G. Larry James was the driving force behind the growth of Stockton athletics during his 36 years as coach, athletic director and dean.

James coached track & field, the sport in which he was a legend nicknamed "The Mighty Burner" whose career as a world-renowned athlete included a gold medal in the 4x400 relay and a silver medal in the 400-meter dash at the 1968 Olympics as well as induction in the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame.

James became Stockton’s athletic director in 1980 and spearheaded such projects as construction of The Sports Center and steady expansion of the athletic program to its current total of 17 sports. James succumbed to cancer in November, 2008.