Joseph Melton James was an American professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, better known by his ring name, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. He held numerous championships throughout the Southeastern United States.
As a young man, James graduated from Sprayberry High School in Marietta, GA in 1958. He served in the Marine Corps of the United States armed forces and was stationed in Korea. During his recruit training in Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on Parris Island, South Carolina, James was named Honor Man.
After leaving the military, he began working for the Fair Oaks (Later Cobb Co) Fire Department as a firefighter in 1962.
He debuted as a wrestler in 1960, adopting the ring name "Bob Armstrong". In 1970 he ceased working as a firefighter and began focusing on his wrestling career.
He frequently wrestled for affiliates of the National Wrestling Alliance, and on October 9, 1974 he challenged NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jack Brisco; but was unsuccessful in his attempt to dethrone the champion.
Armstrong acted as the commissioner of Smoky Mountain Wrestling and worked backstage with Southeast Championship Wrestling and the Continental Wrestling Federation.
He wrestled for Smokey Mountain Wrestling between 1992 and 1995 when the promotion closed its doors down. Also in 1995 he made a few appearances in United States Wrestling Association.
Armstrong appeared on the first weekly Total Nonstop Action Wrestling pay-per-view on June 26, 2002 alongside fellow National Wrestling Alliance veterans Corsica Joe, Dory Funk, Jr., Harley Race, Jackie Fargo and Sarah Lee. His next appearance was on the August 14, 2002 pay-per-view, where he was introduced as an on-screen authority figure and informed Jeff Jarrett that he would face a mystery opponent one week later. Armstrong would continue his appearances on TNA / Impact throughout 2008.
A retirement show was held on May 29, 2009 at The Dothan Civic Center where many past stars came out to honor Armstrong before his match in the main event.
In 2010, Bob returned to the ring at the "GOTJ 2010" event, where he defeated former rival "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Jr.
From 2010 to 2015, Armstrong worked occasional matches around Georgia.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
He wrestled his last match on May 11, 2019.
He is survived by sons Scott James (aka Scott Armstrong) , Steven James (aka Steve Armstrong) , and Brian James (aka "Road Dogg Jesse James" of WWE fame.)
He also leaves behind ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Brad James (aka Brad Armstrong)
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Joseph M. James, "Bullet Bob Armstrong", 80 of Gulf Breeze, Florida passed away August 27th, 2020. He was born on October 3, 1939 in Molino, Georgia, the son of Graves and Rebecca McCard.
Joseph leaves behind his sons Scott James, Steve James, and Brian James, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Gail James, his son, Brad James, his brother, Bobby, his sister, Anne, his mother, and his father.
Joseph was born and raised in Molino, Georgia and later moved to Marietta, Georgia where he attended Sprayberry High School. After high school, he enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corp. After a stint in the Marines, Joseph became a member of the Fair Oaks Fire Department in Cobb County Georgia where he worked as a firefighter for the next seven years. It was during his time as a firefighter that he first stepped foot into a wrestling ring, and the rest is truly history. He trained for only two days before he wrestled his first ever wrestling match in the early 1960's and he would go on to have a wrestling career spanning over the next six decades. His many accomplishments and accolades received throughout his wrestling career, including his induction into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2011, all fail in comparison to the love he had for his family. While he pursued his wrestling career for the majority of his life, his wife, Gail took care of their four sons at home, and in his own words, "raised a total of five boys, including himself". In their later years, when the love of his life fell ill with Alzheimer's, he, without hesitation, put his cancer diagnosis to the wayside, and cared for her all the way up until her passing. His final match might have come to an end on August 27th, but his legacy will live on forever.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Cornerstone Christian Church in Jay, Florida. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 pm and be led by Pastor Scott Veroneau.∼Professional Wrestler. Born Joseph Melton James. A legend throughout the southern wrestling territories. He made his debut in the 1960's working in the regional south-eastern territories whilst also working as a firefighter, he quit firefighting in 1969 to focus fulltime on pro wrestling. In the 1970's, he became one of the most popular fan favourites in the south eastern states. He semi-retired from active in-ring competition in 1992 when Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) opened it's doors, becoming the on-air commissioner and occasional wrestler. In the 2000's he worked for TNA Wrestling and in 2011, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
As a young man, James graduated from Sprayberry High School in Marietta, GA in 1958. He served in the Marine Corps of the United States armed forces and was stationed in Korea. During his recruit training in Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on Parris Island, South Carolina, James was named Honor Man.
After leaving the military, he began working for the Fair Oaks (Later Cobb Co) Fire Department as a firefighter in 1962.
He debuted as a wrestler in 1960, adopting the ring name "Bob Armstrong". In 1970 he ceased working as a firefighter and began focusing on his wrestling career.
He frequently wrestled for affiliates of the National Wrestling Alliance, and on October 9, 1974 he challenged NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jack Brisco; but was unsuccessful in his attempt to dethrone the champion.
Armstrong acted as the commissioner of Smoky Mountain Wrestling and worked backstage with Southeast Championship Wrestling and the Continental Wrestling Federation.
He wrestled for Smokey Mountain Wrestling between 1992 and 1995 when the promotion closed its doors down. Also in 1995 he made a few appearances in United States Wrestling Association.
Armstrong appeared on the first weekly Total Nonstop Action Wrestling pay-per-view on June 26, 2002 alongside fellow National Wrestling Alliance veterans Corsica Joe, Dory Funk, Jr., Harley Race, Jackie Fargo and Sarah Lee. His next appearance was on the August 14, 2002 pay-per-view, where he was introduced as an on-screen authority figure and informed Jeff Jarrett that he would face a mystery opponent one week later. Armstrong would continue his appearances on TNA / Impact throughout 2008.
A retirement show was held on May 29, 2009 at The Dothan Civic Center where many past stars came out to honor Armstrong before his match in the main event.
In 2010, Bob returned to the ring at the "GOTJ 2010" event, where he defeated former rival "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Jr.
From 2010 to 2015, Armstrong worked occasional matches around Georgia.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
He wrestled his last match on May 11, 2019.
He is survived by sons Scott James (aka Scott Armstrong) , Steven James (aka Steve Armstrong) , and Brian James (aka "Road Dogg Jesse James" of WWE fame.)
He also leaves behind ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Brad James (aka Brad Armstrong)
****************************************
Joseph M. James, "Bullet Bob Armstrong", 80 of Gulf Breeze, Florida passed away August 27th, 2020. He was born on October 3, 1939 in Molino, Georgia, the son of Graves and Rebecca McCard.
Joseph leaves behind his sons Scott James, Steve James, and Brian James, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Gail James, his son, Brad James, his brother, Bobby, his sister, Anne, his mother, and his father.
Joseph was born and raised in Molino, Georgia and later moved to Marietta, Georgia where he attended Sprayberry High School. After high school, he enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corp. After a stint in the Marines, Joseph became a member of the Fair Oaks Fire Department in Cobb County Georgia where he worked as a firefighter for the next seven years. It was during his time as a firefighter that he first stepped foot into a wrestling ring, and the rest is truly history. He trained for only two days before he wrestled his first ever wrestling match in the early 1960's and he would go on to have a wrestling career spanning over the next six decades. His many accomplishments and accolades received throughout his wrestling career, including his induction into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2011, all fail in comparison to the love he had for his family. While he pursued his wrestling career for the majority of his life, his wife, Gail took care of their four sons at home, and in his own words, "raised a total of five boys, including himself". In their later years, when the love of his life fell ill with Alzheimer's, he, without hesitation, put his cancer diagnosis to the wayside, and cared for her all the way up until her passing. His final match might have come to an end on August 27th, but his legacy will live on forever.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Cornerstone Christian Church in Jay, Florida. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 pm and be led by Pastor Scott Veroneau.∼Professional Wrestler. Born Joseph Melton James. A legend throughout the southern wrestling territories. He made his debut in the 1960's working in the regional south-eastern territories whilst also working as a firefighter, he quit firefighting in 1969 to focus fulltime on pro wrestling. In the 1970's, he became one of the most popular fan favourites in the south eastern states. He semi-retired from active in-ring competition in 1992 when Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) opened it's doors, becoming the on-air commissioner and occasional wrestler. In the 2000's he worked for TNA Wrestling and in 2011, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Joseph Melton James was an American professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, better known by his ring name, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. He held numerous championships throughout the Southeastern United States.
As a young man, James graduated from Sprayberry High School in Marietta, GA in 1958. He served in the Marine Corps of the United States armed forces and was stationed in Korea. During his recruit training in Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on Parris Island, South Carolina, James was named Honor Man.
After leaving the military, he began working for the Fair Oaks (Later Cobb Co) Fire Department as a firefighter in 1962.
He debuted as a wrestler in 1960, adopting the ring name "Bob Armstrong". In 1970 he ceased working as a firefighter and began focusing on his wrestling career.
He frequently wrestled for affiliates of the National Wrestling Alliance, and on October 9, 1974 he challenged NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jack Brisco; but was unsuccessful in his attempt to dethrone the champion.
Armstrong acted as the commissioner of Smoky Mountain Wrestling and worked backstage with Southeast Championship Wrestling and the Continental Wrestling Federation.
He wrestled for Smokey Mountain Wrestling between 1992 and 1995 when the promotion closed its doors down. Also in 1995 he made a few appearances in United States Wrestling Association.
Armstrong appeared on the first weekly Total Nonstop Action Wrestling pay-per-view on June 26, 2002 alongside fellow National Wrestling Alliance veterans Corsica Joe, Dory Funk, Jr., Harley Race, Jackie Fargo and Sarah Lee. His next appearance was on the August 14, 2002 pay-per-view, where he was introduced as an on-screen authority figure and informed Jeff Jarrett that he would face a mystery opponent one week later. Armstrong would continue his appearances on TNA / Impact throughout 2008.
A retirement show was held on May 29, 2009 at The Dothan Civic Center where many past stars came out to honor Armstrong before his match in the main event.
In 2010, Bob returned to the ring at the "GOTJ 2010" event, where he defeated former rival "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Jr.
From 2010 to 2015, Armstrong worked occasional matches around Georgia.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
He wrestled his last match on May 11, 2019.
He is survived by sons Scott James (aka Scott Armstrong) , Steven James (aka Steve Armstrong) , and Brian James (aka "Road Dogg Jesse James" of WWE fame.)
He also leaves behind ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Brad James (aka Brad Armstrong)
****************************************
Joseph M. James, "Bullet Bob Armstrong", 80 of Gulf Breeze, Florida passed away August 27th, 2020. He was born on October 3, 1939 in Molino, Georgia, the son of Graves and Rebecca McCard.
Joseph leaves behind his sons Scott James, Steve James, and Brian James, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Gail James, his son, Brad James, his brother, Bobby, his sister, Anne, his mother, and his father.
Joseph was born and raised in Molino, Georgia and later moved to Marietta, Georgia where he attended Sprayberry High School. After high school, he enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corp. After a stint in the Marines, Joseph became a member of the Fair Oaks Fire Department in Cobb County Georgia where he worked as a firefighter for the next seven years. It was during his time as a firefighter that he first stepped foot into a wrestling ring, and the rest is truly history. He trained for only two days before he wrestled his first ever wrestling match in the early 1960's and he would go on to have a wrestling career spanning over the next six decades. His many accomplishments and accolades received throughout his wrestling career, including his induction into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2011, all fail in comparison to the love he had for his family. While he pursued his wrestling career for the majority of his life, his wife, Gail took care of their four sons at home, and in his own words, "raised a total of five boys, including himself". In their later years, when the love of his life fell ill with Alzheimer's, he, without hesitation, put his cancer diagnosis to the wayside, and cared for her all the way up until her passing. His final match might have come to an end on August 27th, but his legacy will live on forever.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Cornerstone Christian Church in Jay, Florida. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 pm and be led by Pastor Scott Veroneau.∼Professional Wrestler. Born Joseph Melton James. A legend throughout the southern wrestling territories. He made his debut in the 1960's working in the regional south-eastern territories whilst also working as a firefighter, he quit firefighting in 1969 to focus fulltime on pro wrestling. In the 1970's, he became one of the most popular fan favourites in the south eastern states. He semi-retired from active in-ring competition in 1992 when Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) opened it's doors, becoming the on-air commissioner and occasional wrestler. In the 2000's he worked for TNA Wrestling and in 2011, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
As a young man, James graduated from Sprayberry High School in Marietta, GA in 1958. He served in the Marine Corps of the United States armed forces and was stationed in Korea. During his recruit training in Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on Parris Island, South Carolina, James was named Honor Man.
After leaving the military, he began working for the Fair Oaks (Later Cobb Co) Fire Department as a firefighter in 1962.
He debuted as a wrestler in 1960, adopting the ring name "Bob Armstrong". In 1970 he ceased working as a firefighter and began focusing on his wrestling career.
He frequently wrestled for affiliates of the National Wrestling Alliance, and on October 9, 1974 he challenged NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jack Brisco; but was unsuccessful in his attempt to dethrone the champion.
Armstrong acted as the commissioner of Smoky Mountain Wrestling and worked backstage with Southeast Championship Wrestling and the Continental Wrestling Federation.
He wrestled for Smokey Mountain Wrestling between 1992 and 1995 when the promotion closed its doors down. Also in 1995 he made a few appearances in United States Wrestling Association.
Armstrong appeared on the first weekly Total Nonstop Action Wrestling pay-per-view on June 26, 2002 alongside fellow National Wrestling Alliance veterans Corsica Joe, Dory Funk, Jr., Harley Race, Jackie Fargo and Sarah Lee. His next appearance was on the August 14, 2002 pay-per-view, where he was introduced as an on-screen authority figure and informed Jeff Jarrett that he would face a mystery opponent one week later. Armstrong would continue his appearances on TNA / Impact throughout 2008.
A retirement show was held on May 29, 2009 at The Dothan Civic Center where many past stars came out to honor Armstrong before his match in the main event.
In 2010, Bob returned to the ring at the "GOTJ 2010" event, where he defeated former rival "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Jr.
From 2010 to 2015, Armstrong worked occasional matches around Georgia.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
He wrestled his last match on May 11, 2019.
He is survived by sons Scott James (aka Scott Armstrong) , Steven James (aka Steve Armstrong) , and Brian James (aka "Road Dogg Jesse James" of WWE fame.)
He also leaves behind ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Brad James (aka Brad Armstrong)
****************************************
Joseph M. James, "Bullet Bob Armstrong", 80 of Gulf Breeze, Florida passed away August 27th, 2020. He was born on October 3, 1939 in Molino, Georgia, the son of Graves and Rebecca McCard.
Joseph leaves behind his sons Scott James, Steve James, and Brian James, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Gail James, his son, Brad James, his brother, Bobby, his sister, Anne, his mother, and his father.
Joseph was born and raised in Molino, Georgia and later moved to Marietta, Georgia where he attended Sprayberry High School. After high school, he enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corp. After a stint in the Marines, Joseph became a member of the Fair Oaks Fire Department in Cobb County Georgia where he worked as a firefighter for the next seven years. It was during his time as a firefighter that he first stepped foot into a wrestling ring, and the rest is truly history. He trained for only two days before he wrestled his first ever wrestling match in the early 1960's and he would go on to have a wrestling career spanning over the next six decades. His many accomplishments and accolades received throughout his wrestling career, including his induction into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2011, all fail in comparison to the love he had for his family. While he pursued his wrestling career for the majority of his life, his wife, Gail took care of their four sons at home, and in his own words, "raised a total of five boys, including himself". In their later years, when the love of his life fell ill with Alzheimer's, he, without hesitation, put his cancer diagnosis to the wayside, and cared for her all the way up until her passing. His final match might have come to an end on August 27th, but his legacy will live on forever.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Cornerstone Christian Church in Jay, Florida. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 pm and be led by Pastor Scott Veroneau.∼Professional Wrestler. Born Joseph Melton James. A legend throughout the southern wrestling territories. He made his debut in the 1960's working in the regional south-eastern territories whilst also working as a firefighter, he quit firefighting in 1969 to focus fulltime on pro wrestling. In the 1970's, he became one of the most popular fan favourites in the south eastern states. He semi-retired from active in-ring competition in 1992 when Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) opened it's doors, becoming the on-air commissioner and occasional wrestler. In the 2000's he worked for TNA Wrestling and in 2011, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
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