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James Burnett came to Central State College from Pittsburgh as a 16 year old. He had a stellar career as a track athlete running for Baldwin Township High School in suburban Pittsburgh, and the Ammon Recreation Center. Signed by CSU Hall of Famer, Gaston "County" Lewis in 1957, he came to Wilberforce, Ohio as a blue chip recruit.
He started at Central State running the half-mile but eventually ended his college career as a quarter mile specialist. He was a part of several relay teams that established school records in the 4x440 relay, the 4x880 relay, the sprint medley relay and the distance medley relay. In addition, he held school records in the 440 yard dash and the 880 run. James was a member of the 1960 and 1961 Central State NAIA National Championship cross country teams.
Competing in the Midwest Athletic Conference, he was a dominant 880 yard runner, winning on several occasions at the conference championships. One of his biggest accomplishments was being a member of the 4x400 relay that finished 3rd at the Penn Relays in the Championships of America against several major NCAA schools.
James, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, continued his running after graduating from Central State. He ran for many years with the Philadelphia Pioneers Track Club. When he was in his mid 40s, he set the American record in the 400 meter dash and was named Master's Athlete of the Year on two occasions by USA Track and Field.
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