James Ingram ’24

Forward No Matter What: The Journey of James Ingram

The desert air had a way of making everything feel sharper-every sound, every decision, every second. For nearly fourteen years, James Ingram lived in that world. As a Tactical Air Control Party specialist in the Air Force, he stood at the intersection of chaos and precision, calling in airstrikes, coordinating with forces across branches, and navigating missions that stretched from the ground beneath his boots to the highest levels of strategy. It was exactly the life he had imagined for himself-intense, purposeful, and filled with challenges that demanded everything he had.

And he gave it everything.

What stayed with James most, though, wasn't just the adrenaline or the travel or even the pride of serving-it was the lessons forged under pressure. Leadership wasn't just a concept; it was something you carried into every moment, whether things were calm or falling apart. Teamwork wasn't optional; it was survival. And above all, he learned one truth that would follow him long after he hung up his uniform: no matter how hard things get, you keep moving forward. Eventually, you make it through.

He didn't expect his next chapter to come so abruptly.

An injury overseas forced him to retire earlier than planned. One day he was doing the job he loved; the next, he was back home in Abilene, searching for direction. He tried a few jobs, but something was missing. They paid the bills, but they didn't mean anything. He needed more than that-he needed purpose.

It took looking back to move forward.

During his time in the military, James had spent countless hours as an instructor, training younger airmen. He remembered the satisfaction of watching them grow, the pride in knowing he had played a role in their success. That feeling hadn't gone away. In fact, it had been waiting for him.

So he made a decision that would reshape his life-he enrolled at McMurry University to become a teacher.

It wasn't just about earning a degree; it was about building something new. He chose McMurry for its close-knit environment, wanting a place where he wouldn't get lost in the crowd. And that's exactly what he found. Professors who knew his name, who invested their time, who made sure he didn't fall behind. The smaller classrooms gave him space to grow, to ask questions, and to push himself further than he thought possible.

But the road wasn't easy.

While working toward his degree, James became a single father, raising five kids while juggling school, work, and recovery from his injuries. It was exhausting-some days felt impossible. But the lesson he had learned years earlier never left him: keep pushing forward.

So he did.

And in the end, he didn't just finish-he graduated with honors.

That moment wasn't just about him. It was about his family, about stability, about proving that even the hardest paths can lead somewhere meaningful. Being a McMurry alumnus, to James, wasn't just a title-it was the foundation of the life he was building for his children.

Today, you'll find him in a very different kind of battlefield-a classroom.

At TLCA, James teaches history, but what he really offers goes far beyond dates and events. His classroom is a place where students learn to think for themselves, to ask questions, and to understand the world around them. His military background shows not in strictness, but in patience. He's laid back, approachable, and focused on helping students grow not just academically, but personally.

And when the final bell rings, his role doesn't end.

Out on the field, coaching football and track, he continues to guide young people in a different way. Coaching has always been part of who he is-a passion rooted in his own experiences as an athlete. The lessons he learned from his coaches stayed with him, and now he passes them on: discipline, resilience, and the importance of striving to be better every day.

To him, teaching and coaching aren't just jobs. They're opportunities-gifts, even. Each day, he wakes up ready to go, not because he has to, but because he wants to.

At home, life is just as full. With five kids involved in sports and band, his time is rarely his own-but he wouldn't have it any other way. When he does find a spare moment, you might find him outdoors hunting or fishing, working on custom knives and swords, or gathered with friends around a barbecue.

But no matter where he is-classroom, field, or home-James Ingram's mission remains the same.

He wants the people around him to leave better than they arrived. To stand up for what's right. To take care of their communities. To carry forward the lessons that matter when things get tough.

Because he knows, better than most, that life will get tough.

And when it does, the only way forward…is forward.

Do you or an alum you know have a great post-McMurry story? We'd love to feature YOU! Contact the Alumni Office at [email protected] to schedule an interview.