REMEMBERING THE BLUE DEVILS

HONORING 
James P. “Bubbling” Small 
1910 – 1975 

Coach Small, set the course of what success looks like. He touched the lives and was a blessing to me and many others. He was skilled at his craft (coaching football), as an instructor, and he did a wonderful job mentoring, and preparing young boys and girls for life. Our heavenly Father called Coach Small home to be with Him. Allow me to personalize 2 Timothy 4:7 (GNT), you have done your best in the race, you have run the full distance, and kept the faith so take your rest. This literary project is to honor and celebrate the life of Coach James P. Small, to say THANK YOU, and to share all the lessons I learned from his teaching, wisdom, and guidance. 

Nathaniel Farley, Jr..

A Prayer to the Readers 
“To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. It was by their faith that people of ancient times won the Favor of God.” Hebrews 11:1-2 (GNT) 

Greetings Readers, 
It is my prayer that this book will teach you the POWER OF FAITH through the career, life, and legacy of a blind Coach by the name of JAMES P. “BUBBLING” SMALL. Coach Small was a husband, parent and father figure for boys and girls throughout the community. He gave future, concerned coaches a blueprint for success as teachers and mentors as well as, character and respect for the craft of coaching. 

Heavenly Father, I pray a special blessing over every individual that will purchase, read, and use the insight gained from this book. Bless their families, loved ones, and even their enemies. I pray this book will bring hope and be an inspiration. I also pray that each reader will enjoy reading about the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” as it relates to the rich history of Stanton High School and appreciate the wisdom and contributions of James P. Small. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, amen and amen..

Nathaniel Farley, Jr. 

JP SMALL FOUNDATION, FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN

Now happily retired, Nathaniel Farley, Jr., fondly known as “Coach Farley" is a world-class educator, coach, and community leader. Coach Farley has 30+ years of experience in the Duval County Public School System servings as coach, physical education 'instructor, resource teacher, mentor, and assistant principle. He served at Stanton high School, Edward White High School, Stanton Vocation high School, Darnell Cookman Alternative high School, Northwestern Junior High School, First Coast high School, Stanton College Preparatory High School, and several elementary schools. He is currently the founding Chairman of the J.P. Small Foundation, Inc.
Coach Farley earned a Master s degree in Education and Physical Education, a second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He is also certified in administration and supervision. In addition to his scholastic achievements, he is a deacon at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Unity Community Condition Board, the Florida Athletic Coaches Association, the Boys Club, the Police Athletic League, and the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge Oakland 65.

Coach Farley is a beloved sports enthusiast. His dedication, diligence, and devotion to athlete development have catapulted him and given him a voice and presence in the community and throughout the city of Jacksonville. Coach Farley is a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

1962 FRESH​​MAN YEAR

Our parents, neighborhood athletes, teachers, and coaches at James Weldon Johnson Junior High School would tell us about New Stanton before we got there either to play in the band (under the direction of Mr. K. D. McFarlin), sing in the glee club (under the direction of Mrs. A. H. Moore), or play sports for Coach James P. “Bubbling” Small. They would tell us you had to be disciplined with good character and be a good student in your classes if you wanted to be a part of any of these activities. After hearing the band during parades every morning for nine years, the sound of New Stanton Senior High School Band was embedded in your psyche, body, soul, and spirit; you just couldn’t wait to graduate from junior high school and get to New Stanton Senior High School. My first encounter and opportunity to meet Coach Small was on August 15, 1962, the first day of football practice..