Ottumwa Schools Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee
The Ottumwa High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the 2026 Induction Class for the Ottumwa Schools Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame committees honor past Bulldogs through an Induction Class, a Recognition Class, and an Alumnus. The Recognition Class and Alumni will be announced this Fall.
Jim Courtney
The Ottumwa High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee proudly announces Jim “Doc” Courtney as a member of the 2026 Ottumwa Schools Hall of Fame Induction Class.
A standout Bulldog, Courtney emerged as a leading scorer in the early 1960s, earning Fifth-Team All-State and First-Team All-Conference honors during the 1962–63 season. He averaged 16.1 points per game and scored 255 points, marks that remain among Ottumwa High School’s top single-season performances. Courtney continued his career at Creston Junior College (now Southwestern Community College), where he set a single-game scoring record with 53 points and earned NJCAA Region XI Honorable Mention recognition. Known for his physical play and leadership, he later transferred to Parsons College.
Beyond the court, Courtney served in the U.S. Army Reserves and remains deeply committed to Bulldog athletics through decades of service, fundraising, and leadership. From 1986 to 2014, he coached at Ottumwa High School, helping guide the program to key milestones, including conference success and state tournament appearances. Jim “Doc” Courtney’s legacy reflects excellence, service, and an enduring dedication to Ottumwa High School athletics.
Community members are invited to join us on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, for a public recognition of Jim Courtney at halftime of the Varsity Boys Basketball game against Des Moines Lincoln, which tips off at 7:45 p.m. in the Ottumwa High School gymnasium.
The original Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1965 and inducted 68 individuals. From that time until 2021, the honor was left untouched. In 2021, a committee was formed, and the Hall of Fame was given a second chance. The committee chose to keep the same criteria from 1965, thus retro-inducting 111 members. Those members, along with the 68 Bulldog greats from the original, can be found on the digital Athletics Hall of Fame.