JAMES, FORREST HOOD “FOB”, JR.

(b.September 15, 1934), Governor of Alabama, 1978–82; reelected 1994. He graduated from Auburn University, 1955; served as lieutenant in the U.S. Army, 1957–58; founder and chairman of Diversified Products Corporation, 1962–78; is active in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Alabama Saftey Council, Junior Achievement, Future Farmers of America, Young President’s Organization; Alabama Road Builders Association, American Legion, Spade Honor Society; and Alpha Sigma Epsilon.

On Wednesday, February 5, 1997, Governor Fob James threatened to call out the National Guard to prevent those who were endeavoring to remove the Ten Commandments display from a Gadsden courtroom and prohibit the opening of court sessions with traditional invocations:

The only way those Ten Commandments and prayer would be stripped from that courtroom is with the force of arms.3877