for the Viking football squad. He was named a co-captain during his senior season, which would be the last team coached by National College Football Hall of Famer Volney C. Ashford. Jim received all-conference and all-district honors as a linebacker.

Aside from athletics, Jim also served as an officer for the MVC Varsity Letterman’s Club (V-Club), was a member of the Sigma Nu social fraternity, and was named to the dean’s list.

Jim graduated from Missouri Valley in 1968 with a B.S. in education. He went on to earn a M.S. in education in 1970 and his education specialist degree in school administration and superintendency in 1982. Jim retired in 2002 after 35 years of working as a teacher, coach, vice principal, and principal in the Marshall Public School System.

Jim currently resides in Marshall, Mo. He has two children; son Lance and wife Stephanie, and daughter Daphne Cooley and husband Ron. He is the proud grandfather of three granddaughters and one grandson.

Jim credits the direction he took in life to Coach Volney C. Ashford and Assistant Coach Dr. Ed Elliot, both of whom influenced him during his years at Missouri Valley College.